2015

 
 

Undergraduate  Distance  Education  Handbook  

           
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Table  of  Contents  

WELCOME  TO  DISTANCE  EDUCATION   3  

WHAT  IS  THE  CENTRE  FOR  OPEN  EDUCATION  (COE)?   4  

YOUR  FIRST  ENROLMENT  –  NEW  STUDENTS   6  

IMPORTANT  DATES  FOR  DISTANCE  STUDENTS  2015   13  

FEES  AND  CHARGES   16  

ON-­  AND  OFF-­CAMPUS  SESSIONS   18  

EXAMINATIONS   25  

FACULTY  OF  ARTS   30  

DEPARTMENT  OF  ANCIENT  HISTORY   30  

DEPARTMENT  OF  INTERNATIONAL  STUDIES   30  
MACQUARIE  LAW  SCHOOL   35  
DEPARTMENT  OF  MODERN  HISTORY,  POLITICS  AND  INTERNATIONAL  RELATIONS   38  
DEPARTMENT  OF  SOCIOLOGY   39  
DEPARTMENT  OF  PHILOSOPHY   40  

FACULTY  OF  HUMAN  SCIENCES   41  

INSTITUTE  OF  EARLY  CHILDHOOD   41  

DEPARTMENT  OF  EDUCATION   45  

FACULTY  OF  SCIENCE   46  

DEPARTMENT  OF  BIOLOGICAL  SCIENCES   46  

DEPARTMENT  OF  EARTH  AND  PLANETARY  SCIENCES   47  
 

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Welcome  to  Distance  Education    
 
The  Centre  for  Open  Education  extends  a  warm  welcome  to  all  new  and  returning  Distance  students.  
One  of  our  core  duties  is  to  provide  assistance  to  off  campus  students,  particularly  at  the  beginning  of  
your  studies,  when  everything  is  new  and  there  seems  to  be  a  mountain  of  information  to  absorb.    
 
To  assist  you  at  this  time,  this  Handbook  is  made  available  online.  The  Handbook  has  two  main  pur-­‐
poses.  Firstly,  it  is  provided  to  assist  you  in  constructing  a  viable  program  of  studies.     In  that  regard,  
you  should  read  carefully  the  advice  provided  before  selecting  units  for  your  degree.  
   
The  second  purpose  of  the  Handbook  is  to  provide  a  reference  guide  to  the  University’s  policies  and  
practices  regarding  distance  education.  
 
To   access   staff   easily   we   encourage   our   students   to   use   the   University’s   online   enquiry   system,   ASK  
ask.mq.edu.au.  All  the  staff  of  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  join  with  me  in  wishing  you    every  suc-­‐
cessful  in  your  studies.    
 
We   are   often   in   communication   with   you   by   telephone   or   email,   however,   we   also   look   forward   to   the  
opportunity  of  meeting  you  in  person  during  one  of  the  on-­‐campus  session  periods  or  when  you  visit  
the  University  Campus.    
 
Remember   that   you   are   important   to   us   and   we   continue   to   strive   to   provide   a   quality   student   experi-­‐
ence  for  all  students  we  come  in  contact  with  through  our  programs.    
 
Sincerely  
Andrew  R  Burrell  
Director,  Centre  for  Open  Education  
 
 
 
 
 

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What  is  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  (COE)?  
The  Centre  for  Open  Education  provides  a  primary  point  of  contact  between  distance  educa-­‐
tion  (external)  students  and  the  university.    
 
The   Centre   is   a   'One   Stop   Shop'   that   will   assist   you   with   matters   pertaining   to   your   studies   as  
an  external  student.  Services  we  provide  to  our  distance  students  include:  
• Assisting  new  undergraduate  Distance  students  with  their  application    
• Assisting  all  students  in  external  degrees  with  enrolment  enquiries  
• Helping  you  obtain  academic  advice  when  you  need  it  
• Facilitating  Macquarie  student  ID  card  application  and  delivery  to  new  students.  
• External  assignment  processing    
• Providing   a   sign   on/registration   service   for   students   attending   compulsory   on   campus  
sessions  
 
The  Centre  also  operates  a  cashier  service  within  opening  hours.  Staff  at  the  Centre  can  issue  
students  with  parking  permits  and  accept  payment  for  library  fines.  Payment  is  by  credit  card,  
EFTPOS  or  cheque  only;  no  cash  payments  accepted.  
Contact  us  
When  you  require  assistance,  COE  staff  are  more  than  happy  to  help  you.  Go  to   ask.mq.edu.au  
and  lodge  an  online  enquiry.    
 
This  system  allows  us  to  keep  track  of  your  queries  and  see  that  they  are  answered  in  a  timely  
manner.  Please  remember  to  indicate  'Distance'  or  'External',  your  student  number  and  your  
phone  number  when  lodging  your  online  query  for  prompt  attention.  
Our  location  on  campus  
The  Centre  for  Open  Education  is  located  on  Level  1,  Building  X5B.  The  entrance  to  the  Centre  
is   on   the   southern   side   of   the   building,   adjacent   to   the   W4   car   park   off   Balaclava   Road.   Please  
see  the  map  in  this  handbook,  or  go  to:    
www.ofm.mq.edu.au/maps_campus.htm  
 

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Mail  for  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  should  be  addressed  to:  
Centre  for  Open  Education  
Building  X5B  
Macquarie  University  
NSW  2109    
Hours  of  operation  
During  the  teaching  periods  the  Centre  is  open  from:  
8.30am  to  5.00pm  Monday  to  Friday    
8.00am  to  11.00am  Saturday    
 
During  the  first  week  of  session  1,  the  Centre  is  open  from:  
8.30am  to  6.00pm  Monday  to  Thursday,  and  until  5pm  Friday  
 
The  Centre  will  not  open  on  the  Easter,  June  and  Ocotber  Holiday  weekends.  When  the  Centre  
is  closed  you  may  contact  us  by  telephone.    A  telephone  message  recording  service  is  available  
on  this  number:  02  9850  7470.  
Just  Ask  
Students   will   be   able   to   search   the   extensive   question   knowledge   base   or   submit   an   online  
enquiry  that  will  go  to  the  appropriate  team  for  response.  To  use  the  online  service,  please  go  
to:  ask.mq.edu.au  
 
 

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Your  first  enrolment  –  New  students  
How  do  External  students  enrol?  
When   new   External   Undergraduate   students   receive   an   offer   from   the   University   for   either  
and  Undergraduate  degree  or  Diploma  of  Langauges,  they  will  receive  an  email  from  mid  No-­‐
vember.  This  email  will  give  your  Macquarie  Student  ID  number;  explain  how  to  accept  your  
offer,  how  to  apply  for  a  Student  Campus  card  and  how  to  complete  your  HECS  forms.  If  you  
do  not  receive  an  offer  email,  please  contact  us  at  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  via  the  Uni-­‐
versity’s   online   query   system,   ASK   at   ask.mq.edu.au,   and   we   will   check   your   application  
status.  
 
Once   you   have   accepted   your   offer   a   member   of   the   Distance   Education   team   will   contact   you  
via  email  to  instruct  you  on  how  to  enrol  in  your  units  of  study.  We  also  assist  you  if  further  
information   is   required,   and   we   will   obtain   academic   advice   on   your   behalf   regarding   your  
unit  selections.  
 
If   after   following   the   emailed   instructions,   you   have   questions   about   your   unit   selection,  
please  contact  us  and  we  will  be  more  than  happy  to  help  you.    Go  to  ask.mq.edu.au  and  be  
sure  to  indicate  that  you  are  an  External/Distance  student.  
 
Planning  your  degree  
Although   you   can   always   make   changes,   planning   will   ensure   you   meet   the   degree   require-­‐
ments  in  order  to  graduate.    You  will  need  to  complete  a  set  amount  of  credit  points  at  each  
level  and  a  set  amount  of  credit  points  overall  to  qualify  for  your  degree.  These  credit  points  
are  gained  by  successfully  completing  units.    
 
To   view   your   degree   structure   and   requirements,   go   to   the   online   MQ   Handbook   and   select  
the  ‘Degrees  and  Diplomas’  link,  as  per  the  image  below.    Choose  your  degree  or  diploma  from  
the  list,  and  click  to  view  how  many  credit  points  are  required  to  complete  overall,  and  how  
many  at  each  level  specifically.    
 

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How  do  I  find  which  units  to  enrol  into?  

Students   in   external   degrees   should   select   external   units.   These   units   appear   with   the  
session  they  are  offered,  followed  by  the  mode  they  are  running  in,  for  example  ‘S2  External’  
means  scheduled  to  run  in  session  2  in  external  mode.  A  list  of  units  is  available  for  viewing  
online  at:  http://www.handbook.mq.edu.au/2015/Units/UGByOffering  
 

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Now  choose  the  ‘units  by  offering’  link,  and  select  units  within  the  ‘S1  External,  S2  External  or  
S3  External’  links.  External  units  from  your  preferred  session.  Session  3  is  an  intensive  study  
period,   five   weeks   of   teaching   and   one   week   of   exams   running   from   December   to   February.   It  
is  an  opportunity  to  accelerate  your  studies  by  taking  one  or  two  units  during  summer  but  is  
not  advisable  for  first  year  students.    
How  do  I  know  I’m  choosing  the  right  external  units?  
Each   unit   in   an   Undergraduate   degree   is   worth   3   credit   points   and   has   a   set   level   of   challenge  
and  complexity.  Each  unit  comes  from  a  particular  Faculty  and  Department  within  the  Univer-­‐
sity.    
To  gauge  this  level  of  complexity  for  each  unit,  look  at  the  unit’s  code,    
The  letters  EDUC  are  followed  by  one  digit  to  represent  the  level  of  the  unit,  for  example:    
1  =  100  level,  2  =  200  level,  3  =  300  level,  4  =  400  level.  5  =  500  level.      
EDUC105  starts  with  1,  so  it  is  at  100  level.      
Units  in  the  100’s  are  entry  level  units,  and  you  are  advised  to  choose  100  level  units  in  your  
first  year  of  enrolment.  200  and  300  level  units  indicate  a  greater  focus  on  a  particular  subject  
area,  and  level  of  complexity.  
   
How  many  units  should  I  enrol  in?  
Ideally,  your  program  should  be  balanced,  so  that  you  are  not  working  on  more  than  two  units  
in   either   Session   (part   time   load),   and   your   credit-­‐point   load   should   be   approximately   the  
same  in  each  Session.    
 
A   part-­‐time   external   student   normally   enrols   in   a   program   of   9–12   credit   points   each   year,  
with   the   expectation   of   completing   a   three-­‐year   bachelor’s   degree   in   six   years.     Most   students  
appear  to  be  able  to  handle  such  a  program  without  difficulty.      
 
It  is  unlikely  that  a  new  undergraduate  Distance  student  would  be  successful  in  their  studies  if  
enrolled  in  more  than  four  units  in  the  first  year  of  enrolment.    On  rare  occasions  some  new  
students  may  be  given  permission  to  study  a  larger  program  in  the  second  half  of  the  first  year  
of  enrolment.  
 
