External and Internal Study
External Study
There are many reasons why a student may choose to study externally. These include the location of the education provider (campus), family and employment responsibilities, health and/or disability reasons. External study is a course subject or program that is offered through a series of learning packages that are undertaken 'externally from campus'. This form of study is flexible as students are not required to attend tutorials and lectures on campus and can study at home at their own pace.
The qualification achieved by a student who studies externally is identical to the qualification achieved by a student that studies through other modes as the student studies the same content and is required to reach the same standard. External study learning packages consist of the following materials:
- specifically written study guides
- collections of readings which are central to the subject
- audio and video tapes
- experiment kits (if applicable)
- online content
Libraries at tertiary institutions also provide a range of special services to assist external students or students that live outside of the metropolitan area. These services include: ordering books by telephone, facsimile and e-mail and the postal delivery of loan items. To find out more these services you will need to contact the library at your tertiary institution.
Not all courses offer external modes of study so you need to contact the course coordinator prior to applying to see if this is option is available.
Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet 2 as PDF 85 KB) to identify questions to ask a course coordinator.
Internal Study
Internal study refers to 'face to face' or on campus teaching where students attend campus to undertake lectures, tutorials and or practicals related to their course subjects/units. There are many benefits to studying internally such as meeting students, talking directly with lecturers and accessing the facilities available for students on campus. This includes cafes, bookshops, medical services, counselling services, computer suites, library books, photocopying, student concerts etc.
Though the content and standards of external and internal study is the same the experience can be different. On campus teaching relies mainly on group based activities where students are taught in groups in lectures, tutorials, practicals and workshops. This group based approach to teaching is an important factor to consider when deciding on the mode of study to chose.
Refer to Worksheet 4 - Understanding your study requirements (worksheet 4 as text 63KB or worksheet 4 as PDF 94KB) to assess the impact of your disability on your course of study.
Deferment
Deferment is when a student chooses to take a temporary break from their study and does not undertake any course subjects or units for a period of time. There are many reasons why a student may chose to defer their studies. One example is if they become sick and are unable to continue their studies for a short period of time. Tertiary institutions have specific rules about deferment so it is important to be aware that some courses may not be deferred.