Unit sets
What is a unit set?
A unit set is a group of units that make up a key program, major, sub-major or specialisation within a course.
- A key program is made up of 160 credit points or more
- A major is made up of 80 credit points (normally 8 units)
- A sub-major is made up of 40 credit points
- A specialisation is made up of 20 credit points
For example if you are enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Science you must select a key program in Health Promotion, Health Services Management or Therapeutic Recreation. You can also select a sub-major in addition to your key program, but this must be in a different discipline area to your key program.
To find out which key programs, majors and sub-majors form part of your course structure, look up your course in the UWS Handbook.
When you enrol in a key program, major or sub-major you also have to enrol in the individual units which make up that key program, major or sub-major in the 'Unit selection' step in MySR. If a key program, major or sub-major forms part of your course structure you must choose it before you can select your units.
Do I have to select a key program, major or sub-major?
Some courses require you to complete a key program, major or sub-major as part of the course structure. If a key program, major or sub-major makes up part of your course structure, you will be asked to select it in MySR under ‘Unit set selection’. If your course does not require you to complete a key program, major or sub-major you will be notified that you can skip this step in the enrolment process. If you have a number of elective units, however, you will be given the choice to add an optional unit set.
Can I do a major or sub-major different to my course area?
If you have 40 credit points or more of elective units available in your course, you will be given the option in MySR to choose to group these electives into an optional unit set (major or sub-major). This optional major or sub-major can be outside your course area. If you have enough electives available, you will be given the choice to add an optional major or sub-major in MySR under ‘Unit set selection’.In some courses you will have to choose a key program, major or sub-major as part of your course structure and you will also be given the choice to complete an optional major or sub-major. For example in a Bachelor of Arts you will need to select a key program as part of your course structure, however you can also choose to group your elective units into additional optional majors or sub-majors.
| Key programs, majors and sub-majors |
Optional majors and sub-majors |
| Part of the course structure | Not part of the course structure |
| Compulsory | Non compulsory |
| Related directly to your course | Does not have to relate to your course |
| Attached to your course | Not attached to the course |
Before you add an optional unit set
- Make sure you have enough electives left in your course to complete your chosen major or sub-major. For example, you can’t choose a major that requires the completion of six elective units if you only have two elective units left in your course structure (unless you have already completed four of the six units that make up that major).
- Check you have enough credit points as minimum credit point rules still apply. If you have obtained the minimum credit points required to complete your course and you have completed all course requirements you will have to pay up front (non award) for any additional units you choose to complete to qualify for an optional major or sub-major. For example a general 3 year bachelors degree requires the completion of a minimum of 240 credit points. If you have for filled the course requirements of that bachelors degree and you have completed 240 credit points, however you still need to study two more units (20 credit points) to qualify for an optional major, then you will need to pay for these units at non award rates, without commonwealth support.
- Contact your Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor or the unit set owner for advice as to whether the unit set fits into your course. Find your Director of Academic Program, Academic Course Advisor or unit set owner in the UWS Handbook.
