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  • Study Workload

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    At UniSA Online, there are four Study Periods (terms) in the academic year, and each goes for ten weeks.  Your study load may vary from course to course but, as a general rule, it will most likely begin moderately, and gradually increase in intensity as the study period (term) progresses. You can dip in and out of all course materials from day one, and can therefore set your own study pattern to suit your lifestyle.  For example, you may wish to do a large portion of your studies in the first three weeks because you have a business trip planned in the middle of the study period (term). 

    The advantages of doing your studies week by week are that you will be approaching the lessons sequentially and in the order which your course has been designed.  You will also be working at the same pace as most of your peers and will be able to collaborate more effectively with them.  A typical study pattern may look like this:

    Weeks 1 - 3

    Graphic representing moderate workload

    Familiarise yourself with the weekly tasks: online lectures, weekly videos, online activities, etc.

    Complete your first series of tasks & assessments: these will most likely have a smaller weight allocated than assessments due later in the study period (term).

    Weeks 4 - 6

    Graphic representing medium workload

    Do more detailed tasks & assessments: these are likely to weigh more than tasks due in the first few weeks.

    Stay on target: plan ahead for upcoming tasks.  Adjust your study schedule if needed to stay on top of deadlines.

    Weeks 7 - 10

    Graphic representing higher workload

    Do more complex tasks & assessments: these are likely to increase in size & value compared to earlier tasks.

    Some courses have online exams at the end of the Course: organise your notes in advance & allow plenty of time for revision.

    Graphic representing degree progression

    As you progress you will develop your study strategies & greater learner autonomy.

    Make note of the key dates for the academic year & your assessment deadlines  before the start of each study period (term).

    Note:  The structure of your 10 week Study Period (term) may vary depending on your Degree.

    calendarPlanning your schedule

    It is recommended that you allocate 10 to 15 hours per week to study for each course.  Identifying in advance how your course activities are structured will help you develop a weekly study routine that is personalised to suit your lifestyle and takes into consideration the gradual increase in workload from start to completion.  Once you have access to your course site,  prepare for your study load by analysing the activities and deadlines.  Consider the following:

     

    KindleCourse readings
    • What readings do you need to do each week?   
    • Are they long readings?  
    • Are they topics which are very new to you?   
    • Allow yourself enough time to read and understand the content in relation to your course tasks.


    VideoCourse videos
    • How long are the course videos?  
    • When can you listen to and watch the videos based on your personal schedule?
    • Allow yourself enough time to listen to the content and take notes which relate to your course tasks.



    TalkCourse participation
    • Do you have to participate in any online activities? 
      • If yes, when and how often?
    • Are you expected to do any tasks before the activities?  
      • If yes, what do you have to do for each activity?
      • Do activities vary in complexity?
      • How much time might it take you to do the different types of activities?


    DocumentTimeAssessment deadlines

    • When is each assessment due?
    • If you are doing more than one course,  do your assessment deadlines overlap?  
    • Do you have any other commitments which may impact these deadlines?  
    • Map your due dates out on a calendar so that you can see when things might get busy for you.


    PencilAssessment weight and word count

    • The more an assessment weighs, the more effort you will have to put in – an assessment worth 50% of your overall mark will most likely have a bigger word count and require you to do more research than for one worth 25% 
    • Therefore it might take you longer to complete, so just because the assessment is due later, it does not mean you should start it later
    • Divide the work you need to do for an assessment into manageable tasks and start working on them early  
    • For tips on how to approach your assessment tasks, go to the Study Resources webpage


    Listen to staff and students give tips on how to prepare for your course and make the most out of your studies.

    timer 2 minutes, 38 seconds (Video transcript)

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