How  much  time  do  I  need  to  commit  to  my  studies?  
It  should  be  possible  to  complete  a  12  credit  point  program  over  the  course  of  a  year  with  a  
time  commitment  of  approximately  24  hours  per  week.    
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The  maximum  length  of  time  to  complete  a  degree  is  10  years  of  effective  enrolment  (any  year  
within  which  a  student  remains  enrolled  in  a  unit  beyond  the  census  date).  Most  of  the  units  
offered   by   distance   at   Macquarie   run   for   a   13   week   session,   starting   in   February/March   (Ses-­‐
sion  1  units)  and  July/August  (Session  2  units),  and  a  shorter  (6  week)  session  from  Decem-­‐
ber/February  (Session  3),  and  are  worth  3  credit  points.    
Choosing  a  Major  
For  students  enrolling  in  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  or  a  Bachelor  of  Science  by  Distance,  you  will  need  
to  include  a  Major  in  your  degree.  You  will  find  that  a  major  within  a  BA  or  BSc  gives  your  de-­‐
gree  a  particular  focus,  for  example,  you  could  complete  a  BSc  with  a  major  in  Biology,  or  a  BA  
with  a  major  in  French.  
 
A  major  consists  of  a  minimum  of  24  distinct  credit  points,  including  a  minimum  of  12  distinct  
credit  points  at  300-­‐level  in  an  approved  combination  of  units,  which  will  include  a  Capstone  
unit.  These  units  will  usually  but  not  always  have  the  same  prefix.    To  assist  you  in  your  en-­‐
rolment  and  degree  planning,  a  list  of  Majors  available  in  external  mode  is  included  in  the  ta-­‐
ble  below.  
Faculty  of  Arts  
Ancient  History  [Greece,  Rome  &  Late  Antiq-­‐
BA  
uity]  
Ancient  History  [Egypt  &  Near  East]   BA  
Croatian  Studies   BA  
French  Studies   BA  
Gender  Studies   BA  
German  Studies   BA  
Indigenous  Studies   BA  
International  Relations   BA  
Italian  Studies   BA  
Japanese   BA  
Modern  Greek  Studies   BA  
Modern  History   BA  
Philosophy   BA  
Polish   BA  
Politics     BA  
Russian  Studies   BA  
Sociology   BA  
Spanish  and  Latin  American  Studies   BA  
 
 

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Faculty  of  Human  Sciences  
Early  Childhood   BA  
Education   BA  
 
Faculty  of  Science  
Biology   BSc  
Palaeobiology   BSc  
Geology   BSc  
 
People  and  Planet  units  
All  students  commencing  their  degree  from  2013  [and  previous  Macquarie  students  returning  
after  an  absence]  must  complete  both  a  People  and  a  Planet  unit  during  the  course  of  their  de-­‐
gree.  You  should  check  the  online  handbook  for  the  specific  requirements  that  apply  to  your  
chosen  program.  
 
People  and  Planet  units  are  a  unique  feature  of  Macquarie's  undergraduate  curriculum.  Peo-­‐
ple   units   are   designed   to   give   students   an   understanding   of   what   it   means   to   live   in   the   social  
world,  and  to  develop  cultural  or  social  literacy.  Planet  units  enable  students  to  develop  scien-­‐
tific  literacy  and  to  understand  what  it  means  to  live  in  the  physical  world.  To  satisfy  the  re-­‐
quirements  a  degree  must  include:  
• one  unit  taken  from  the  Schedule  of  People  Units  and    
• one  unit  taken  from  the  Schedule  of  Planet  units,    
• and  those  units  must  be  taken  in  two  different  Faculties.  
 
What  if  I  change  my  mind  about  which  units  to  study?  
You  need  to  remember  that  there  are  strict  deadlines  for  adding  external  units  to  your  pro-­‐
gram  of  study.  The  last  day  to  add  an  external  unit  is  Friday  of  week  1  of  the  study  ses-­
sion.  We  advise  that  you  contact  us  if  you  need  any  assistance  or  approvals  regarding  changes  
of   program,   and   the   Centre   for   Open   Education   will   be   more   than   happy   to   assist   you   with  
program  requirements  and  enrolment  advice.  There  is  a  risk  that  the  unit  might  have  as-­
sessment  activities  in  the  first  few  weeks  of  the  Session  if  you  are  enrolled  late  into  a  
unit.  
 
 
 
Check  your  program  carefully  before  the  last  day  to  add  or  withdraw  from  a  unit.    
If  you  intend  to  withdraw  from  a  unit,  please  be  aware  that  you  should  do  so  before  the  cen-­‐
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sus   dates   of   31   March   for   Session   1   and   31   August   for   Session   2   to   avoid   academic   and   finan-­‐
cial  penalties.    Please  note  that  if  you  withdraw  from  a  Session  1  unit,  you  may  be  automati-­‐
cally  withdrawn  from  any  Session  2  unit  that  is  required  as  a  pre-­‐  or  co-­‐requisite.  
 
Receiving  your  course  materials  
Not  many  external  units  have  hardcopy  course  materials.  If  your  unit  has,  they  will  be  sent   by  
mail  before  the  commencement  of  classes.  If  you  add  a  unit  after  the  commencement  of  teach-­‐
ing,   we   will   endeavour   to   send   the   unit   materials   as   soon   as   possible,   but   delays   can   be   expe-­‐
rienced.  Some  unit  materials  are  sent  to  your  Macquarie  Student  email  account.  The  majority  
of  external  units  are  taught  online  using  an  online  (iLearn)  unit.  You  will  receive  infor-­‐
mation   in   your   admission   email,   explaining   the   login   process   to   your   online   unit   to   access  
your  study  materials.  
 
It  is  your  responsibility  to  ensure  your  contact  details  are  up  to  date  on  e-­‐Student  at  all  stages  
of  the  study  session.    The  Centre  staff  will  not  be  held  responsible  for  any  academic  penalties  
arising  because  of  any  missed  assignment  or  on-­‐campus  session  deadlines  due  to  late  receipt  
of  materials.  
 
Student  Portal  
The  Student  Portal  site  is  found  on  the  University's  web  page  where  you  can  access:    
• Online  units  [iLearn]  
• Your  official  student  email  
• eStudent  
• Unit  guides  
• Ask.mq.edu.au  
• IT  help  
First  time  login  for  new  students:  w ww.mq.edu.au/firsttimelogin  

 
eStudent  
eStudent  is  where  you  can:  
•   Enrol  online  in  units  
•   Add  or  withdraw  from  units  
•   Check  your  fees  and  finances  
•   View  your  academic  record  
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•   Change  personal  information  (e.g.  address,  email,  phone  no.)  
•   View  your  results    
Your  student  email  
All  Macquarie  students  are  issued  with  an  official  university  email  account,  which  is  accessed  
via   the   Student   Portal.     It   is   university   policy   that  all   university   communication   will   be   sent   to  
the  University  email  account.  As  part  of  the  enrolment  process  students  agree  to  -­‐  check  their  
official  university  email  account  weekly.    
 

Your  MQ  student  email  is  powered  by  Google  and  can  be  forwarded  to  another  nominated  
email  account  by  following  the  instructions  below:  

1. Log  in  to  your  mq  student  email  account  .  

2. Click  Settings  (cog  wheel)  at  the  top  right  hand  side  of  the  page.  

3. Click  Forwarding  and  POP/IMAP  along  the  top  of  the  Mail  Settings  box.  

Select  Add  a  forwarding  address  and  follow  prompts  

 
Student  IT  help  
If  you  need  IT  support  to  access  these  services  online,  contact  IT  support.  
web:   informatics.mq.edu.au/help  
email:   help@mq.edu.au  
ph:   9850  HELP  (9850  4357)  in  Sydney,  or  
  1800  674  357  (freecall)  from  outside  Sydney,  freecall  

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Important  Dates  for  Distance  Students  2015  
Date   Event  
8  January  2015   Online  enrolment  in  units  begins  
20  February  2015    Upfront  tuition  fees  due  session  1  
23  February  2015    Session  1  begins      
31  March  2015    Census  date  –  Session  1    
2  April  2015    Last  day  of  classes  before  Session  1  mid  session  break  
3  April  2015    Public  holiday  –  Good  Friday  
6  April  2015    Public  holiday  –  Easter  Monday  
20  April  2015    Session  1  –  classes  resume  
25  April  2015    Public  holiday  –  ANZAC  Day  
28  April  2015   Last  day  to  withdraw  without  academic  penalty  (financial  penalty  applies)  
8  June  2015    Public  holiday  –  Queen's  Birthday    
9  June  2015    Session  1  examination  period  begins  
26  June  2015    Session  1  ends  
17  July  2015    Session  1  examination  results  released  via  eStudent  
24  July  2015    Upfront  tuition  fees  due  session  2  
27  July  2015    Session  2  begins    
31  August  2015    Census  date  –  Session  2  
11  Sept  2015    Last  day  of  classes  before  Session  2  mid  session  break  
28  Sept  2015    Last  day  to  withdraw  without  academic  penalty  (financial  penalty  applies)  
28  Sept  2015    Session  2  –  classes  resume  
5  October  2015    Public  holiday  –  Labour  Day    
9  November  2015    Session  2  examination  period  begins  
27  November  2015    Session  2      ends    
4  December  2015   Session  3  –  tuition  fees  due  
10  December  2015    Session  2  examination  results  released  via  eStudent  
16  December  2015    Session  3  –  enrolment  deadline  
17  Dec  2015    Session  3  begins    
18  December  2015  Last  day  of  classes  before  Session  3  break    
19  December  2015    Session  3  -­‐  Census  Date    
25  December  2015    Public  holiday  –  Christmas  Day  
26  December  2015    Public  holiday  –  Boxing  Day    
28  December  2015    Withdraw  deadline  –  Session  3  units  without  academic  penalty  
28  December  2015  Additional  Public  Holiday  Christmas  
29  December  2015  Withdraw  deadline  –  Session  3  units  without  financial  penalty  
4  January  2016    Session  3  classes  resume  
29  January  2016    Session  3  –  last  day  of  classes  
1  February  2016    Session  3  examination  period  begins  
11  February  2016    Session  3  results  released  via  eStudent  
 

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Students  Returning  after  an  absence  
To  be  eligible  to  apply  to  return  to  Macquarie  after  an  absence  you  must  meet  the  following  
criteria:  
• be   a   previous   Macquarie   University   student   who   was   enrolled   in   an   undergraduate  
course;  
• be  returning  to  the  same  undergraduate  course;  
• have  not  undertaken  any  intervening  tertiary  studies*  elsewhere;  
• have  a  recorded  result  in  at  least  one  unit  of  your  incomplete  qualification  
 
Students   that   have   previously   been   excluded   from   Macquarie   will   need   to   meet   additional   re-­‐
quirements  before  being  approved  to  return  to  studies.  Further  information  can  be  found  on  
the  Returning  to  studies  following  exclusion.  
 
