Overloading
A course can be completed in less time than usual by overloading.
Overloading during the year
Semester 1 and 2 Summer semester- An enrolment of more than 25 points in the Summer Semester (Semester 3) is more likely to be permitted when there are no subject clashes.
- Subjects offered in summer semester are typically taught in intensive mode. This means that the material is covered in less time than during the semester.
How to request an overload
Students should read the 'Before requesting an overload' section before requesting an overload.
- A student should request an overload in writing (email is preferred).
- The faculty will inform the student (usually by email) of whether the request has been granted and what to do next.
- The outcome of requests to overload depends upon the results achieved by a student in the previous semester.
- The faculty will not accept or consider requests to overload in Summer Semester or Semester 1 until Semester 2 results are released.
- Students need to request an overload from both faculties.
- Although an overload may be relevant to only one course, it may affect the course requirements of the other course so it is best to inform both faculties.
Before requesting an overload
As a guide, the faculty recommends that students enrolled in a normal full-time load (50 points per semester), devote at least 40 hours per week to their studies throughout the entire semester. An overload of 62.5 points would add 50 additional hours per week during the semester.
As tuition fees are determined by workload, an overload will increase the fees payable for the semester the overload is undertaken.
Please keep in mind that an overload:
- may compromise academic results
- is not grounds for special consideration or an acceptable excuse for poor results
- may increase the likelihood of timetable clashes
A student who wishes to overload to regain points lost by failing a subject(s) can arrange for an extension of the course completion date (e.g. extend a 3 year course to 3.5 years) or undertake subjects offered in summer semester.
It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that their university workload reflects what is manageable for them in balancing paid employment, family responsibilities, extracurricular activities and time spent commuting to and from university. If commitments cannot be changed, students should consider enrolling in less than a normal full-time load.
Students may contact the Science Student Centre for more assistance.