Study Abroad in Sydney & Fiji: Academics

Students begin their academic program with an 10-day course in Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji for 1 credit. This course is taught both in the classroom and the field with a wide variety of included field trips.

Students continue their studies at Macquarie University in Sydney, earning up to 16 additional credits choosing from courses in a variety of disciplines including: Aboriginal Studies, Anthropology, Australian Studies, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Chinese, Communications, Economics, Education, English Literature, Finance, Geography, Geology, Law, Linguistics, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.

The University also offers three specialized programs: Aboriginal Studies, Australian Studies and for-credit internships.

The Australian academic system is a combination of the American and European systems. As in the U.S., Australian academic life is a mixture of lectures and seminars with individual work in labs and libraries. As in the European tradition, students specialize early on, studying one or two disciplines for three or four years. At Macquarie, as in the best liberal arts universities in the U.S., most assessment in the social studies and humanities relies on essay work. While there are some large lecture courses, many classes are based on the British tutorial system where a small group of students take a seminar with one professor

Computers

Students have daily access to the Computer Center on campus and in the Macquarie Library computer room, which has free Internet access. Students can also access the Internet from their dorm rooms (additional fees apply).

Course load

The average course load is three courses for 3 or 4 credits each. The workload per course is heavier than in the U.S. therefore the International Office recommends that students take 3 courses as a full-time load. The absolute maximum is 4 courses, but this can lead to a very demanding schedule.

Australian universities offer 3-year degrees in courses of specialized study. Students begin at the equivalent of the U.S. sophomore level with no introductory courses offered.

Macquarie has offered the following guidelines:
100 level at Macquarie = 200 level U.S.
200 level at Macquarie = 300 level U.S.
300 level at Macquarie = 400 level U.S.

AIFS students are fully-matriculated students of the University and can choose from many of the courses offered to undergraduates as long as they fulfill the prerequisites. Some courses may have enrollment restrictions.

Grades and Transcripts

Official transcripts are issued by Macquarie University. Hours, credit points or grades cannot be equated exactly between U.S. institutions and Macquarie. However, equivalences can be indicated for credit purposes:

Macquarie University
Standardized Numerical
GPA Weighting
High Distinction (HD)
85-100
4
Distinction (D)
75-84
4
Credit (C)
65-74
3
Pass (P)
50-64
2
Pass Conceded (PC)
45-49
1
Fail (F)
F
0

Definition of grades

High Distinction (HD): Performance that meets all course objectives in such an exceptional way and with such marked excellence that it deserves the highest level of recognition.

Distinction (D): Performance that clearly deserves a high level of recognition as excellent achievement in the course.

Credit (C): Performance that is substantially better than would normally be expected of competent students in the course.

Pass (P): Performance that satisfies course objectives.

Pass Conceded (PC): Performance that meets course objectives only marginally and is therefore unlikely to be adequate preparation for study in this area.

Macquarie does not award + or - grades as a final grade or award percentage grades. If you require percentage grades you must ask your professor prior to leaving Australia. He or she will be able to write a letter with your letter grade as well as your percentage grade. There is no equivalent to the U.S. grade “D.”

Distribution of grades

receive HD and D grades; about 24 percent receive C grades; about 43 percent receive P grades; and about 6 percent receive PC grades, though there are variations from course to course and from level to level.

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Student advising

On enrollment day, international students are given advice on subjects such as the Australian academic system, teaching methods, assessment, regulations and the enrollment process. Enrollment in courses is completed in advance by Student Advisors. Students can add courses up to the end of week one, and drop courses up to the end of week two. Students are registered for classes prior to their arrival. During orientation, students are given instructions on how to change their class enrollments and registrations if required. Students complete administrative procedures and obtain student ID cards.