*Tertiary   studies   include   TAFE   courses   at   Certificate   IV   or   higher,   but   not   secretarial   or   trade  
courses.  If  you  are  not  sure  whether  your  tertiary  studies  would  affect  your  application  please  
contact  the  Admissions  Team  by  phone  on  (02)  9850  6410  or  by  submitting  an  online  enquiry  
via  ask.mq.edu.au

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Session  3    
Session   3   is   an   opportunity   to   accelerate   your   studies   by   taking   one   or   two   units   during   sum-­‐
mer.  Session  3  is  an  intensive  study  period,  running  for  6  weeks  from  December  (five  weeks  of  
teaching   and   one   week   of   exams).   Due   to   the   compressed   format,   students   may   only   take   a  
maximum  of  two  units  in  Session  3.     It  is  an  opportunity  to  accelerate  your  studies  by  taking  
one  or  two  units  during  summer  but  is  not  advisable  for  first  year  students.    
 
Units   offered   in   Session   3   have   identical   learning   outcomes,   means   of   assessment   and   pre-­‐
requisite  structures  as  their  equivalents  offered  at  other  times  of  the  academic  year,  though  
the  shorter  length  of  the  session  may  mean  that  these  units  will  be  delivered  using  online  or  
group  sessions,  as  well  as  face-­‐to-­‐face  teaching.  
   
The  summer  months  are  a  great  time  to  enjoy  the  campus  and  make  the  most  of  the  Univer-­‐
sity’s  facilities.  The  library,  study  skills  support  team,  food  and  beverages  facilities,  disability  
support   services,   English   language   help,   mentoring   and   other   student   services   will   be   avail-­‐
able.  
   
The  schedule  of  Session  3  units  may  be  found  in  the  MQ  online  handbook  from  November.  For  
more  information  about  session  3,  please  visit:  
www.mq.edu.au/session3    
 

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Fees  And  Charges  
A   Commonwealth   supported   place   (HECS   place)   is   where   the   Australian   government   makes   a  
contribution  to  the  University  towards  the  cost  of  a  student’s  education.  The  student  is  also  
required  to  make  a  contribution.  Full  details  of  your  unit  fees  are  available  on  the  website  at:    
www.mq.edu.au/unifees/  
 
Do  I  have  to  pay  my  fees  upfront?  
If  you  are  an  Australian  citizen  or  a  permanent  resident  (humanitarian  visa  status)  in  a  Com-­‐
monwealth  Supported  place  then  you  are  entitled  to  

1)A  HECS-­‐HELP  Loan  -­‐  a  loan  for  all  or  part  of  the  student  contribution  amount  to  be  repaid  
through  the  Australian  Taxation  Office  (ATO).  You  must  provide  your  Tax  File  Number  to  the  
University   by   the   census   date.   Repayment   will   commence   once   your   income   is   above   the  
minimum  threshold  for  compulsory  repayment.  .  
2)HECS-­‐HELP   Discount   -­‐   the   discount   will   be   10%   for   Australian   citizens   and   Humanitarian  
visa  holders  in  Commonwealth  Supported  places.  
 
Any  student  who  makes  an  upfront  payment  after  the  due  date  [including  Australian  Citizens]  
will  incur  a  $200  late  payment  fee.  
 
What  fees  have  I  incurred  and  how  do  I  pay  them?  
After   you   have   enrolled   in   your   units,   you   should   go   to   ‘Check   ‘My   Finances’   on   eStudent   to  
determine   the   amount   you   need   to   pay,   then   select   a   payment   method   and   pay   before   the  
payment  due  date.      
To  do  so:  
• Go  to  eStudent    -­‐  student1.mq.edu.au  
• Go  to  ‘Check  my  Finances’  then  click  ‘Outstanding  debts’  
• View  ‘My  current  debts’  
• View  ‘My  statement  of  outstanding  charges  
 
For  more  information  on  how  to  pay  fees  see:    
www.ofs.mq.edu.au/student_finances/paying_fees.htm  
Warning  
If   the   University   identifies   that   you   have   outstanding   fees,   reminder   emails   will   be   sent   to  
your  University  email  account  prior  to  the  University’s  due  date.  Remember  to  check  eStudent  
before   the   beginning   of   each   session   to   pay   your   fees   before   the   payment   due   date.    Please  

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note  that  Tax  Invoices  for  fees  are  not  mailed  to  students.    You  must  check  eStudent  and  
your  student  email  account  
 
Adding/dropping  units  
If  you  add  a  unit(s)  of  study  after  your  initial  enrolment  you  will  not  receive  a  notice  of  fees.  
The  payment  due  date  for  the  added  unit  becomes  the  same  day  you  added  that  unit.  
 
If  you  drop  a  unit(s)  of  study  before  the  census  date  and  have  paid  up  front  fees,  you  can  re-­‐
quest  a  refund.  You  should  complete  the  ‘Request  for  Refund  of  Student  Fees’  form    
 
Census  dates  
All  units  of  study  have  a  census  date.  If  you  must  pay  your  fees  upfront  and  have  not  done  so  
in  full  by  the  fees  due  date  for  the  unit(s)  in  which  you  are  enrolled,  or  if  you  are  an  Australian  
citizen  [who  has  not  provided  a  Tax  File  Number],  your  enrolment  in  these  unit(s)  will  be  can-­‐
celled  directly  after  the  census  date.      
Session  1  subjects  of  study:  31  March  
Full  year  subjects  of  study:  30  April  
Session  2  subjects  of  study:  31  August  

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On-­  And  Off-­Campus  Sessions  
Attendance  
On-­‐campus   sessions   are   generally   scheduled   on   weekends   during   the   session   or   during   the  
university  mid  session  brek.  Many  units  include  evening  periods  or  field  trips,  so  other  com-­‐
mitments  should  not  be  made  before  consulting  the  unit  guide  within  your  iLearn  unit.  Failure  
to  complete  the  attendance  requirements  of  a  compulsory  session  can  mean  that  you  will  be  
withdrawn/excluded  from  the  unit.    
 
Refer  to  your  unit  on  the  MQ  online  handbook  to  see  whether  it  has  a  compulsory  on  or  off  
campus  session.  If  the  on  campus  session  is  compulsory  you  will  find  the  dates  on  the  
timetable  website        
1) select  your  unit  and    
2) select  period  as  "standard  session".    
3) Click  on  "view  timetable".    
 
Some  larger  units  will  have  a  choice  of  a  few  on  campus  session  dates  and  you  may  need  to  
register  in  one  session.  If  you  are  required  to  register  there  will  be  a  register  button  to  select.  
Always  refer  to  the  announcements  and  unit  guide  within  your  iLearn  unit  to  confirm  dates.  
 
Inability  to  Attend  On-­Campus  Sessions  
Prior  to  the  compulsory  session  you  should  notify  the  unit  convenor  or  the  Centre  for  Open  
Education  immediately  if  illness  or  unavoidable  disruption  prevents  your  attendance.    Medical  
certificates  or  other  documents  should  be  forwarded  to  support  any  claim  for  non-­‐attendance  
or   possible   withdrawal   without   academic   penalty.   Always   include   your   student   ID   number  
and  unit  code  with  your  correspondence.  
 
Cancellation  or  Postponement  of  On-­Campus  Sessions  
Very  occasionally  an  on-­‐campus  session  may  have  to  be  postponed  or  cancelled.  If  this  is  the  
case,   the   Department   concerned   or   the   Centre   for   Open   Education   will   contact   you   as   early   as  
possible  via  the  iLearn  unit  or  email,  so  that  you  can  adjust  your  travel  arrangements.    
 
 
 

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Registration  
The  convenor  of  your  unit  will  advise  you  if  you  need  to  sign  the  compulsory  on-­‐campus  at-­‐
tendance  register  at  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  between  8.30am  and  8.50am  on  the  first  
morning  of  the  session.  If  your  on-­‐campus  session  is  scheduled  on  a  Sunday,  then  the  atten-­‐
dance  register  will  be  available  in  the  lecture  theatre  or  room  concerned.  
Failure   to   register   will   imply   non-­‐completion   of   the   session   and   may   lead   to   your   exclusion  
from  the  unit.  
 
Because  of  the  compulsory  nature  of  the  sessions,  it  is  essential  that  you  be  in  the  relevant  
lecture  or  seminar  room  on  time.  Lecturers  have  expressed  concern  at  the  disruption  caused  
by  students  arriving  late.  
 
Parking  
For  those  travelling  by  car,  access  to  the  University  is  along  Balaclava  Road  off  Epping  Road,  
or  along  Waterloo  Road  off  Lane  Cove  Road  and  via  an  exit  off  the  M2  Motorway  from  the  Hills  
District.   Parking   at   Macquarie   University   is   limited   and   fines   are   strictly   enforced.   Students  
visiting  the  campus  who  do  not  hold  parking  permits  are  required  to  use  ticket  machines  lo-­‐
cated  within  nominated  Pay  and  Display  car  parks.  A  ticket  to  park  for  one  day  currently  costs  
$25.  The  machines  will  take  credit  cards  and  coins  but  not  notes.  You  are  encouraged  to  use  
public  transport  where  possible.  See  this  website  for  more  details:  mq.edu.au/parking  
 
Transport  
Train  services  stop  at  Macquarie  University  and  both  State  Transit  Authority  (STA)  and  pri-­‐
vate  bus  companies  provide  bus  services.  Please  go  to  www.sydneytrains.info  for  train  times,  
and  phone  131  500  for  information  on  Government  and  private  bus  schedules.  Also  refer  to  
the  MQ  website  “Getting  to  Macquarie”  
 
Childcare  
A  local  North  Ryde  centre  has  recently  started  24-­‐hour  Childcare.    
 http://scribblesandgiggles.com.au/  
Macquarie   university   has   no   affiliation   with   this   centre   and   cannot   give   any   advice   or   rec-­‐
commendation  on  quality  of  service.  
There  are  a  couple  of  Occasional  Care  centres  nearby  that  are  designed  to  offer  short  term  
care  and  there  may  also  be  opportunities  within  Family  Day  Care.    Contact  details  for  these  
  19  
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services  are  available  from  the  Ryde  Council  website  
http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Community/Children+and+Families/Childcare+Services  
 
Accommodation  
Students  travelling  to  Macquarie  University  from  outside  the  Sydney  metropolitan  area  may  
find   the   following   information   helpful   in   finding   reasonably   priced   accommodation   close   to  
the  campus.  
 
