Common application terms
If you’re struggling with understanding some of the words and terms used, we have put together a short list to help you navigate the higher education words you’ll find referenced during your application to La Trobe.
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Award type
An award type is the qualification you receive when you successfully graduate. For example, undergraduate award types are associate and bachelor’s degrees with or without honours, and for postgraduate it’s graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master’s degrees.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is a document issued by La Trobe to verify a student’s enrolment in a specified course. The CoE outlines course start and end dates, total tuition fee and the provider details. A CoE is required to apply for a student visa if you’re an international student.
Contact hours
Contact hours refers to the time you are scheduled to spend in classes, course related information sessions, supervised study sessions, mandatory and supervised work-based training and examinations.
These will depend on:
- the number of subjects you are studying
- the type of classes in your subject.
There are different types of classes - lectures, tutorials, seminars, lab or practical classes, and these count toward the contact hours of study. Any private study done is not considered contact hours.
Course
A course refers to an undergraduate or postgraduate program of study that you must complete in order to qualify for an award (see award type above).
Examples of a course include Diploma of Science, Bachelor of Business, Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, Master of Information Technology.
Delivery mode
Delivery mode describes how the subject you have enrolled to study will be delivered to you, such as through blended, face to face and online learning.
You can view these options by checking the instance subject information in the University Handbook or by viewing the subject enrolment options in StudentOnLine.
Subject delivery modes and their meanings are listed below:
- On Campus: these subjects are delivered face to face and students are required to attend campus.
- Off Campus: this refers to subjects undertaken off campus as part of industry placements or internships.
- Online: these subjects are delivered fully online.
- Blended/Multi-modal: these subjects are run partly online and partly on campus.
Double degree
A double degree allows you to study in two courses at the same time and attain both award titles when you successfully complete your studies. Examples include Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Computer Science.
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English Proficiency test
An English Language Proficiency Test refers to an approved test that measures your English language abilities in spoken and written contexts. The most commonly accepted tests include IELTS, PTE and CPE – remember to pick their academic modules for your study application.
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Major
A major is a particular area of study you choose to specialise in for your undergraduate degree. To graduate with your chosen major, you must complete the credit points needed from that area of study. If you fulfil all the criteria, your chosen major will appear on your academic transcript when you graduate.
Minor
A minor is your second study area of expertise. Similar to a major, you must complete the correct number of credit points before you can gain a particular area of study as your minor.
Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory health insurance required by the Australian Government for international students studying in Australia. View a list of approved health insurers who offer OSHC
Packaged offer
Packaged offers let you secure a spot in your ideal course by accepting an offer for multiple courses. To progress, you must successfully complete the earlier course, which then qualifies you for the next one. This ensures that you meet the entry requirements for your desired course through a structured pathway.
Pathway
A pathway helps you get into your chosen course through another qualification when you don’t meet the academic or English language entry criteria, such as completing an ELICOS or Foundation Studies to gain entry into an ideal course, or by completing a diploma to lead into a related bachelor’s degree.
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Specialisation
A specialisation is a sequence of related subjects studied in a postgraduate course. In some courses, you need to complete at least one specialisation to attain your degree.
Study load
A study load, also referred to as credits, is a standard way to measure how much a subject is worth in a normal full-time year (120 credit points) and is used to determine if you are a full-time student and meet the study conditions specified on a student visa.
Study period/Study intake
A study period or study intake refers to a set time frame when your course is delivered, including orientation and exam periods.
Study periods and study intakes are most commonly semesters, which is broken up into two 12-week study periods per year with Semester 1 often taking place between February to June, while Semester 2 often occurring between July to November.
Certain courses and universities also offer Terms. Terms are shorter periods of time for course delivery and occur over six to eight weeks. Terms are more commonly found in postgraduate or foundation studies.
Subjects
A subject describes a particular unit of study you will need to complete as part of your course.
The subjects you can choose will depend on your course structure. The structure is broken down by semester or term and lists the subjects you need to complete.
- Core subjects are required for your degree.
- Elective subjects are your choice.
You can browse or search for subjects using keywords, campus, year level, semester or discipline on the La Trobe handbook
Every course is made up of subjects that will be required for you to complete in order for your to qualify for your award. These are often made up of core and elective subjects
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University handbook
University handbook, also referred to as La Trobe handbook, is an up-to-date online database that is the official source for all course and subject information offered by the university.
The University handbook allows you to search or browse course and subjects, and will provide specific details such as overviews, campus, delivery mode, learning outcomes, contacts and more.
Need help with your application?
Get in touch via phone, email or live chat – or book a free 1-on-1 appointment with a Future Student Advisor.