Glossary

Academic transcript
Your academic transcript is the official record of your time at Flinders University. It lists all the courses and topics you've taken, the grades you've earned and your overall Grade Point Average (GPA). It also shows any credits you've received, as well as any awards or prizes you've won along the way.

Activity/activities
The different ways you could be taught in any topic, such as lectures, practicals, tutorials and seminars.

Admission
The process of managing applications to Flinders University, including assessing applicants' academic history, checking program entry requirements and making offers to applicants.

Admission pathways
The different ways you can enter a Flinders University course. These options are designed to help you meet the admission requirements with or without an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

Admission Requirements
See Minimum entry requirements

Apply
To study at Flinders University, you'll need to submit an application, including supporting documentation as required.

Ask Flinders
Ask Flinders has answers to most of our frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you can't find the answer you need, Ask Flinders can also link you to our support teams.

Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)
A single document that provides information about your higher education qualification, the institution at which the qualification was obtained and the Australian higher education system.

Award
A recognised Australian qualification (such as a bachelor degree) that is granted to you after you have successfully completed a Flinders University course.

Bachelor
The title of an undergraduate degree, which usually takes 3-4 years to complete when studying full-time. With some degrees, you may be able to undertake an Honours year, which will take an extra year of full-time study.

Census date
The census date for a topic is the last day you can withdraw from topics without being financially responsible and incurring student contribution amounts (Commonwealth supported student), tuition fees (fee-paying student) and student services and amenities fees.

Chancellor
The Chancellor chairs Flinders' governing body (the University Council), presides at ceremonial occasions such as graduations and represents and advocates for the University's interests.

Class
Classes are what you register into to create your timetable. Topics can include various activities, such as lectures and tutorials. Each activity may have one or more classes.

Class registration
You may need to register into individual classes to attend those class times. If there is only one class available, you will be automatically registered. You can complete your class registrations when timetables are released to you. 

Clinical placement 
A clinical placement gives you the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a clinical or allied health care setting, working with patients or clients. 

College
Flinders has six colleges (e.g. College of Science and Engineering) which are organisational divisions dedicated to education and research in a particular area of study.

Common first year
Many courses start with a 'common first year'. This means that you and other first year students in your course, start studying the same topics before working towards a specialisation, major and/or minor.

Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF)
If you are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place, the Australian Government will subsidise your fees and you will only be liable for a student contribution fee. Part of the process to access the government assistance involves completing a Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF). The form is found in the 'My Commonwealth Assistance' tab in the Student System.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
A statement of your enrolment and a record of the government assistance (Commonwealth support) you have accessed to subsidise your tuition fees. Once available, you can access your CAN under the ‘My Documents’ tab in the Student System.

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is a course that is subsidised by the Commonwealth. All undergraduate and some post-graduate courses are CSPs, which means you are only required to pay student contribution amounts for those courses.

Computer laboratory 
A computer laboratory is a type of class activity that requires the use of specialised computer equipment or software. For example, equipment or software required for VFX, 3D modelling or software engineering. 

Conferral
The act of officially awarding a degree, diploma or certificate after successful completion of all course requirements.

Core topics
Core topics are compulsory and provide essential knowledge about your chosen area of study.

Course
A course is a program of study. Most Flinders courses lead to a degree, diploma or certificate, however Flinders also offers short courses and non-award courses that don't lead to an award, but can help you build skills, connect with experts and/or peers or continue your professional development.

Course aims
A concise summary of the main goals of your course.

Course coordinator
A member of academic staff responsible for a particular course. Your course coordinator can advise you on topic selection, study program, and learning and teaching problems you might experience.

Course rule
A statement that covers the completion requirements, learning outcomes and program of study for your course. Be sure to read your course rule and seek advice via Ask Flinders if you do not understand or have any questions.

Credit
Recognition of prior studies or work experience granted towards a course. If you are granted credit, it will reduce the number of topics you will need to complete to complete your course. You can find more information here.

