Choosing your courses
1. Compulsory courses and elective courses
Programs, majors and fields of study usually have compulsory courses and elective courses.
The amount of flexibility you have when choosing courses will depend on
- the requirements of your specific program, and
- the number of compulsory courses you are obliged to complete.
Where to begin
1. Program and course requirements
Get started by finding your program in the program and course catalogue.
After finding your program, you can click through to see your courses and requirements, which include:
- all the courses offered in a program. Each course is allocated a certain number of units. A standard full-time study load is 8 units per semester.
- the requirements to complete the program, including the total number of units you need to complete to graduate.
Each course links to an electronic course profile (ECP). Click on each course profile to see information about lecture topics, assessment, textbooks and more.
It is your responsibility to read your program and course requirements. These will allow you to become familiar with your study options and how you might progress through your program.
2. Program planning guidance
Your faculty may provide guidance to help you plan when you'll study each course, help you navigate your program and ensure you can meet the requirements to graduate. Find your faculty in the list below to check if program planning guides are available:
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty of Humanities and Social Science Faculty of Medicine Faculty of ScienceIf you need advice on planning your program, you can consult with your school or faculty.
Dual degree planners
The program and course catalogue links to a dual degree planner for each dual program:
- Search for and click on your dual program
- The dual degree planner is at the bottom of the first section of the grey column (just above 'Entry Requirements').
3. Orientation
Help and advice about choosing courses and progressing through your program is offered during Orientation.
It is your responsibility to attend all compulsory orientation sessions for your program. Sessions are run by academics and knowledgeable administrative staff who can clearly explain program requirements and answer any questions.
We strongly encourage you to attend any optional (i.e. non-compulsory) orientation sessions so that you can get the most out of your studies at UQ.
4. Academic advisors
Understanding your study options can be a complex process and is sometimes best done face-to-face.
If you have any questions about how to progress through your program, or about what courses you need to complete to satisfy program requirements, please make an appointment to meet with an advisor in your faculty:
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty of Medicine Faculty of ScienceAdvisors provide specialist help in course selection and can look at your individual study history to make personalised recommendations.
If you are studying a dual degree, you may belong to one or two faculties. Contact the relevant faculty that administers each program with any questions.