Useful terms for students and parents
Academic entry requirements
Academic entry requirements are listed for the most common secondary qualifications. La Trobe University accepts applications with equivalent qualifications
Admissions officer
A university officer charged with the responsibility of selecting students into courses.
Advanced standing (credit)
La Trobe University may grant Advanced Standing (credit), for subjects passed at other recognised tertiary institutions if the subjects are equivalent in content and standard to those offered by La Trobe University.
Bachelors degree
An undergraduate degree, usually consisting of three years of full-time study. (An honours year may sometimes be undertaken, which usually requires an extra year of full-time study.)
Campus
The grounds and buildings of a university. La Trobe has six campuses in Victoria: Melbourne, Melbourne (City), Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton.
Course
The structure of units within a degree over a set time-span.
Course duration
This is the normal time (in years or months) required to complete the course.
Credit
Recognition of previous tertiary-level study that allows enrolled students to gain credit for certain units (subjects) undertaken.
Deferment
Postponement of the starting date for study. This is a binding contract that guarantees a student’s place in a particular course will be held for a nominated length of time, usually one year.
Degree
The name given to a prescribed course of study.
Double degree
Double-degree programs allow students to graduate with two degrees in a reduced period and to undertake in-depth study in each of the areas of specialisation. Double-degree programs are challenging: students take on an increased workload when completing the two degrees in the minimum time. However, employers hold a high regard for double-degree graduates.
English language requirements
International students applying for undergraduate programs must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
Enrolment
The period in which students speak to course advisers, sign up for their courses, and select units.
Faculty
A collection of academic departments of similar disciplines grouped together. La Trobe has 5 faculties (Education, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Economics and Law, and Science, Technology and Engineering).
Graduate Certificate
Candidates for a Graduate Certificate typically hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent. Although the duration of programs may vary, they generally require the equivalent of six months of full-time study. In some cases, the Graduate Certificate constitutes the first half of a Graduate Diploma; see Graduate Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma.
Graduate Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma
Candidates for a Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma typically hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent. A Graduate Diploma may comprise subjects at undergraduate (Bachelor degree) level, while a Postgraduate Diploma comprises subjects at postgraduate level. Although the duration of programs may vary, they generally require the equivalent of one year of full-time study. In some cases, a Graduate Certificate constitutes the first half of the Graduate Diploma; the Graduate Diploma in turn may serve as the first part of a Master by coursework degree.
Honours year
Most Bachelor degrees at La Trobe University offer an additional Honours year to high-achieving students by invitation only. Please contact the Faculty directly for further information.
Internal transfer
Transferring from one La Trobe University course to another course offered at La Trobe University is an internal transfer.
Lecture
Organised, formal instruction, usually in the style of a talk, delivered by an academic.
Major
The main area of study taken in a degree, for example in an arts degree a student may major in .
Master (by coursework)
These expand on studies undertaken at the postgraduate diploma or Honours level and usually involve advanced coursework and a minor thesis or major project. These programs aim to develop students’ conceptual, research and professional skills
Master (by research)
Typically of one to two years’ duration. Candidates submit a thesis (not more than 60 000 words) that makes a contribution to knowledge in an approved area.
Pathway
A pathway is an alternate entry point for starting your studies at La Trobe University. La Trobe works with many TAFE partners and other institutions. La Trobe University also works with La Trobe Melbourne (formerly La Trobe University International College) to provide pathways including Foundation Studies and Diploma programs and English Language courses.
Postgraduate
Any study undertaken after the completion of a first degree (undergraduate degree).
Professional Doctorate (PhD)
Involves coursework and research components, enabling candidates to develop their professional practice skills to a high level.
Semester
The teaching time of the university. There are two semesters per year. Each semester is usually 13 weeks long and is followed by the exam and vacation period.
Student exchange
Our semester exchange program provides opportunities for La Trobe students to participate in studies overseas and students from partner institutions to study at La Trobe.
Study Abroad
The Study Abroad program involves undertaking one or two semesters of study at La Trobe University, usually for crediting to a degree program back in your home country.
Subject prerequisities
Some courses also require prior knowledge of a certain subject or subjects and these are listed in the coursefinder entry for your course
TAFE
A system of higher education generally providing instruction in technical subjects.
Tutorial
A less formal and organised session of instruction than a lecture, usually involving a greater level of contribution and interaction by a smaller number of students.
Undergraduate
Any study undertaken before completion of a first degree, or a student who has not yet graduated.