Residential  Colleges  
Residential  colleges  are  run  independently  of  Macquarie  University  and  should  be  contacted  
directly  for  information  on  vacancies,  costs,  and  available  facilities.  
Macquarie  University  Village  -­‐  http://www.macquarieuv.com.au  
122  Culloden  Road,  Marsfield,  NSW  2122  
Ph:  +  61  2  9812  6000  
info@macquarieuv.com.au  
 
Dunmore  Lang  College  -­‐  http://www.dunmorelangcollege.nsw.edu.au/contact/  
130-­‐134  Herring  Road,  North  Ryde,  NSW  2113  
PO  Box  150,  North  Ryde,  NSW  1670  
Ph:  +  61  2  9856  1000  
info@dlc.nsw.edu.au  
 
Robert  Menzies  College  -­‐  http://www.rmc.org.au/home  
136  Herring  Road,  Macquarie  Park,  NSW  2113  
PO  Box  1505,  Macquarie  Centre,  NSW  2113  
Ph:  +  61  2  9936  6000  
enquiries@rmc.nsw.edu.au  
Hotel  accommodation  near  the  University  
To  assist  students  in  finding  accommodation  we  list  the  addresses  and  telephone  numbers  of  
places  reasonably  close  to  the  University.  Tariffs  are  not  given  as  these  are  always  subject  to  
change  and  can  be  checked  when  you  telephone.  
 
 
 

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The  Ranch  Hotel      
Cnr  Epping  &  Herring  Roads,  Eastwood,  NSW  2122  
Ph:  +61  2  9887  2411  
the.ranch@alhgroup.com.au  
 
Travelodge  Macquarie  North  Ryde  Hotel    
81  Talavera  Road,  North  Ryde,  NSW  2113  
Ph:  +61  2  8874  5200  
tmqr@travelodge.com.au  
   
Stamford  Grand  North  Ryde    
Cnr  Epping  &  Herring  Rds,  North  Ryde,  NSW  2113  
ph:  +61  2  9888  1077  
sales@snr.stamford.com.au  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Assignment  Submission  
Your   unit   outline   in   iLearn   will   detail   how   your   assignments   should   be   submitted.   Some   units  
will  require  you  to  submit  your  assignments  directly  to  the  online  unit,  others  will  require  you  
to   send   them   to   the   Centre   for   Open   Education,   either   by   mail   or   email   to  
coeassign@mq.edu.au.      
Submission  guidelines  for  emailing  your  assignments  to  COE  can  be  found  at:    
www.mq.edu.au/coe/assignment  
 
Acknowledgement  of  Receiving  Emailed  Assignment  
The   University’s   email   system   will   generate   an   automated   reply   when   the   Centre   receives  
your   assignment.   If   there   is   a   problem   a   COE   staff   member   will   send   you   an   email   to   your  
Macquarie  student  email  account  within  2  working  days.  If  your  submission  is  correct  you  
will  not  receive  any  further  email  correspondence.  
 
Posting  Assignments  
Assignments  submitted  by  post  will  be  stamped  with  the  date  of  receipt,  recorded  and  passed  
to  the  marker.  It  is  not  possible  to  use  the  date  of  posting  as  the  date  of  receipt.  
Mail  to:  
Assignment  Clerk  
Centre  for  Open  Education  
Macquarie  University  
NSW  2109    
 
Assignments  Delivered  by  Hand  
During   office   hours,   assignments   will   be   accepted   over   the   counter   at   the   Centre   for   Open  
Education,   Level   1,   Building   X5B.   Outside   office   hours,   you   may   leave   your   assignments   in   the  
deposit  box  to  the  left  of  the  entrance  to  the  Centre.  
 
This  box  is  accessible  at  all  times  and  is  cleared  at  8.30am  Monday  to  Friday.  Assignments  left  
overnight  are  stamped  with  the  previous  day’s  date.    Please  note  that  the  box  is  not  cleared  on  
Saturday,  so  if  your  assignment  is  due  on  a  Friday,  it  must  be  delivered  to  the  Centre  Recep-­‐
tion  by  5pm  on  that  day.    Monday  morning  clearances  will  carry  Sunday’s  date.  
 

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Late  Assignments  
There  is  no  guarantee  that  a  late  assignment  will  be  marked.    If  there  is  a  reason  why  you  can-­‐
not   meet   the   due   date   still   submit   your   assignment,   you   are   strongly   advised   to   contact   the  
unit  convenor  prior  to  the  due  date  to  explain  the  circumstances  and  see  whether  an  exten-­‐
sion  of  time  is  possible.    If  you  are  granted  an  extension,  please  include  details  of  the  approval  
for  late  submission  with  your  assignment.  
 
Academic  Honesty  
To  maintain  good  academic  practice,  so  that  you  may  be  given  credit  for  your  own  efforts,  and  
your   own   contribution   can   be   properly   appreciated   and   evaluated,   you   must   acknowledge  
your  sources.    
 
All   students   and   scholars   are   bound   by   these   rules   because   all   scholarly   work   depends   in   one  
way   or   another   on   the   work   of   others.   Therefore,   there   is   nothing   wrong   in   using   the   work   of  
others  as  a  basis  for  your  own  work,    provided   you  do  not  attempt  to  pass  off  someone  else's  
work  as  your  own.  
 
If   you   take   and   use   the   work   of   another   person   without   clearly   acknowledging   your   source,  
you   are   committing   an   act   of   PLAGIARISM.   This   is   a   very   serious   violation   of   good   practice  
and  an  offence  for  which  you  will  be  penalised.  
Always:  
• State  clearly  in  the  appropriate  format  where  you  found  the  material  on  which  you  have  based  
your  work,  using  the  system  of  reference  specified  by  the  Department  in  which  your  assignment  
was  set;  
 
• Acknowledge  the  people  whose  concepts,  experiments,  or  results  you  have  extracted,  developed  or  
summarised,  even  if  you  put  these  ideas  into  your  own  words;  
 
• Avoid  excessive  copying  of  passages  by  another  author,  even  where  the  source  is  acknowledged.  
Find   another   form   of   words   to   show   that   you   have   thought   about   the   material   and   understood   it,  
but  remember  to  state  clearly  where  you  found  the  ideas.  
 
You  will  be  GUILTY  of  PLAGIARISM  if  you  do  any  of  the  following  in  an  assignment,  or  in  any  
piece  of  work,  which  is  to  be  assessed,  without  clearly  acknowledging  your  source  (s)  for  each  
quotation  or  piece  of  borrowed  material:  
Copy  out  part(s)  of  any  document  or  audiovisual  material,  including  computer-­based  material;  
• Use   or   extract   someone   else's   concepts   or   experimental   results   or   conclusions,   even   if   you   put  
them  in  your  own  words;  

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• Submit  your  own  workagain  that  has  been  submitted  for  previous  University  units  undertaken;  
 
• Copy   or   take   ideas   from   the   work   of   another   student,   even   if   you   put   the   borrowed   material   in  
your  own  words;  
 
• Submit   substantially   the   same   final   version   of   any   material   as   a   fellow   student.   On   occasions,   you  
may  be  encouraged  to  prepare  your  work  with  someone  else,  but  the  final  form  of  the  assignment  
you  hand  in  must  be  your  own  independent  endeavour.  
 
Encouraging  or  assisting  another  person  to  commit  plagiarism  is  a  form  of  improper  collusion  
and  may  attract  the  same  penalties.    Please  go  to  this  site  for  more  information  on  the  Univer-­‐
sity’s  Academic  Honesty  Policy:      
www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html  
 
Academic  Integrity  Module  

The  Academic  Integrity  Module  for  Students  is  a  Learning  Skills  iLearn  resource  specifically  
designed  to  help  you  learn  about:  

1. What  "academic  integrity"  is  and  why  it's  important  

2. Acceptable  and  unacceptable  academic  behaviours  in  university  
3. What  'plagiarism'  is  and  key  strategies  to  avoid  it  
4. Your  responsibilities  in  relation  to  academic  integrity  and  your  rights  under  the  Macquarie  
University  Academic  Honesty  Policy.  
 
Enrol  in  the  Academic  Integrity  Module  via  iLearn.  
 
Once  you  enrol  in  the  Academic  Integrity  Module  for  Students,  you  can  access  it  from  your  
iLearn  course  list  under  the  category  "Student  Support".  

 
 

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Examinations  
Sydney   metropolitan   students   enrolled   in   an   external   unit   can   access   a   draft   examination  
timetable   https://iexams.mq.edu.au/timetable   8   weeks   prior   to   the   exam.   Dates   for   draft   and  
final  exam  timetable  are  published  at  http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/  
This   final   timetable   (released   4   weeks   before   the   exam)   will   include   details   regarding   seat  
number  and  room  location  for  examinations.    If  your  examination  centre  is  not  at  Macquarie  
University,  you  will  receive  details  of  your  supervisor  and  location  of  your  examination  cen-­‐
tre.    
 
No  information  about  dates  and  times  of  examinations  is  given  over  the  telephone  but  if  you  
cannot  access  a  draft  examination  timetable,  please  do  not  leave  your  enquiry  until  the  week  
prior   to   the   commencement   of   exams.   The   Exam   Section   handles   all   formal   examination   ar-­‐
rangements.   Their   phone   number   is   (02)   9850   7356.   All   communications   relating   to   formal  
examinations,   including   requests   for   change   of   examination   centre   should   be   addressed   to  
ask.mq.edu.au.    Any  correspondence  relating  to  serious  unavoidable  disruption  during  exami-­‐
nations  must  also  be  forwarded  directly  through  ask.mq.edu.au.    
 
For  policy  on  Special  Consideration,  please  refer  to      
www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html  
The  Application  for  Special  Consideration  can  be  completed  at  ask.mq.edu.au  
 
Examinations  at  Country  or  Interstate  Centres  
If  you  are  taking  examinations  at  a  centre  other  than  Macquarie  University,  you  will  be  given  a  
telephone  number  to  contact  your  supervisor.    Unless  you  are  asked  not  to  phone,  you  should  
call  your  supervisor  one  week  prior  to  your  first  examination  to  confirm  your  attendance.  If  
you  are  traveling  to  an  exam  and  are  unfamiliar  with  the  area,  allow  sufficient  time  to  find  the  
correct  room.  
 
If  you  cannot  sit  an  examination(s)  you  must  give  72  hours  prior  notice.    Students  who  do  not  
advise  the  supervisor  of  non-­‐attendance  may  be  charged  an  examination  fee  of  $70  to  cover  
the  supervision  costs.  Your  draft  examination  timetable  will  indicate  the  examination  centre  
where   you   will   be   sitting   for   your   examinations.   If   your   examination   centre   is   incorrect,   or  
you   have   changed   address   resulting   in   a   change   of   examination   centre,   or   you   are   in   any  

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doubt   about   where   you   should   sit   examinations,   please   contact   the   Exams   Section   immedi-­‐
ately.  
 
Examinations  at  Macquarie  University  
All   metropolitan   distance   education   students   sit   for   examinations   at   Macquarie   University   to-­‐
gether  with  the  internal  students.    Metropolitan  distance  students  will  be  advised  of  their  seat  
number   and   room   location.   (For   exam   purposes,   the   Sydney   metropolitan   area   is   defined   as   the  
area  bounded  by  the  Lower  Blue  Mountains  (Katoomba)  to  the  South  West,  Campbelltown  in  the  
West,  Woy  Woy  in  the  Central  Coast  to  the  North  and  Helensburg  to  the  South.)  
Please   check   your   examination   details   carefully   to   avoid   making   mistakes   and   causing   unnec-­‐
essary  distress.    If  you  are  traveling  to  an  exam  and  are  unfamiliar  with  the  area,  allow  suffi-­‐
cient  time  to  find  the  room.    
Your  photo  (campus  card)  must  be  carried  with  you  to  each  examination  and  must  be  
produced  upon  request  of  the  supervisor.    Students  who  do  not  provide  photographic  
proof  of  identity  will  not  be  permitted  to  sit  for  an  examination.  
All   examinations   for   internal   subjects   are   held   at   Macquarie   University   and   students   in  
such  subjects  should  note  this  fact.  No  exceptions  will  be  made.  
 
