FAQ Sheet 10:
What facts should I check out about the course, campus and university features?
What information should I find out about the course?
You will need hard facts about the course as well as any information you can gather about the experiences of those who have already studied and completed the course.
Course facts
- Individual course unit details, including description of topics covered and types of assessments.
- Any likely timetable information (you won't know this information for sure until enrolment).
- Study modes available (such as external study and/or part-time study).
- Costs involved including fees, equipment costs, text books, and any other costs relating to the course.
- Whether the course involves any practicum, field experience or laboratory work and if so how much.
- Time involved to complete the course overall and time expected to complete day to day coursework.
- Which university campus the course is offered on.
- CHECK and double check that that the course will meet any registration or other requirements to enter your chosen field.
Existing student and graduate experiences
- Find out whatever you can about the experiences of other students who are doing or have completed the course.
- Look out for any information about where the previous course graduates are now working, their rate of employment and/or further study and salary rates after graduating.
- Listen out for any information about the reputation or profile of the course and its graduates in your desired field of work.
What information should I find out about the university and campus?
University and campus facts
Find out as much as possible about the physical features of each university and campus you are considering, including:
- Campus location(s)
- Proximity to other services such as shops, accommodation, bank, post office, etc.
- Whether parking is available on or near campus and how much parking costs (if necessary)
- What public transport is close by (if necessary)
- Physical accessibility of buildings, library, toilets and getting around campus (if necessary)
- Whether there is on-campus and/or near campus university accommodation (if necessary).
Existing student and graduate experiences
- Find out what you can about the quality of education provided. For example what is the staff to student ratio, size of classes, feedback and rating of quality of courses.
- Look out for information about outcomes and success for graduates of this university and also this campus specifically, including the rate of employment and/or further study for graduates, level of pay compared to graduates from other universities and campuses, and graduate satisfaction with the university and/or course.
- Find out how existing students experience on-campus life, support from university staff and quality of the classes and teaching material, and
- Listen out for anything about the status and reputation of the university within the general community and field of work you are interested in.
What information should I find out about student support services and facilities?
All universities offer some form of student support services and facilities. But the level, type and quality varies between universities and campuses. Services that are commonly available to students include (but are not limited to):
- Bulk-billed medical and/or dental services
- Legal service, tenancy assistance, financial planning services
- General commercial services such as post office, newsagent, bank and travel agent on campus
- Free short-term counselling
- Peer support or mentoring programs for students in the first year
- Free workshops for students about essay writing, critical thinking, mathematics and other study skills
- Learning centres where students can freely access computers and a quiet space to study
- Chaplaincy services and places for worship
- Social club and/or other student groups/clubs
- Sporting activities and team competition
- Facilities such as pool, gymnasium, bars and cafes
- Accommodation officer to support and assist students living in on-campus accommodation
- Shuttle buses to train stations, around campus and/or off-campus university accommodation.
Where can I find this information?
Check out the following sources of information to find information about the course and university you are considering:
- The university's website, undergraduate handbook (usually last year's is accessible online), and student prospectus (usually accessible online) for each university you are considering.
- University open days are useful events for collecting information and contact details; and visiting the university. Check out each university's websites for details of when the university holds its' open day.
- Talking to university staff. Most universities now have some type of 'helpline' for over-the-phone advice to future students. This is a good starting point for general information about the course(s) and university. But you may need to speak to the university's academic and/or support staff to find out more specific details.
- 'The Good University Guide' compares course and university features across Australian universities. This is a good place to get basic information that you can compare across universities about the quality of the course(s), university and success for those who have already graduated.