Several Australian universities use a system of credit points to define their courses and subjects in terms of what is a reasonable effort to expect of students. Defining a course or a subject in this way is not a legal statement, nor a guarantee of a given result. It offers an indication of the estimated work time necessary for a student to perform at a level consistent with that student's ability; that is for a student of average ability to achieve an average grade and a student of greater ability to achieve a higher grade.
This policy does not imply judgments about the degree of difficulty of different courses. Nor does it deny differences between students. It largely codifies and formalises existing practice: most academic units already work with some idea of reasonable workloads for students, based on notional `averages'. This policy encourages a more systematic approach to planning courses in relation to student workloads. It also guides students in the planning of their study time.
A standard system of credit points based on student workload shall be used throughout the university. The study commitment of a full-time student shall be defined as approximately forty-eight hours per week for each of the twenty-six teaching weeks. This includes time spent in formal classes and individual study time.
At present the majority of Monash courses have a standard forty-eight credit point year and, in line with this policy, a forty-eight point year shall be standard for all courses. One credit point will therefore equal approximately one hour of study per week through the teaching year throughout the university[*].
Faculties should conduct detailed analyses to gain more information about the actual working patterns of students in their courses. On the basis of these studies[>] and perhaps as a result of comparisons made with other universities in Australia teaching a similar course, individual faculties may come to the conclusion that an average workload greater than forty-eight hours per teaching week is justified. In such circumstances, the faculty should be prepared to define its expectations to students and to explain to them and to the Academic Board why those increased demands are necessary.
This system should be as clearly defined as possible in publications readily available to students. The explanation could take the form:
`Monash University uses credit points not only to define its degree requirements but to provide guidance to students on how to plan their study time. Students should see the hours linked to credit points as an indication of the estimated work time necessary for them to perform at a level consistent with their ability.
One credit point implies about one hour per week of student effort over the year or two hours over a semester; a six credit point subject taught in a semester therefore implies twelve hours work a week by the student in varying combinations of formal class contact and private study.'
A student enrolled in subjects totalling forty-eight credit points will represent 1.0 EFTSU (100 per cent) in terms of student statistics and HECS and fee structures.
[**]*** A twelve-point year-long subject would require twelve hours per teaching week of lectures, tutorials, practical classes and private study. However, students typically take twenty-four points in each of two semesters. Therefore, a twelve-point, semester-long subject would require twenty-four hours per week for the single semester in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and private study.
[>>]>>> Faculties can seek the assistance of the Professional Development Centre in conducting workload studies.
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