Unavoidable  Disruption  
If  you  are  prevented  by  serious  unavoidable  disruption  from  attending  an  examination  you  
will  need  to  complete  an  Application  for  Special  Consideration,  online  at  ask.mq.edu.au  
For  policy  on  Special  Consideration,  please  refer  to  
www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html  
 
Please  note  that  for  an  application  to  be  valid,  you  must  have  been  performing  satisfactorily  in  
the   unit(s)   prior   to   experiencing   disruption.   The   application   must   be   completed   online   by   the  
student  seeking  special  consideration  within  five  calendar  days  after  the  due  date  of  the  asso-­‐
ciated  assessment  task/formal  examination.      
Please  ensure  that  you  attach  supporting  documents  to  your  request  for  special  consideration.  
Students  are  also  responsible  for  following  up  with  their  department  to  confirm  whether  they  
have  been  granted  a  supplementary,  as  well  as  checking  the  time,  date  and  location  of  a  sup-­‐
plementary  exam.

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Services  and  resources  for  students  
The  Library  
The  Library’s  website  provides  accurate  up-­‐to-­‐date  information  and  access  to  the  services  and  
facilities   of   the   Library.   Students   can   contact   the   Library   and   ask   questions   about   services   us-­‐
ing  the  Ask  a  Librarian  service  on  the  website.  
 
Library  Distance  Education  Services  
Students   enrolled   in   external  units  who  live  outside  the  Sydney  metropolitan  area  are  eligible  
to  use  the  Library  Distance  Education  Service.    This  service  provides  the  borrowing  and  deliv-­‐
ery  of:  
• loans  from  its  collection  
• copies  of  articles  and  chapters  in  its  collection.      
Non-­‐metropolitan  distance  education  students  may  also  make  telephone  enquiries  to  the  Li-­‐
brary   Distance   Education   Service,   Phone:   (02)   9850   7558.   Students   outside   the   NSW   (02)  
area  (within  Australia)  ph:  1800  632  743  (freecall)  
To  use  this  service,  request  online  via  the  Library's  web  page  at:  
http://mq.edu.au/on_campus/library/borrowing/distance_education_service/  
Metropolitan  based  distance  education  students  are  expected  to  borrow  books  in  per-­
son,  in  the  same  way  as  internal  students.    
 
Lectures  
Lecture  recordings  for  your  unit  will  be  available  to  download  from  ECHO360  via  your  iLearn  
unit  within  an  hour  of  the  scheduled  internal  lecture.  For  reasons  of  access,  equity  or  student  
preference  the  Centre  for  Open  Education  can  provide  a  CD  copy  of  weekly  lectures.  Request  
the  weekly  CD    
Study  Skills  Support  (StudyWISE)  
Students  wishing  to  get  an  advantage,  take  the  opportunity  of  the  university’s  free  resources  
for  learning  support,  please  refer  to  
http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/  
From  this  website  Undergraduate  students  can  access:  
• StudyWISE  Online  Resource  
• Workshops  
• Academic  Skills  Quickguides  
• Other  Help  and  Resources  

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Numeracy  Centre  
Assistance   is   available   for   students   who   wish   to   take   the   advantage   of   learning   support   in  
numeracy-­‐related  areas,  such  as  introductory  mathematics  and  statistics.  For  more  informa-­‐
tion,  telephone  (02)  9850  8924.  
www.maths.mq.edu.au/numeracy/  
 
Campus  Wellbeing  
Macquarie   University   is   committed   to   supporting   students   and   ensuring   they   have   the   oppor-­‐
tunity  to  perform   at  their  best.  Please  utilize  the  opportunity  of  additional   support.     The  Cam-­‐
pus   Wellbeing   team   provide   access   to   confidential   counselling,   welfare   and   disability   services  
for  all   Macquarie  University  students.    These  services  can  be  accessed  by  phone  if  you  are  un-­‐
able  to  attend  the  campus.  
For  more  information,  please  go  to:  www.campuslife.mq.edu.au/campuswellbeing  
 
As  part  of  our  commitment  to  improving  your  university  experience,  our  health  and  wellbeing  
service   is   a   24-­‐hour   information   and   referral   services   for   all   Macquarie   University   students.  
You  can  contact  them  by  calling  1800CAREMQ  or  by  visiting:    
student.mq.edu.au/notices_events/notices/1800_care_mq/  
 
Discrimination  and  Harassment  
At   Macquarie   we   take   all   forms   of   discrimination   and   harassment   seriously.   The   Equity   and  
Diversity  unit,  case  manages  equity  related  grievances,  and  can  be  contacted  by  Phone:  (02)  
9850  7471  or  email:  equityanddiversity@mq.edu.au  
 
Please   go   to   this   site   for   more   information   on   the   University's   discrimination   and   harassment  
prevention  policy:  www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/discrimination_harassment/policy.html  
 
Freedom  of  Information  Policy  
The  records  and  decisions  of  Macquarie  University  are  subject  to  the  terms  of  the  New  South  
Wales  Freedom  of  Information  Act  1989.  
The  Freedom  of  Information  Act  gives  individuals:  
• a  right  to  obtain  access  to  documents  held  in  the  records  of  the  University,  
• a   right   to   request   amendments   of   personal   information   held   by   the   University   if   it   is  

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found  to  be  incorrect  and  
• a   right   to   appeal   (Internal   Review,   Ombudsman,   ADT   Appeal)   against   a   decision   not   to  
grant  access  to  documents  or  to  amend  personal  records.  
 
Online  details  of  Macquarie  University’s  approach  to  Freedom  of  Information,  including  appli-­‐
cation  forms,  can  be  found  at  the  web  site    
disclosure.mq.edu.au/right_to_information_at_macquarie/  
 
For  further  information  contact  the  Freedom  of  Information  Officer:    
phone:  (02)  9850  7362  email:  gipa@mq.edu.au  
 

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FACULTY  OF  ARTS  
The  following  information  details  the  Departments  within  the  Faculty  of  Arts  that  offer  majors  
available  to  External  students.  

Department  of  Ancient  History  

This   Department   welcomes   and   encourages   distance   study   in   Ancient   History,   and   hosts   a  
Museum   of   Ancient   Cultures   and   many   more   resources   for   students   interested   in   this   field.  
Please  go  to  the  Ancient  History  website  for  more  information.    
 
The  Ancient  History  Department  offers  a  broad  range  of  units  on  the  cultures  and  languages  of  
the  ancient  world,  in  which  students  learn  how  to  use  literary  texts,  papyri,  inscriptions,  coins,  
art  and  archaeological  evidence  to  reconstruct  the  ancient  world.    
 
Most  200  and  300  level  Ancient  History  units  are  offered  in  alternate  years.  Ancient  History  
units  can  be  taken  selectively  as  part  of  your  degree,  or  you  can  complete  a  major  in  Ancient  
History.  
 
Click   on   the   following   Handbook   link   to   view   the   major   in   Ancient   History:   Greece,   Rome   and  
Late  Antiquity.  Egypt  and  the  Near  East  

Department  of  International  Studies  

The   Department   of   International   Studies   offer   majors   in   Croatian,   French,   German,   Italian,  
Japanese,   Modern   Greek,   Polish,   Russian   and   Spanish   by   Distance   Education.   These   languages  
are  also  available  to  select  as  the  specific  language  in  the  Diploma  of  Languages  (24cps).  In-­‐
troductory   [100   level]   units   in   all   languages   are   for   students   with   little   or   no   previous   knowl-­‐
edge   of   the   language.     In   addition   to   language,   the   Department   offers   units   in   literature   and  
culture,  including  interdisciplinary  ASN  and  EUL  units.  

Study  at  an  overseas  University  

Short  Residential  Units  (3cp)  are  available  at  various  levels  in  all  languages.  Students  enroll-­‐
ing   in   these   units   study   at   an   approved   exchange   university   and   have   their   studies   credited  
towards  their  Macquarie  award.    
Interested  students  should  contact  Joanna  Rosenzweig  (joanna.rosenzweig@mq.edu.au  or  02  
9850   6327)   or   Josephine   Trinh,   Outbound   Program   Advisor   (josephine.trinh@mq.edu.au   or  
02  9850  1867).  
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Note:   All   units   are   offered   subject   to   viable   enrolments.   The   Department   reserves   the   right   to  
cancel  units  with  very  low  enrolments.  
For  more  information,  please  visit  the  Department  of  International  Studies  .  

Croatian  
Croatian  is  available  in  a  range  of  Distance  language  units,  all  of  which  can  be  taken  towards  a  
Major  in  Croatian.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  language  as  
part  of  the  Diploma  of  Languages.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  satisfied  
in  order  to  graduate.      
 
Croatian   is   being   offered   at   the   introductory,   intermediate   and   advanced   level.     Students   with  
little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  Croatian  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.    
Please  note  that  CRO  230  and  CRO  330  alternate  with  CRO  360  and  CRO  365,  so  are  offered  
every  other  year.    
 
More   than   24   credit   points   may   be   required   depending   on   background   in   the   Croatian   lan-­‐
guage.    An  Academic  Advisor  should  be  consulted.    The  Academic  Advisor  for  Croatian  is  Mr  
Luka  Budak,  ph:  (02)  9850  7040,  or  email  luka.budak@mq.edu.au  
 
The  program  in  Croatian  is  supported  by  funding  from  the  Croatian  Studies  Foundation  and  
the  Ministry  for  Science,  Education  and  Sport,  Republic  of  Croatia.    
 
Please   go   to   the   Centre   for   European   Languages   and   Cultures   for   descriptions   of   these   sub-­‐
jects   and   more   information   about   studying   Croatian   with   the   Department   of   International  
Studies.  

French  and  Francophone  Studies  

French   is   available   in   Distance   mode   in   a   range   of   language   units,   all   of   which   can   be   taken  
towards  a  Major  in  French.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  
language  as  part  of  the  Diploma  of  Languages  
French   is   being   offered   at   the   introductory   (100),   intermediate   (200)   and   advanced   (300)  
level.     Students   who   have   completed   HSC   French   Continuers   (band   4   and   above)   or   HSC  
French   Extension,   and   those   with   equivalent   prior   knowledge,   start   at   200   level.   Students  

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with  little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  French  start  at  100  level.      
 
