FAQ

How difficult is external study?

Taking a course externally is not necessarily more difficult than taking a course on campus - but it is different. You will not experience daily contact with lecturers or fellow students, nor are you required to attend lectures at set times. In fact you have the freedom to study at your own pace within each semester. This requires a great deal of self-discipline and certainly places more responsibility on you. Students are encouraged to study regularly during each semester. Successful external students have effective time management skills and are able to work independently and establish good study habits.

How long will the course take?

This depends on when you start (February or July), the course you study, the units you choose and the number of units you undertake each semester. Most students who have work and family responsibilities complete one unit each semester. Students are expected to progress with minimum interruption towards completion of their course. Semester 1 commences in February and Semester 2 in July. The two on-campus intensive units are offered in January.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be through written assignments and practical teaching activities. There are no exams. Most units require the completion of at least two written assignments. To successfully complete assignment tasks you will need effective reading and assignment writing skills. A schedule of assessment dates is included in the study material for each unit. For some assignments you may select your own topic, with prior approval from the lecturer, allowing you to pursue a specific area of interest.

Will units be recognised for credit transfer?

Students who successfully complete units in the certificate and advanced certificate may be considered for equivalency in some units if they are accepted into the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Dance) course at QUT through the normal audition procedures. Students enrolled in the professional certificate course, who achieve a high standard, will be given advanced standing in the Graduate Diploma course if they subsequently apply and are accepted. Credit transfer arrangements between universities are at the discretion of each institution.

In what order should I study the units?

If it has been some time since you last studied we advise you to enrol in the Dance Analysis and Dance Histories unit first. This unit is designed to assist you develop assignment writing and research skills. Dance Teaching Studies 1 should be completed before Dance Teaching Studies 2. Students find the unit Stagecraft and Costume Design for Dance useful while planning and undertaking a dance production or performance.

How much study time will I need to complete each unit?

Each 12-credit point unit will require at least 10-12 hours of study each week. This will include time allocated to reading, completing assignments, undertaking professional practice activities and reflecting on your current teaching practice. To make this time for study you will probably have to give up some of the activities you currently do.

How many units should I study each semester?

Most students study part-time and enrol in one or two units each semester.