Have I Got The Time?

Time and time management are important factors in tertiary study.

Theological study requires more than class time: it also involves space in your life for personal reflection and the integration of what you gain in the classroom and the library.

Classes at Whitley College are specifically organized for a commuter student body, most of whom are part-time. Thus, most classes are arranged in three hour blocks. You come to college for the lectures and tutorials in one three-hour session.

In addition to these three class hours, it is generally expected that students will devote another five to six hours per week, to that unit of study. So if you take two units, you will have six hours of classes and we recommend a further twelve hours of reading, study, work on assignments, etc. 
    A full-time load for undergraduate courses is four units per semester.
    A full-time load for graduate courses is three units per semester.

For the purposes of Austudy, a full-time load may be between six and eight units in one year. However, a full-time student who takes fewer than the maximum load may find that they have not completed the degree before the Austudy support runs out.

How long does the degree take to complete?

Each degree has a maximum length:

• The Bachelor of Theology is a three year, full-time degree program, or six years part-time.
• The maximum length of study is nine calendar years from the time of beginning study. Extensions may be granted, upon application and in exceptional circumstances only.
• Similarly the Master of Divinity is a three year program, six years part-time, with a maximum of nine calendar years.

How long is a semester?

Each semester involves 12 weeks of classes, with a non-teaching period somewhere within the semester. After the 12 weeks of classes, there is another non-teaching week before examinations are held or final assignments are due.