More  than  24  credit  points  may  be  required  depending  on  background  in  the  language  -­‐  an  
academic  advisor  should  be  consulted.    The  Academic  Advisor  for  French  studies  is  A/Prof  
Karin  Speedy,  who  may  be  contacted  by  phone:  02  9850-­‐7006  or  by  email:  
Karin.speedy@mq.edu.au  or  Dr  Brigitte  Jandey  phone:  02  9850  7029  or  email:  
Brigitte.jandey@mq.edu.au  
Please   go   to   the   Centre   for   European   Languages   and   Cultures   for   more   information   about  
studying  French  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.    

German  
German  is  available  in  Distance  mode  in  a  range  of  language  units,  all  of  which  can  be  taken  
towards  a  Major  in  German.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  
language   as   part   of   the   Diploma   of   Languages.     The   general   requirements   for   the   degree   must  
be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.      
 
German  is  being  offered  at  the  introductory,  intermediate  and  advanced  level.    Students  with  
little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  German  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.    
More   than   24   credit   points   may   be   required   depending   on   background   in   the   German   lan-­‐
guage.      
 
The   Academic   Advisor   for   German   is   Dr   Ulrike   Garde,   ph:   02   9850   7051,   or   email  
Ulrike.garde@mq.edu.au  
Please   go   to   the   Centre   for   European   Languages   and   Cultures   for   descriptions   of   these   sub-­‐
jects   and   more   information   about   studying   German   with   the   Department   of   International  
Studies.  

Italian  
Italian   is   available   in   Distance   mode   in   a   range   of   language   units,   all   of   which   can   be   taken   to-­‐
wards   a   Major   in  Italian.     This   major   must   be   completed   as   part   of   a   degree   or   individual   lan-­‐
guage  as  part  of  the  Diploma  of  Languages.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  
satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.      
 
Italian   is   being   offered   at   the   introductory,   intermediate   and   advanced   level.     Students   with  

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little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  Italian  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.      
 
More  than  24  credit  points  may  be  required  depending  on  background  in  the  Italian  language.    
An  Academic  Advisor  should  be  consulted.  The  Academic  Advisor  for  Italian  is    Gianluca  Ali-­‐
meni,  ph:  02  9850  702725,  or  email  gianluca.alimeni@mq.edu.au    
Please   go   to   the   Centre   for   European   Languages   and   Cultures   for   descriptions   of   these   sub-­‐
jects   and   more   information   about   studying   Italian   with   the   Department   of   International   Stud-­‐
ies.  

Japanese  
It  is  possible  to  complete  a  major  in  Japanese  as  part  of  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  by  Distance.  This  
major  must  be  completed  as  part   of   a  degree   or   individual   language   as   part  of   the   Diploma   of  
Languages.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.    
 
For  information  about  completing  a  Major  in  Japanese,  an  Academic  Advisor  should  be  con-­‐
sulted.  The  Academic  Advisor  for  Japanese  is  Dr  Kimiko  Tsukada by  email  
kimiko.tsukada@mq.edu.au    
 
Japanese  units  can  also  be  taken  as  part  of  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  as  electives  for  those  students  
who  have  an  interest  in  Japanese  language,  society  and  culture.    Japanese  is  being  offered  at  
the  introductory,  intermediate  and  advanced  level.    Students  with  little  or  no  previous  knowl-­‐
edge  of  Japanese  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.  
 
Please   go   to   the   Centre   for   Asian   Studies   for   descriptions   of   these   subjects   and   more   informa-­‐
tion  about  studying  Japanese  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.  

Modern  Greek  
Modern  Greek  is  available  in  Distance  mode  in  a  range  of  language  units,  all  of  which  can  be  
taken  towards  a  Major  in  Modern  Greek.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  
individual   language   as   part   of   the   Diploma   of   Languages.     The   general   requirements   for   the  
degree  must  be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.      
 
Modern  Greek  is  being  offered  at  the  introductory,  intermediate  and  advanced  level.    Students  
with   little   or   no   previous   knowledge   of   Modern   Greek   start   at   100   level,   post-­‐HSC   students   at  

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200   level.     More   than   24   credit   points   may   be   required   depending   on   background   in   the   Mod-­‐
ern  Greek  language.    
 
An   Academic   Advisor   should   be   consulted.   The   Academic   Advisor   for   Modern   Greek   is   Dr  
Elizabeth  Kefallinos,  ph:  02  9850  7031,  or  email  elizabeth.kefallinos@mq.edu.au  
 
Please  go  to  the  Centre  for  European  Languages  for  more  information  about  studying  Modern  
Greek  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.  

Polish  
Polish   is   available   in   Distance   mode   in   a   range   of   language   units,   all   of   which   can   be   taken   to-­‐
wards  a  Major  in  Polish.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  lan-­‐
guage  as  part  of  the  Diploma  of  Languages.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  
satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.  
 
Polish   is   being   offered   at   the   introductory,   intermediate   and   advanced   level.     Students   with  
little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  Polish  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.  
 
More  than  24  credit  points  may  be  required  depending  on  background  in  the  Polish  language.    
An   Academic   Advisor   should   be   consulted.   The   Academic   Advisor   for   Polish   is   Mr   Andrew  
Siedlecki,  ph:  02  9850  7014,  or  email  andrew.siedlecki@mq.edu.au  
 
It  is  recommended  that  students  complement  their  studies  of  Polish  language  and  culture  by  
enrolling  in  one  or  more  of  the  following  units  with  a  European  focus:  
EUL202  The  European  Union  
EUL308  European  Languages  Internship  
Please  go  to  the  Centre  for  European  Languages  for  descriptions  of  these  subjects  and  more  
information  about  studying  Polish  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.  

Russian  
Russian  is  available  in  Distance  mode  in  a  range  of  language  units,  all  of  which  can  be  taken  
towards  a  Major  in  Russian.  This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  
language  as  part  of  the  Diploma  of  Languages.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  
be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.      

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Russian  is  being  offered  at  the  introductory,  intermediate  and  advanced  level.  Students  with  
little  or  no  previous  knowledge  of  Russian  start  at  100  level,  post-­‐HSC  students  at  200  level.  
More   than   24   credit   points   may   be   required   depending   on   background   in   the   Russian   lan-­‐
guage.  An  Academic  Advisor  should  be  consulted.  The  Academic  Advisor  for  Russian  is  Dr  Ma-­‐
rika  Kalyuga,  ph:  02  9850  7016,  or  email  m arika.kalyuga@mq.edu.au    
 
Please  go  to  the  Centre  for  European  Languages  for  descriptions  of  these  subjects  and  more  
information  about  studying  Russian  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.  

Spanish  and  Latin  American  Studies  

Spanish  is  available  in  Distance  mode  in  a  range  of  language  units,  all  of  which  can  be  taken  
towards  a  Major  in  Spanish.    This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree  or  individual  
language   as   part   of   the   Diploma   of   Languages.     The   general   requirements   for   the   degree   must  
be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.      
 
Spanish  is  being  offered  at  the  introductory,  intermediate  and  advanced  level.    Students  with  
little   or   no   previous   knowledge   of   Spanish   start   at   100   level,   Post-­‐HSC   or   equivalent   students  
at  200  level.      
More   than   24   credit   points   may   be   required   depending   on   background   in   the   Spanish   lan-­‐
guage.   The   Academic   Advisor   for   Spanish   is   Dr   Jane   Hanley,   ph:   02   9850   6885,   or   email:  
jane.hanley@mq.edu.au  
 
Please  go  to  the  Centre  for  European  Languages  for  descriptions  of  these  subjects  and  more  
information  about  studying  Spanish  with  the  Department  of  International  Studies.  

Macquarie  Law  School  

Continuing   Bachelor   of   Laws   by   Distance   students   (72   cps)   and   Bachelor   of   Laws  
(Graduate   entry)   by   Distance   (72cps)   will   be   able   to   continue   with   their   current   pro-­
gram  until  graduation.  

Bachelor  of  Laws  by  Distance  (2014  onwards)  

To  qualify   for   the   award   of   Bachelor  of  Laws  (LLB),  a  student  must  complete  96  credit  points  
including  at  least  72  credit  points  in  LAW,  LAWS  or  LAWZ  units,  as  well  as  complete  one  of  
seven  qualifying  interdisciplinary  majors.  

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Choice  of  7  majors  –    
• Corporate  and  commercial  law  
• Criminology  
• Environmental  Law  and  Management  
• International  Law  and  Global  Governance  
• Media,  Technology  and  the  Law  
• Public  Policy  Law  and  Governance  
• Social  Justice  
Students  must  study  LAW115  in  their  first  session  unless  unit  exemption  has  been  granted.  

People  and  Planet  units  

All  Bachelor  of  Laws  students  commencing  from  2014  will  be  required  to  complete  a  People  
and   Planet   unit.   People   and   Planet   units   are   a   unique   feature   of   Macquarie's   undergraduate  
curriculum.  People  units  are  designed  to  give  students  an  understanding  of  what  it  means  to  
live   in   the   social   world,   and   to   develop   cultural   or   social   literacy.   Planet   units   enable   students  
to  develop  scientific  literacy  and  to  understand  what  it  means  to  live  in  the  physical  world.  To  
satisfy  the  requirements  a  degree  must  include:  
• one  unit  taken  from  the  Schedule  of  People  Units  and    
• one  unit  taken  from  the  Schedule  of  Planet  units,    
• and  those  units  must  be  taken  in  two  different  Faculties.  
 

Capstone  and  PACE  Units  

Students   are   required   to   complete   one   PACE   unit.       These   units   are   designed   to   enable   stu-­‐
dents  to  engage  in  work-­‐integrated  or  experiential  learning  and  facilitate  the  transition  from  
University  to  the  workplace.  
 
The   capstone   unit   in   the   Bachelor   of   Laws   program   is   LAW555   Remedies,   Reparations   and  
Resolution  in  Law,  which  is  a  core  unit.  

Compulsory  On  Campus  Sessions  

Distance   students   must   attend   a   two-­‐day   intensive   for   each   Law   unit   studied   per   session.  
These  on-­‐campus  sessions  are  usually  held  in  the  mid-­‐session  breaks  of  the  University  (April  
and   then   late   September).   The   on-­‐campus   sessions   provide   LLB   Distance   students   with   the  
opportunity  to  interact  with  their  peers  and  to  engage  with  the  academics  teaching  at  the  Law  
School.   Students  should  take  particular  care  to  make  sure  there  are  NO  clashes  of  on-­campus  

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sessions  in  the  units  they  select.    

Prerequisites  
The  Bachelor  of  Laws  by  Distance  is  a  highly  structured  degree,  particularly  at  100,  200  and  
300   level,   and   is   designed   so   that   student’s   progress   through   the   units   in   order,   gaining   the  
knowledge   that   forms   the   background   and   prerequisite   for   subsequent   units.     Students   are  
strongly   encouraged   to   follow   this   order,   or   they   may   find   it   difficult   to   progress   smoothly  
through  the  program.  
 
