Frequently Asked Questions

• What is postgraduate study?
• When is the closing date for applications?
• Is there a mid-year intake?
• When and where are the classes held?
• How many hours of study is required per unit of study?
• Can I upgrade to a higher award course?
• Is there help and support?

Postgraduate study is the term used to describe a course that leads to an award such as graduate diploma, a master’s degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Entry to a postgraduate course usually requires prior completion of a relevant undergraduate degree (or diploma) course. There are two main types of postgraduate courses – research and coursework.

Postgraduate coursework programs consist of units of study rather than research work. Students usually attend lectures and tutorials. Graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s degrees can all be obtained by coursework.

In postgraduate research programs, students undertake supervised research leading to the production of a thesis or other piece of written or creative work over a prescribed period of time. The research component must comprise 66 per cent or more of the overall course requirements. Master of Arts (Research), Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Social Sciences, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy can all be obtained by research.

Download a copy of the 2008 Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Coursework and Research prospectus.

Listen to postgraduate coordinators discuss postgraduate coursework programs.

Semester 1 - March 2009
Applications for local admission open mid September. For LOCAL coursework applicants, there will be two application rounds with these closing dates - 31 OCTOBER 2008 and 9 JANUARY 2009. Applications for overseas nationals are now open. INTERNATIONAL applicants must submit an application by 31 OCTOBER 2008.

Semester 2 - July 2009
Applications for local admission open mid March 2009. Please contact us then for further advice. Applications for overseas nationals are now open. INTERNATIONAL applicants must submit an application for admission commencing Semester 2, 2009 by 30 APRIL 2009.

Contact the for an application pack or download the coursework application form.

There is a mid year intake for most courses in 2009 with the exception of: Graduate Certificate in Development Studies; Master of Applied Linguistics; Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics; Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics.

The majority of units of study are scheduled in the evening, typically from 5:00pm-7:00pm or 7:00-9:00pm. Some units of study are offered in intensive mode at the Summer School and Winter School or block teaching, such as the Museum Studies program.

Students should refer to department websites or the University Timetable Unit for provisional timetable and location listings.

Classes are held on the Camperdown Campus at the University of Sydney. View the campus map to locate buildings.

Students should expect at least two hours of teaching per week during the semester for each unit of study undertaken. This may comprise of face-to-face teaching, online lectures and video conferencing.

Students should allow for 9-10 hours per week for private study, comprising of reading, completion of assignments, group work, examination practice etc.

Students who satisfy the requirements for the award course may apply to upgrade provided that their results are of sufficient merit. For example, candidates in the Graduate Certificate may apply to upgrade to the Graduate Diploma, candidates in the Graduate Diploma may apply to upgrade to the Master award course.

Students who do not meet the entry requirements of the Master award course may apply for entry to a Graduate certificate program, and then apply to upgrade through the award courses.

The University of Sydney and the Faculty of Arts encourages students to use the following services and facilities;

• Getting around campus...maps, security and parking information
• Learning Centre
  Conducts free workshops on essay writing, critical reading, oral presentation skills and time management develop essential learning skills.
• Computer Access Labs
  Provides on-campus computer access with a range of office, internet and desktop publishing applications available.
• University of Sydney Library
  View locations, opening hours, collection information and searchable databases online. The Library provides training courses and seminars about its resources and services.
• Counselling Service
  Set up to assist students with any issue, problem or concern that may be interfering with your studies. Counselling is free and confidential.
• International Student Support Unit (ISSU)
  The ISSU aims to help international students develop successful strategies for coping with the challenges of living and studying in an unfamiliar culture, to achieve success in their studies and to make the experience of being an international student rewarding and enjoyable.
• Accommodation Services
  The office can assist in finding off-campus accommodation.
• Financial Assistance Office
  The University has a number of loans and bursary funds to assist you if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
• Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA)
  A student run organisation that provides free academic and welfare advice, policy research, campaigns, advocacy and function/networking opportunities.
• Sydney Uni Sport
  Provides a range of facilities as well as sporting and recreation clubs.
• University of Sydney Union (USU)
  USU is responsible for providing cultural and commercial services on campus.