ACADEMIC
Teaching System
The University of Sydney teaching system comprises large-group lectures combined with seminar and tutorial groups. The basis of teaching, for example, in Arts and the Humanities, is the tutorial (i.e. seminar). Teaching staff meet with small groups of students to discuss selected readings and questions. Tutorial groups usually contain between 8-15 students but may be larger in language classes. In addition, most units of study (subjects) have large-group lectures in which staff provide essential information and the framework for tutorial discussion.
Students are advised to attend all lectures and tutorials for each unit of study. Some units of study have specific attendance requirements. Failure to meet these may result in academic penalties.
You will find that Australian students are required to be self-directed in their study skills and to submit a considerable amount of written work in assignments and seminar / tutorial papers. Students often receive lengthy reading lists and are expected to spend considerable time outside of lectures studying, preparing assignments, essays or contributing to group projects. Science units often require lengthy laboratory sessions and, routinely, field-trips and excursions.
Enrolment
Enrolment into your approved units of study normally takes place prior to your arrival. You are also able to add units to your enrolment within the first week of semester and can drop units from your enrolment during the first three-four weeks of semester. All enrolment changes must be made in-person at the International Office.
Your personal class timetable will be available online in the week before classes commence.
Assessment
In Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, much emphasis is placed on the completion of written assignments, essays, presentations and examinations as the major form of assessment. Assessment varies for units of study within different faculties and for units of study at different year levels. Each unit of study listed on the On-line Unit of Study Handbook database lists the assessment requirements for the listed unit.
Credit for University of Sydney studies by home institution
University of Sydney units of study have wide acceptance overseas, however, it is a matter for your home institution to decide what credit will be given for the units you undertake. You should carefully check these requirements with your home institution before confirming your enrolment in any unit of study.
Converting University of Sydney credit points to international credit systems
- 6 University of Sydney Credit Points = 7.5 ECTS Credits or 4 Credit hours
- 12 University of Sydney Credit Points = 15 ECTS Credits or 8 Credit hours
- 18 University of Sydney Credit Points = 22.5 ECTS Credits or 12 Credit hours
- 24 University of Sydney Credit Points = 30 ECTS Credits or 16 Credit hours
- 48 University of Sydney Credit Points = 60 ECTS Credits or 32 Credit hours
Grades
The University of Sydney uses a four level passing grade system and the majority of students are expected to achieve a Pass or Credit grade. The following table is a guide only:
| Grade | Abbrev | Mark | Class Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Distinction | HD | 85-100 | Top 3-5% |
| Distinction | D | 75-84 | Next 15% |
| Credit | CR | 65-74 | Next 30% |
| Pass | P | 50-64 | Next 35% |
Workload
A full-time load at the University of Sydney is determined by the number of credit points, not the number of units of study. Most units of study have a credit point value of 6 credit points. Some units may be slightly more or less ranging from 3 credits to 12 credits.
The normal full-time study load per semester is 24 credit points (normally 4 units of study).
The minimum study load per semester is 18 credits (normally 3 units of study). This is the minimum study load required to meet international student visa regulations.
The maximum study load per semester is 30 credits (5 units of study).
Academic Board guidelines suggest that one credit point equates to approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of student effort per week. Each semester is 12 weeks in duration. Further information about our credit points system can be found at the Study Abroad Credit page.
With a few exceptions, the full-time load for an Australian student taking Arts and Humanities units of study would involve 12 hours of class contact per week each semester. Students in vocational areas (such as Engineering or Science), however, have higher class contact hours. Arts and Humanities programs place particular emphasis on self-directed learning. For this reason, face-to-face teaching loads may be lower than in your home institution, but students at Australian universities are expected to spend a greater proportion of their time in preparation for tutorials, essays and assignments.
Academic Advising
Generally, you will have about 10 days before the start of semester to consider unit options. Orientation Week is usually held about two weeks before the start of semester. There are three advisory sessions during Orientation Week:
- a general introduction to the University Study Abroad and Student Exchange programs
- an academic adjustment session
- an enrolment session
During Orientation, the International Office will provide you with a list of academic advisors for each of the different areas of study. You can use liaison officers to meet with lecturers in order to discuss the differences in assumed knowledge, unit of study content, and assessment requirements.
Examinations
Examination timetables are usually only confirmed about one month from the start of the exams. Students should ensure that travel plans allow for the exam period.
Results and Transcripts
Examination results are generally released two weeks after the official end of semester. Shortly after this time, the Study Abroad and Exchange Programs Unit arranges to send two copies of your official transcript to your sponsoring organisation/home institution, or to yourself.
Please remember that examination results are also shown on the MyUni website, but you must have your USYD login and password in order to access your results.
If you need an official transcript at any time in the future, please
visit the Web site of the University Student Centre.