Failure   to   complete   prerequisite   units   may   mean   that   a   student   cannot   proceed   with   the  
planned  program  in  the  following  semester.    In  such  cases,  the  student  will  be  withdrawn  
from   any   unit/s   for   which   the   prerequisite   has   not   been   met.   Students   are   advised   to  
double-­‐check   their   program   on   eStudent   before   the   study   session   starts.   The   last   day   to   add  
an  external  unit  is  the  end  of  the  first  week  of  study.  
 
Program  Planning  for  Distance  Law  students  
Please  see  the  Law  School  website  for  an  indicative  program  of  study  for  the  Bachelor  of  Laws  
by  Distance.  

Graduate  Entry  Bachelor  of  Laws  by  Distance  (Only  applicable  to  students  
already  in  the  program)  prior  to  2014  
Re-­‐enrolling   students   in   this   full   time   program   should   not   attempt   to   undertake   full-­‐time   em-­‐
ployment.   Students   should   seek   academic   advice   as   to   the   consequences   for   their   progress  
through  the  degree  if  they  do  not  continue  on  a  full-­‐time  basis.    
 
The  Graduate  LLB  program  requires  students  to  complete  24  units.  Each  unit  is  worth  3  credit  
points  for  a  total  of  72  credit  points.  Of  the  24  units  to  be  studied,  15  are  compulsory  and  re-­‐
flect  the  areas  of  study  required  by  the  legal  profession  for  admission  to  legal  practice.  Mac-­‐
quarie  also  requires  students  to  complete  a  Participation  and  Community  Engagement  (PACE)  
unit,  which  will  facilitate  the  transition  of  our  graduates  into  the  workplace.  The  remaining  8  
units  are  to  be  drawn  from  a  rich  variety  of  elective  units  (listed  below).    
 
Program  Planning  for  Graduate  Entry  Distance  Law  students  
Please  see  the  Law  School  website  for  an  indicative  program  of  study  for  the  Graduate  Entry  
Bachelor   of   Laws   by   Distance   (only   applicable   to   students   already   in   the   program   prior   to  
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2014).  

Honours  students  who  commenced  their  LAW  studies  from  2003  onwards  
Eligibility   for   Honours   in   the   Bachelor   of   Laws   is   based   on   the   calculation   of   a   ‘Course  
Weighted  Average’  (CWA)  for  all  units  studied  at  Macquarie  with  the  prefix  ‘LAW.’  The  CWA  is  
the   sum   of   the   numerical   marks   for   each   “LAW”   unit,   multiplied   by   the   credit   points   in   that  
unit,  divided  by  the  total  credit  points  for  the  student  in  those  units.  
 
The   calculation   of   CWA   will   not   include   units   studied   at   other   universities,   including   units  
taken  while  on  an  international  exchange  program.    A  student  must  have  completed  a  mini-­‐
mum  of  44  credit  points  of  units  with  the  prefix  ‘LAW’  at  Macquarie  to  be  eligible  for  gradua-­‐
tion  with  Honours.  
 
Students  will  graduate  with  First  Class  Honours  if  they  have  obtained  a  CWA  of  76  or  higher,  
and   they   have   completed   a   LAW561   or   LAW564   Advanced   Legal   Research   Project   with   a  
grade  of  at  least  a  Credit.  Students  will  graduate  with  Second  Class  Honours  if  they  obtain  a  
CWA  of  71  or  higher.    
There  is  no  rounding  up  of  a  CWA  to  reach  71  or  76.  

Department  of  Modern  History,  Politics  and  International  Relations    

The  Department  welcomes  external  students  to  its  program.  It  offers  a  coherent,  comprehen-­‐
sive  analysis  of  the  past,  beginning  in  medieval  times  and  proceeding  to  contemporary  soci-­‐
ety.  Three  strategic  areas  may  be  broadly  identified  as  Australian,  European  and  World  His-­‐
tory,  but  there  is  a  richness  of  themes  and  a  geographical  and  temporal  expanse  of  areas  and  
periods.  Please  visit  the  Faculty  of  Arts  website  for  more  information.  

Modern  History  
It  is  possible  to  complete  a  major  in  Modern  History  as  part  of  your  BA  by  Distance.  This  ma-­‐
jor  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  
satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.    Please  see    information  about  the  major  in  Modern  History.  
   
Please  visit  the  web  page  of  the  Department  of  Modern  History  for  more  information.    

Politics  and  International  Relations  

It   is   possible   to   complete   a   major   in   Politics   and/or   International   Relations   as   part   of   a   BA   by  

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Distance.   This   major   must   be   completed   as   part   of   a   degree,   and   the   general   requirements   for  
the   degree   must   be   satisfied   in   order   to   graduate.   For   more   information   about   content   area  
and   studying   politics   and   international   relations,   please   visit   the   Department   of   Politics   and  
International  Relations  website.  
 
Please  visit  the  relevant  Handbook  page,  for  the  structure  and  content  of  the  major.    

Department  of  Sociology    

The   Department   of   Sociology   has   an   international   reputation   for   outstanding   education   and  
research  that  combine  a  detailed  understanding  of  contemporary  social  theory  with  a  critical  
approach  to  empirical  social  research  and  policy  analysis.  Sociology  at  Macquarie  is  oriented  
to   providing   students   with   knowledge   that   is   academically   sound,   socially   useful   and   voca-­‐
tionally  relevant.  Please  go  to  the  Department  of  Sociology  website  for  further  information.    

Sociology    
Students  of  Sociology  can  choose  from  a  wide  range  of  topics,  such  as  work  and  employment,  
love  and  intimacy,  media,  economic  and  political  sociology  and  policy  research.  Areas  of  em-­‐
ployment   include:   government   and   public   policy,   social   policy,   social   work,   social   planning,  
social   impact   analysis,   industrial   relations,   management   and   human   resource   management,  
unions  and  non-­‐government  organisations.  This  Major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree.  
The   general   requirements   for   the   degree   must   be   satisfied   in   order   to   graduate.     For   more   in-­‐
formation  about  the  structure  and  content  of  the  major  in  Sociology,  please  visit  the  relevant  
Handbook  page.  
 
More  general  information  can  be  found  at  the  Department  of  Sociology  website.  

Women’s  Studies,  Gender  and  Sexuality    

The  Interdisciplinary  Women’s  Studies,  Gender  and  Sexuality  program  offers  a  Major  in  Gen-­‐
der  Studies  that  can  be  taken  as  part  of  a  Bachelor  of  Arts.  We  have  been  offering  our  units  on-­‐
line  for  a  number  of  years  and  are  able  to  cater  to  the  needs  of  distance  students.  This  Major  
must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  satis-­‐
fied  in  order  to  graduate.    For  information  on  the  structure  and  content  of  the  major  in  Gender  
Studies,  please  visit  the  relevant  Handbook  page.    

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Department  of  Philosophy    
Philosophy    
The  Department  of  Philosophy  offers  many  units  in  external  mode  and  it  is  possible  to  com-­‐
plete  a  major  in  Philosophy  as  part  of  a  BA  by  Distance.  Over  the  next  year  we  will  continue  to  
expand   the   range   of   units   available   to   distance   education   students,   constituting   a   coherent  
and   comprehensive   overview   of   major   issues   in   contemporary   philosophy,   spanning   prob-­‐
lems  about  mind,  self,  and  knowledge;  ethics,  morality,  and  justice;  and  freedom,  power,  and  
desire.  Please  visit  the  Department  of  Philosophy  website  for  more  information  about  study-­‐
ing  Philosophy  at  Macquarie  University.  
 
This  major  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree.  The  general  requirements  for  the  degree  
must  be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.  For  the  structure  and  content  of  the  major  in  Philoso-­‐
phy,  please  visit  the  relevant  Handbook  page.  
 
 
 

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FACULTY  OF  HUMAN  SCIENCES  
Institute  of  Early  Childhood    
This   chapter   contains   information   for   Early   Childhood   students   on   who   to   contact   for   aca-­‐
demic  and  administrative  advice.  It  also  contains  information  about  the  following:  
• Bachelor  of  Education  (Early  Childhood  Education)(Birth  to  12)  
• Recognition  of  Prior  Learning  (RPL)    
• Bachelor  of  Teaching  (Early  Childhood  Education)  (new  course  for  2015)  
• Bachelor  of  Teaching  (Early  Childhood  Communities)  (new  course  for  2015)  
• Professional  Experience  
 
A  member  of  the  academic  advising  team  will  be  able  to  assist  you  either  via  email  or  
via   phone.   Face-­‐to-­‐face   meetings   can   also   be   arranged   if   this   is   preferred.   It   is   often  
possible   for   an   appointment   to   be   arranged   with   an   academic   adviser   on   the   day   of  
your  on-­‐campus  session.  However,  it  is  essential  that  you  email  at  least  1  week  before  
your   s ession   s o   t hat   t his   a rrangement   c an   b e   m ade.    
 
Questions  of  an  academic  nature  referring   to   a   specific   unit   should   be   discussed   directly   with  
the   academic   coordinator/convener   responsible   for   the   unit.   The   responsible   academics   are  
listed  in  your  unit  outline,  or  in  the  Macquarie  online  Handbook.    

Enrolling  in  Internal  Units  

All   units   offered   in   the   Bachelor   of   Education   (Early   Childhood   Education)(Birth   to   12)   are  
offered   Internally   or   Externally.   Distance   students   are   able   to   choose   to   complete   a   mixed  
mode   of   Internal   and   External   units.   Please   note   that   if   you   live   outside   the   Sydney  
metropolitan   area   and   you   choose   to   complete   any   unit   Internally   you   will   be   required   to  
travel  to  the  Macquarie  University  campus  for  tutorials  and  formal  examinations.  You  will  also  
be  charged  the  student  amenities  fee  for  that  session.  

On  Campus  Sessions  
External  units  include  compulsory  on-­‐campus  sessions  that  are  usually  scheduled  during  the  
university  break  or  at  weekends.  Details  of  these  dates  can  be  found  in  the  timetable  
 
If  you  are  unable  to  attend  any  of  these  on-­‐campus  sessions  due  to  unforeseen  circumstances,  

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it   will   be   important   that   you   contact   the   unit   convener   immediately   and   apply   for   Special  
Consideration   formally   to   the   University   via   ask.mq.edu.au   students   must   provide   supporting  
documentation   with   this   request.   The   unit   convener   reserves   the   right   to   determine   the  
outcome   of   the   application   for   special   consideration,   which   may   include   directing   the   student  
to   withdraw   from   the   unit   and   supporting   a   request   for   withdrawal   without   academic   and  
financial  penalty.      
 
Failure   to   attend   a   compulsory   on-­campus   session   can   lead   to   exclusion   from   further  
study  in  the  unit.    

Unit  Examinations  
Many  units  will  have  a  compulsory  examination  at  the  end  of  the  session.  Dates  for  the  exami-­‐
nations  will  be  published  on  the  Macquarie  University  website  in  the  2nd  half  of  each  session.  
Attendance  at  these  examinations  is  compulsory.  Students  will  be  required  to  make  necessary  
work  or  family  arrangements.  

