UWS Summer FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is ‘UWS Summer’?

‘UWS Summer’ is a new initiative that is replacing the old Summer Session program and is designed to offer greater choice and flexibility for students over study, work and lifestyle commitments. This means students may:

  • be able to fast track their degree and finish more quickly, or
  • opt for a lighter workload and spread units of study out more evenly  across the year
  • make up missed or failed units during UWS Summer, and
  • begin or complete their degree at different times of the year

Why is UWS changing Summer Session?

UWS is improving its’ summer program based on student feedback to take full advantage of the time between the two main teaching sessions to provide year-round learning with greater flexibility.  

When will UWS Summer start and end?

UWS Summer runs from 2 December 2013 to 5 February 2014, but is divided into three Summer teaching and learning periods:

  1. Summer 1 (3 weeks) begins on 2 December 2013 and ends on 22 December 2013
    Census Date for Summer 1 is Sunday, 15 December 2013
  2. Summer 2* (9 weeks) begins on 2 December 2013 and ends on 16 February 2014
    Census Date for Summer 2 is Sunday, 5 January 2014
  3. Summer 3* (6 weeks) begins 6 January 2014 and ends on 16 February 2014
    Census Date for Summer 3 is Sunday, 19 January 2014

*Please note teaching for Summer 2 and Summer 3 ends on 5 February 2014 and Stuvac is on from 6 - 9 February 2014.

Each of these have different start and end dates as illustrated below and there will be a two week summer break over the Christmas/New Year period.
Summer Dates Graphic

Will classes be running between Christmas and New Years?

No, there will be provision for a two week summer break over the Christmas/New Year period.

Which Schools will be offering units in UWS Summer?

All Schools (with the exception of Medicine which has a distinct academic calendar) will be offering a range of units in the new UWS Summer.  

On which campuses will UWS Summer be running?

In 2013/14, UWS Summer Units will be offered on each of the following five campuses:

  • Bankstown
  • Campbelltown
  • Penrith
  • Hawkesbury
  • Parramatta

Note: students can enrol in any campus for UWS Summer - no rule waiver is needed.

What units can I study?

Each School is offering a range of core units as well as electives. Students can select to study many of these units as an elective outside their parent degree. To find out what units are on offer, see the Summer Units page.

How many units will be offered?

Over 100 core and elective, undergraduate and postgraduate units will be offered during UWS Summer 2013/14. It is envisaged that this number will grow significantly over the next three years.  

How will the units be delivered?

Some units will be offered fully online while others will be offered in a face-to-face or blended learning mode. The way each unit is delivered will depend on the School. As the teaching Calendars for Summer are compressed, the face to face teaching will be in intensive mode.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning makes your UWS experience more flexible, exciting and engaging, through the combination of on campus and off campus learning activities all using available and accessible technology. This means you can use your mobile devices/computers to take notes, access information, view videos or presentations, listen to your lectures, interact with your peers through discussion boards and collaborate using social media channels. These are just a few methods being adopted by our lecturers to provide you more flexibility on how and when you learn.

How many units can I take during UWS Summer?

This will depend upon your personal circumstances. It is your choice how many units you decide to take. As a general rule, because of the compressed nature of the summer timetable, we advise students to study a maximum of two units during UWS Summer. Approval can be given for requests to pursue more than two. If you wish to study more than two units, you should discuss this option with your Academic Course Adviser.

Do I have to study in the new UWS Summer session?

No. The idea is to offer you the opportunity to do Your Degree Your Way - UWS Summer is designed to offers students greater flexibility and choice. It is not compulsory, but it is an option.

How does HECS-HELP work with UWS Summer?

Currently, students may enrol in up to four units per teaching session and be eligible for HECS-HELP. Students only have to pay for additional units if they are excessive to the requirements of the degree. If a student fast tracks by studying four units each session with additional units during UWS Summer, they will be Commonwealth supported and eligible for HECS help for these extra units if they are already enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place. It is only if at the end of their degree they decide to keep studying additional units, they would have to pay fees for them, as the Government will only allow students to be Commonwealth supported for the requirements of a degree. Note that International students, and any other students not currently eligible for HECS, are also not eligible during UWS Summer.

Will Centrelink payments be affected if I study in UWS Summer?

For eligible students, Centrelink looks at your enrolment for the whole year. As long as your enrolment doesn’t drop below 0.75 EFTSL for the whole year, you may still be eligible for Centrelink benefits, even if you decide not to study during UWS Summer. Check the Centrelink website (opens in a new window) for more information.

When can I enrol in UWS Summer?

Current UWS students can now enrol in UWS Summer units through MySR. If you start your course in Spring 2013 (Mid Year) you won’t be able to view or enrol in Summer 2 or Summer 3 units in MySR until September 2013.

I am at another university and I'm interested in studying during UWS Summer - what do I need to do?

You must apply using the online application system (opens in a new window) by the advertised closing date. Once you have created your account and logged in, you need to select the 'apply for Cross Institutional study' button.

When will the timetable be released for UWS Summer?

The timetable for UWS Summer is due to be released in late August.

If I am enrolled in a Summer unit will I be eligible to graduate in April 2014?

In order to be eligible to graduate in April 2014, you must apply to graduate before applications for April Graduation 2014 close and have completed all your course requirements by the time results for UWS Summer are released. For more information, see the Graduation webpage.

When will exams be on for Summer units?

Exams times will depend on which Summer teaching period your unit is running in. Exams for units run in Summer 1 will be coordinated by the School that teaches the unit. Your Unit Coordinator will let you know what the arrangements are for your unit exam. Exams for Summer 2 and 3 will be centrally coordinated and run during the week of 10-15 February 2014.

Are UWSCollege students eligible for UWS Summer?

At this stage there are no units on offer from UWSCollege.

Can I pick up units from other schools as electives?

Yes.

How can I find out more about UWS Summer at UWS?

  • Current Students contact Student Central on the Student Central Infoline on 1300 668 370, or email studentcentral@uws.edu.au.
  • Prospective Students  contact Team U on 1300 897 669, or email study@uws.edu.au

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