CRICOS
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is the register of all Australian education providers who can offer courses in Australia to students on student visas. Flinders’ CRICOS registration number is 00114A.

Dean
An academic member of staff who reports to a College's Vice-President and Executive Dean and is responsible for one area of focus within a College. At Flinders, each College has a Dean of Research, a Dean of Education and a Dean of People and Resources. 

Defer
If you don’t want to start study straight away, you may be able to defer your offer.  Deferral is a process where a commencing student chooses to delay the start of their studies until a later semester/year. Find out more here.

Diploma
Flinders’ diploma qualifications are 1-year full time (or part time equivalent) courses that give you specific skills or knowledge in your chosen field. Many diplomas may also provide you a pathway into a related Flinders degrees upon successful completion.  

Direct entry
While many applications to Flinders University are made through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC), some courses require you to apply directly to the University for admission. This is known as direct entry.

Domestic student
If you are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, holder of an Australian permanent resident visa, or holder of a humanitarian visa you are classified as a Domestic student.

Double Major
Undertaking a double major means taking two separate majors in your course, often to help​ prepare you for specific career opportunities. Courses may include two majors if they are relevant and complementary to the course. 

Elective topics
An elective topic is a topic you can take from any area of study across Flinders University (note that you must meet any prerequisites). An elective topic allows you to personalise your course for personal interest. 

Enrolment
Enrolment is the process of selecting the topics you will study. Topics should be selected in accordance with your course rule.

Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
An Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) unit is the measure of your course workload. One EFTSL is equivalent to 36 units of study, which for most students is 8 topics (4.5 units each). A full-time study load is one EFTSL completed in one year.

Fee Account
Fee Account is a statement of your fees and associated information including payment dates. It is available online in the Student System.

Fee due date
The date by which fees must be paid.

FEE-HELP
If you are an eligible full-fee-paying student, FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that may be able to assist you in paying all or part of your tuition fees.

Field trip
An activity that you might participate in in your course that takes place off-campus at an urban, rural, remote, freshwater or marine location. 

Flinders Authentication Name (FAN)
A FAN is your personal Flinders University username or identifier and will provide you with seamless access to University-managed computers and a range of University digital services and systems. Activate you FAN here.

Flinders Learning Online (FLO)
Flinders Learning Online (FLO) is the online learning platform used by Flinders University. FLO is the major teaching and communication tool for topics.

Foundation Studies
Flinders' Foundation Studies is a government-funded bridging course designed to give you the confidence and skills to enter into a Flinders degree. Foundation Studies is delivered online and in person, and as either a fast-tracked 5-week intensive program, a 4-month program or a longer 7-month program.

Full-fee-paying place
A full-fee-paying place refers to a course that is not subsidised by the Australian Government (see Commonwealth supported place). If you are a Full-fee-paying student, you are charged tuition fees based on your topic enrolments and are responsible for the fee in its entirety.

Full-time student
If you study at least three topics per semester, you'll be considered a full-time student. The standard full-time workload is 36 units per year.

Fully Online Asynchronous Topic
You may be able to study a topic online and asynchronously. All interactions with peers, content and teaching is done via the online learning management system with activities.

Grade Point Average (GPA)
Your grade point average (GPA) is the average of the final topic grades you have achieved, taking into account topic unit values.

Graduand
A graduand is a student who has completed all the requirements for an award course (such as a bachelor degree) but whose degree has not yet been officially conferred.

Graduate
A graduate is a student who has completed all the requirements for an award course (such as a bachelor degree) and whose degree has been officially conferred.

Handbook
The Flinders Handbook is the primary and authoritative source for information on all award courses and topics offered by Flinders. Explore the handbook to find more detail about what you will be studying. 

Higher Education Contribution Scheme - Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP)
The government loan scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth-supported students in paying their student contribution fees. HELP loans are available to eligible students to help cover the costs of student contributions (HECS-HELP).  This means you don’t have to pay upfront; instead, the government covers your fees, and you repay them later.