Professional  Experience  Advice  

As  part  of  their  study,  all  students  are  required  to  undertake  professional  experience  in  rele-­‐
vant  educational  settings.    View  information  about  this  professional  experience  on  the  
Institute  of  Early  Childhood  website.  
 
For  queries  about  your  Professional  Experience  units,  please  contact  the  Institute  of  Early  
Childhood  on  02  9850  9822  or  9850-­‐1027  or  by  email  on  iec.prac@mq.edu.au  

Bachelor  of  Education  (Early  Childhood  Education)(Birth  to  12)  

The  Bachelor  of  Education  (Early  Childhood  Education)  (Birth  to  12)  is  a  four  year  full-­‐time  or  
equivalent   part-­‐time   degree   program   that   qualifies   graduates   to   work   as   teachers   with   chil-­‐
dren  aged  from  birth  to  12  years.    

Teacher  Education  Requirements  

As  advised  by  the  NSW  Institute  of  Teachers  and  effective  from  1  January  2009,  teacher  edu-­‐
cation   students   seeking   employment   as   primary   teachers   in   NSW   schools   must   have   achieved  
a   Higher   School   Certificate   minimum   Band   4   in   English   (Advanced),   English   (Standard)   or  
English   as   a   Second   Language,   and   a   Band   4   in   General   Mathematics,   or   completion   of   Mathe-­‐
matics  (2  unit).  
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Students   without   the   English   requirement   should   select   LING109   as   their   required   People  
unit.  The  mathematics  requirement  may  be  met  by  the  successful  completion  of  MATH106,  as  
an  additional  unit  in  the  Bachelor  of  Education  (Early  Childhood  Eduction)  (Birth  to  12).    

PEOPLE  and  PLANET  Units  

Single  degree  rules  
1.  Students  must  do  1  unit  outside  the  Department  and  1  unit  outside  the  Faculty  of  Human            
Sciences  (they  can  both  be  outside  the  Faculty)  
2.  If  any  of  the  units  are  part  of  the  student’s  program  of  study,  even  if  they  fulfil  (1)  they  can-­‐
not  be  counted  as  people/planet  units  
 
Warning:   Units   that   do   not   count   for   People/Planet   for   Bachelor   of   Education   (Early  
Childhood  Education)  (Birth-­12)  students    
 
ECH113  Play  and  inquiry  in  early  childhood  
ECH126  Early  childhood  in  Australia:  The  social  context  
ECH130  Health  in  Early  Childhood  
 
This  is  because  these  units  are  within  the  Institute  of  Early  Childhood  department;  therefore  
they   cannot   be   counted   as   People/Planet   units   towards   the   Bachelor   of   Education   (Early  
Childhood  Education)  (Birth-­‐12).  
 
Recognition  of  Prior  Learning  (RPL)  
As  stated,  if  you  have  completed  other  tertiary  studies  you  may  have  been  granted  recognition  
of  prior  learning  in  the  form  of  exemptions  which  can  be  counted  towards  the  total  require-­‐
ment   of   the   Macquarie   degree.   Please   see   the   current   RPL   policy   and   procedure   in   order   to  
apply  for  Recognition  of  Prior  Learning.    

Bachelor  of  Teaching  (Early  Childhood  Education)  (new  course  for  2015)    

This  degree  provides  you  with  a  four-­‐year  qualification  to  teach  children  aged  from  birth  to  
five   years   in   prior-­‐to-­‐school   settings   such   as   childcare   or   preschools.   Specialist   early   child-­‐
hood   teachers   work   with   children,   families   and   communities   to   provide   quality   educational  

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experiences  for  young  children.  Early  childhood  teachers  are  also  sought  for  consultancy  and  
professional  development  work  in  children's  services.  
For  more  details  please  see  the  relevant  course  information.  
 

Bachelor  of  Teaching  (Early  Childhood  Communities)  (new  course  for  2015)  

Jointly  offered  by  the  Institute  of  Early  Childhood  and  Warawara  -­‐  Department  of  Indigenous  
Studies,   this   degree   provides   Aboriginal   and   Torres   Strait   Islander   students   with   an   early  
childhood  degree,  designed  to  acknowledge  and  integrate  Indigenous  perspectives.  It  has  an  
alternate  year  entry  pattern  with  the  next  intake  in  2015.  Students  come  from  many  parts  of  
Australia   and   often   become   advocates   for   children   and   their   families,   as   well   as   leaders   in  
their  communities.  
For  more  details,  please  see  the  relevant  course  information.  

Early  Childhood  Professional  Experience  

Early   Childhood   students   are   required   to   attend   block   periods   of   practice   teaching.   Further  
details  and  requirements  are  contained  in  the  Professional  Experience  Handbook.  
 
This  Handbook  provides  more  detailed  information  regarding  Professional  Experience  Units.  
Copies  are  available  online  via  the  Institute  for  Early  Childhood  or  from  the  IEC  office  on  level  
3,  Building  X5B  [phone  02  9850  9822/9850-­‐1027  or  email  i ec.prac@mq.edu.au].  
 
Field  placements  are  an  essential  component  of  Professional  Experience  units.  These  provide  
an  opportunity  for  students  to  gain  experience  prior  to  school  and  school  settings,  including  
the  first  years  of  school.  Field  placements  enable  students  to  try  out  new  ideas  and  techniques  
and   reflect   upon   their   experiences   while   under   the   guidance   of   qualified   and   experienced  
teaching  staff.  
 
All   students   must   complete   the   prescribed   number   of   Professional   Experience   units   before  
they   are   eligible   to   graduate.   The   amount   of   days   required   for   these   field   placements   is   de-­‐
termined   by   the   teacher   registration   requirements   of   the   Australian   Children’s   Education   and  
Care  Quality  Authority  (ACECQA)  and  the  Board  of  Studies,  Teaching  &  Educational  Standards  

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(BOSTES).  The  number  of  Professional  Experience  units  required  for  each  distance  education  
student  is  determined  on  the  basis  of  prior  academic  qualifications  if  advanced  standing  has  
been  granted.  

Department  of  Education  

Education  
Many  of  the  units  offered  by  the  Department  of  Education  are  available  in  the  distance  educa-­‐
tion   mode.     Most   students   undertaking   units   in   the   Department   of   Education   at   Macquarie  
plan  to  teach,  but  a  significant  number  who  undertake  their  major  studies  in  education  enter  
other  fields,  such  as:  
• Curriculum  Development  
• Educational  Planning  
• Special  Education    
• Continuing  Education  
• Educational  Research  
• Human  Resources  
 
It  is  usually  necessary  to  have  experience  as  a  trained  teacher  in  order  to  enter  these  fields.  
Introductory  units  in  the  Department  raise  major  issues  confronting  contemporary  Australian  
education   set   against   an   international   background.   A   substantial   number   of   Macquarie   Un-­‐
dergraduate  students  study  these  units  because  of  their  value  other  than  for  specific  teacher  
training.      
Other  units  focus  on  the  relevance  of  disciplines  such  as  psychology,  sociology,  linguistics  and  
economics  to  problems  in  education;  problems  facing  all  education  systems;  the  educational  
problems   of   special   groups   of   people   and   special   sectors   and   evaluating   the   outcomes   of   edu-­‐
cational  endeavours.  
More  information  on  the  prerequisites  and  availabilities  is  available  in  the  Online  Handbook.  
 
For  further  information:  
Dr  Rod  Lane  
Undergraduate  Coordinator  
Department  of  Education  
Phone:  02  9850  9172  
Email:  rod.lane@mq.edu.au    

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FACULTY  OF  SCIENCE  

Distance   Education   units   are   offered   within   a   number   of   Departments   in   the   Faculty   of   Sci-­‐
ence.  Although  it  is  not  currently  possible  to  complete  a  Major  in  discipline  areas  such  as  Hu-­‐
man,   Environmental   Management,   Geophysics,   Chemistry,   Development   Studies   and   Culture  
Change,  Brain,  Behaviour  and  Evolution,  and  Spatial  Information  Science,  units  in  these  disci-­‐
pline   areas   are   offered   in   Distance   mode,   and   could   form   a   Minor   or   may   be   taken   as   your  
elective  choices  when  planning  your  degree.      

Students  are  encouraged  to  visit  the  Faculty  of  Science  web  page.  

Majors  available  in  Science  by  Distance  

Majors   in   Biology,   Palaeobiology,   and   Geology   can   all   be   completed   as   part   of   a   Bachelor   of  
Science  by  Distance  Education.  All  of  the  majors  must  be  completed  as  part  of  a  degree.  The  
general  requirements  for  the  degree  must  be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.  

Department  of  Biological  Sciences  

External   units   available   to   students   in   this   Department   cover   a   wide   range   of   subject   areas  
including  Evolution,  Biodiversity,  Genetics,  Ecology,  Animal  and  Plant  Sciences,  Immunobiol-­‐
ogy  and  Physiology.    
Additional   information   on   individual   units,   plus   information   about   seminars,   upcoming  
events,  research  undertaken  within  the  Department  can  be  found  on  the  Department  of  Bio-­‐
logical  Sciences  web  pages.  

Biology  
Students  enrolling  in  a  Bachelor  of  Science  by  Distance  can  complete  a  Major  in  Biology.     HSC  
maths   is   not   a   direct   prerequisite   for   any   Biology   units,   but   some   familiarity   with   mathemati-­‐
cal   concepts   will   be   useful.     Students   without   HSC   maths   or   equivalent   should   contact   an  
Academic  Adviser  in  the  Department  to  receive  assistance  with  program  formulation.     When  
formulating  an  external  program,  students  need  to  take  into  account  the  availability  of  units  in  
the  external  mode,  as  they  may  not  be  offered  every  year.  
Please  go  to  the  relevant  Handbook  page  for  the  structure  and  requirements  of  the  major  in  
Biology.  

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Palaeobiology  
Macquarie  University  is  the  only  Australian  university  to  offer  undergraduate  students  a  full  
major   in   palaeobiology.   This   major   must   be   completed   as   part   of   a   degree.   The   general   re-­‐
quirements  for  the  degree  must  be  satisfied  in  order  to  graduate.    
 
Please  go  to  the  relevant  Handbook  page  for  the  structure  and  requirements  of  the  major  in  
Palaeobiology.    

Department  of  Earth  and  Planetary  Sciences  

View  information  about  the  Department  of  Earth  and  Planetary  Sciences  on  their  website.  

Geology  
This  program  is  designed  primarily  for  people  with  broad  interests  in  the  geology  discipline.    
The  unit  sequence  enables  students  to  complete  a  major  study  in  geology  with  minimum  time  
and   attendance   requirements,   remembering   that   field   work   forms   an   important   part   of   the  
overall  program.    
 
Please  note  that  not  all  Geology  units  are  available  by  Distance  each  year,  but  are  offered  on  
alternate  years.  For  Academic  Advice,  please  contact  Richard  Flood  Richard.Flood@mq.edu.au  
 
Please  go  to  the  relevant  Handbook  webpage  for  more  details.    
 

   

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