University study not only opens your world to your chosen study area or degree, but it also opens your world to the lingo, language or terminology used within the higher education system. From words such as undergrad and postgrad, to acronyms such as GPA and HECS, it’s good to understand what it all means before embarking on your learning journey. Let’s unpack the phrases ‘part-time’ and ‘full-time’ - common enough words in everyday life, but what exactly do they mean in the context of university? Read on as we delve into questions like ‘how many hours of study is full-time?’ and ‘what are the benefits of part-time uni vs full-time?’ to help you make informed decisions about your study load.
Full-time study?
In terms of university, what is considered full-time study? At UniSQ, full-time study means being enrolled in at least 75% of the equivalent full-time load (eight units) over an academic year. These units can be taken in any study period during the year.
Examples are always helpful so let's take a look at UniSQ's Bachelor of Nursing. The Bachelor of Nursing consists of 24 units. Within this degree, each unit is equivalent to one course. The fastest way to complete the degree full-time is by studying eight courses each academic year, meaning it will take three years to complete your studies. The minimum requirement to still be considered a full-time study is six courses over the academic year, meaning your degree would take four years to complete.
How many hours is full-time study in Australia?
When planning your course load, it's helpful to understand what a full-time study commitment involves in terms of hours and how much time you'll need to dedicate to it. So, how many hours is full-time study? Unfortunately, the short answer is – it depends. One of the main factors will be the degree you are studying. At a minimum, a course will involve a lecture and a tutorial each week (ranging in duration, from 1 hour to 2 hours each), however this may be vary depending on the course content – whether it’s a core course or a more advanced specialised course – or whether your degree requires you to complete residential schools or placements. You’ll also need to factor in time to study and complete assignments, which will be unique to each person, depending on their learning and study style. The good thing about university is that most will offer flexible degrees. If full-time study proves to be too much for your circumstances, you can always adjust your study load during your degree.
Benefits of full-time study
Full-time study offers an all-encompassing learning experience which comes with a lot of benefits. It's a holistic approach that fosters enriched academic, social, and professional opportunities. Here are three benefits of undertaking full-time study.
- Strengthen your academic foundation. Full-time study fosters deep and continuous learning with minimal interruptions, helping you maintain academic momentum, strengthen comprehension and support long-term retention.
- Get a head start on your career. By completing your degree as quickly as possible, you’ll be ready to take advantage of job opportunities and enter the workforce sooner.
- Experience enhanced opportunities. More time dedicated to uni means more time to build rich connections with peers and participate in campus life. You'll also benefit from enhanced networking opportunities that can be invaluable for your future career.
Challenges of full-time study
Full-time study comes with its own set of difficulties, but like many things, it's all about finding the right balance. Here are the three common challenges of full-time study.
- Financial strain. Though the concept of studying full-time and working full-time is not unheard of, it's much more common for students to rely on part-time or casual work. This reduction in income means you may need to rely on savings, take out loans or make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate any financial pressures.
- Academic pressure. Sometimes the pace and workload of study can be intense, so time management is crucial. Creating a realistic study schedule, note-taking and staying on top of key dates can make a big difference.
- Juggling commitments. Balancing your study with other life commitments such as work, family and friends can be tricky. Recognising signs of burnout and knowing your limits is important.
Part-time study
Part-time study involves a reduced workload compared to full-time study. At UniSQ, enrolling in less than 0.75 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) in any year is considered part-time study. Part-time students are enrolled in fewer classes, which means they have fewer assignments, exams, and overall academic responsibilities each semester.
Benefits of part-time study
Part-time study offers numerous benefits and provides an effective way to make steady progress toward your degree without overwhelming your schedule. Here are three main benefits:
- Study/life balance. Part-time study provides you with greater opportunity to tailor your schedule to suit your lifestyle. Choose classes that fit in with your work and personal commitments, or study online – you choose when and how you learn.
- Earn while you learn. A reduced study load makes it easier to maintain employment where you can work more hours – this can help reduce any financial strain and give you more opportunity to apply what you're learning directly to your work.
- Less academic pressure. By spreading out your course load you can dedicate more time to individual subjects
Challenges of part-time study
While part-time study offers flexibility, it certainly has its challenges. Here are some key ones to consider:
- Academic pressure. Studying a reduced load may mean that you're not as immersed in your subject matter daily, which can make it harder to maintain momentum and stay engaged.
- Prolonged duration of study. A reduced study load each academic year means it will take longer to complete your degree. This extended timeline may delay you from stepping into your chosen career or seeking advancement in your current role.
- Limited engagement. With less time spent on campus or in classes, it can be challenging to connect with others and feel part of the campus community.
Key differences
The key differences between full-time and part-time university study come down to duration, finances, and flexibility. While full-time study allows you to complete your degree faster and enter the workforce sooner, it means a more intense schedule and can sometimes lead to financial strain. Comparatively, though part-time study provides the flexibility to progress at a more manageable pace and allows for a healthy work-life balance, it extends your study time and ultimately delays your entry into the workforce.
Deciding between full-time and part-time study
Deciding between part-time uni vs full-time uni is a big decision that depends on several factors. First, consider your career goals: if you need to enter the workforce quickly, full-time study might be the way to go. Next, evaluate your financial situation. Full-time study can be more expensive upfront, but part-time study spreads the cost over a longer period. You’ll also need to reflect on your personal circumstances, such as work, family, and other commitments, to see which option fits best with your lifestyle.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’ve been inspired to begin your study journey, there is no better time than now to start. Browse our degrees and courses and when you’re ready, you can apply online. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team.