Honours
An honours program is the equivalent of one year (36 units) of study comprising coursework, seminars and supervised research completed after a bachelor degree. It advances your knowledge in your area of focus to prepare you for postgraduate study or the workforce.

Intensive workshop
A facilitated group discussion or demonstration that usually has a specified outcome or goal. Intensive workshops usually have fewer participants than a lecture, which gives you more opportunities for participation and engagement. They are usually five or more hours in duration.

Laboratory
A laboratory is a type of class activity that usually requires the use of specialised equipment or teaching space.

Learning outcomes
A learning outcome is what you are expected to be able to understand and do by the end of your studies. Learning outcomes are shaped by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Leave of absence
If you would like to take leave from your studies for a full calendar year, you are required to apply for a leave of absence by submitting an Ask Flinders support request. If you would like to take a semester, or part of a calendar year, you are not required to apply for a leave of absence.

Lecture
A lecture is a formal presentation by a facilitator, usually lasting 1-2 hours. Unlike a tutorial or seminar, lectures have limited opportunity for engagement and group discussion. Most lectures at Flinders are recorded, so you can rewatch them at a later time.

Major
A major provides focus and depth in a field of interest that is relevant or complementary to your area of study, consists of 36 units of study, and prepares you for specialised careers.

Master's degree
A master's degree is a postgraduate qualification that takes between 1-2 years to complete (or part-time equivalent, up to 4 years). A master's degree recognises mastery in a specific academic or professional field.

Micro-credentials
Microcredentials certify that you've acquired skills, knowledge and competencies, which are assessed through the completion of a short course. They can help you build additional skills and knowledge in your field of interest or continue your professional development. Some microcredentials also count towards credit for specific topics.

Minimum entry requirements
The minimum requirements an applicant must satisfy to be considered for a course.

Minor
A minor consists of 18 units and allows you to gain knowledge in a field that is relevant or complementary to your areas of study. A minor expands the scope of your education.

Mode of delivery
‘Mode of delivery’ defines how you will study a course or topic. There are three modes of delivery:

1. In person – which means you will primarily study on campus.
2. Online plus placement/intensive – means most of your study will be online, but some in-person attendance on campus (e.g. intensive, workshop, seminar), or attendance in a work integrated learning context (e.g. clinical, field or industry placement) will be required.
3. Online - you'll study completely online.

International students please note:
Courses and topics offered in Online Plus placement/intensive mode are considered online for the purposes of the ESOS Act. Courses offered in Online plus Placement/intensive cannot be offered to onshore international students. International students may take topics offered in Online Plus placement/intensive mode, however these will contribute to the one-third limit of online topics for international students.

Modular course
A modular course consists of a common first year and must include at least one Major or Specialisation course component.

Negotiated program
An activity undertaken by an honours or postgraduate student, involving a project with a clear goal, guided by a facilitator and assigned a specific unit value.

Offer
Once your application has been assessed, an offer will be made if your application has been successful. It will indicate which course has been offered to you and in which semester it commences. You need to accept your offer to take up your place in your course.

Online lecture
A formal presentation by a facilitator, typically to a large number of students attending online, that usually has limited opportunity for engagement and group discussion. There is no opportunity for attending online lectures on campus. Some lectures may be pre-recorded and available for you to view in your own time. 

Online Synchronous Topic
You may be able to study a topic online synchronously.  All interactions with peers, content and teaching is primarily self-paced via the online learning management system.  The topic has students and teachers coming together in regular timetabled online sessions (e.g. webinars) to discuss and apply concepts.  Topics often have flexible ways to access and interact with content. 

Online tutorial
An online facilitated discussion and exploration of ideas and key concepts. Students are encouraged to have a high level of engagement and participation. You can’t attend an online tutorial on campus.

