Study Information
Subject Areas
Macquarie has a comprehensive subject selection available. These can be viewed here. If you can’t find what you're looking for, write to edabroad@mq.edu.au. Please note: There are a number of courses Study Abroad and Exchange students are unable to study - view the full list.
Semester Dates
Macquarie's dates vary slightly from year to year. As a guide, classes run as follows:
| Semester 1 | ||
| End of February | - | End of June |
| (includes a two week mid-semester break and end-of-semester exams) | ||
| Semester 2 | ||
| End of July | - | End of November |
| (includes a two week mid-semester break and end-of-semester exams) | ||
Click here for the current semester dates for Undergraduates or Postgraduates.
Study Loads and Methods
Study Abroad students are required to take between 9 and 14 Macquarie University credit points per semester. The recommended load is 12 credit points. Most units at Macquarie are valued at either 3 or 4 credit points, which equate approximately between 12 and 16 hours of study per unit per week, including class attendance, private study, library research, etc. The actual workload can vary from unit to unit and even week to week across the university.
12 Macquarie credit points are equivalent to 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer Scheme), meaning that the average 3 credit point Macquarie subject is equivalent to 7.5 ECTS, a 4cp subject is worth 10 ECTS.
As the bulk of Macquarie University's degrees are 3 years in duration, the level of units is 100 (1st year), 200 (2nd year) and 300 (3rd year), which generally equate with 200, 300 and 400 level US units. Most study abroad students enrol in 100 or 200 level units. Postgraduate units are generally labelled as 800.
Macquarie University assessment is largely based on completion of assignments and essays which can vary between 1,000 and 4,000 words. There is usually a final examination or a long essay in lieu of an examination at the end of each unit. There is a great deal of individual study required at Australian universities. Most units do not have weekly class tests.
When selecting units, be sure to read the pre-requisites for that unit.
Grades awarded at Macquarie University are as follows:
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Credit Transfer
On completion of the semester or year at Macquarie University, each student (or program) will be provided with an official transcript of the results achieved whilst at Macquarie University.
A complete description of Macquarie’s grading policy is available at:
For advice on credit transfer, consult your study abroad advisor at your home institution, or edabroad@mq.edu.au.
Suggested European credit transfer system for students:
- 60 ECTS = 24 Macquarie credit points
- 30 ECTS = 12 Macquarie credit points
- 7.5 ECTS = 3 Macquarie credit points