Option topics
Option topics help you personalise your course and are normally related or complementary to your course's area of study. Your course may have a  list of option topics for you to choose from.

OS-HELP
A loan from the Australian Government for students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to study part of their course overseas. The loan can be used to help pay expenses related to the overseas study experience.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
A compulsory health insurance that provides cover for the cost of medical and hospital care which international students may need while in Australia.

Part-time student
A part-time student enrols in fewer units per study period (i.e. a semester) than the normal full-time study load. Within any one semester, a part-time load is considered anything less than 18-units. 
Centrelink criteria for part-time students may differ from the above. Access the Centrelink website for their eligibility criteria. 
International students are encouraged to check their visa requirements when considering part-time study.

Postgraduate course
A postgraduate course is a program of study you can pursue after completing an undergraduate degree (such as bachelor's degree), or after sufficient work experience in your area of focus. These courses include graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or doctoral degree.

Postgraduate fee-paying student
A domestic student studying a postgraduate degree which is not Commonwealth supported.

Postgraduate student
A student who is enrolled in a postgraduate program (e.g. a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or a master's or doctoral degree).

Prerequisite
For high school students – a prerequisite is a high school subject you may be required to complete in order to be able to apply for Flinders university course.

Prescribed course
A prescribed course includes core topics with limited elective topics. Many prescribed courses are designed to meet requirements for external professional accreditation.

President and Vice-Chancellor
The University's Chief Executive and most senior academic officer. The President and Vice-Chancellor is appointed by and responsible for reporting to the University Council, the University's governing body, chaired by the Chancellor.

Professional Accreditation
Professional Accreditation indicates that a professional association or third-party governing body has officially recognised and approved the course. Professional Accreditation ensures that graduates of the course meet the standards and competencies required for professional practice.

Professional degree course
An award course that leads to a qualification and professional registration to work in a specific field, such as education. These courses often include compulsory placements to develop your hands-on skills. Professional degree courses generally have a Prescribed course structure.

Program of study (PoS)
The Program of Study (PoS) covers details including the approved topics, specialisations, majors and minors required for your award. The PoS doesn't specify when to enrol in topics; this is managed through Study Planners, available on the Flinders website or through Student Administration Services.

Register
You need to register into individual classes to attend those class times. If there is only one class available you will be automatically registered.

SA-HELP
A loan program that allows students to borrow from the Commonwealth to cover some or all of their Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to students to assist with the costs associated with their study. For more information, visit the scholarships webpage.

Semester
The academic year is typically divided into two main halves, known as semesters. Each semester lasts around 13 weeks, with a 2-week mid-semester break. Some topics may also be offered during the summer or other non-semester periods.

Seminar
A seminar is a semi-formal presentation, typically by an expert, followed by a group discussion.

Specialisation
Once you've completed your first year of study (or the equivalent 36 units), you may decide to choose a specialisation that is focused on one area of study and will give you expert knowledge in your chosen field.

Student contribution amount
If you are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), the Australian Government pays some of your fees. You need to pay the remaining fees, which is the student contribution amount. 

Student number
A student number is unique Flinders University identification number assigned to each student when you accept your offer to study at Flinders University.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee to support non-academic services and amenities (e.g., sporting activities, student support services). If you are eligible, SA-HELP is a loan scheme that helps students to pay for all or part of their SSAF. See SA-HELP for more information.

If you are an international student, this fee is incorporated in your tuition fee.

Student System
The online Flinders platform where you can accept your offer to study at Flinders, view and update your personal details, enrol in topics and register in class activities, access your fee account, view your final topic results, and view your graduation status.

Study period
A study period is a defined period of time during which topics are offered. At Flinders, the most common study periods are semester 1 and semester 2.

Study planner
Each course Flinders offers includes multiple topics. A study planner will help you plan your course and decide what topics to study, and when. Use it as a guide to plan your enrolment and complete your degree, alongside your course rule, ensuring all requirements are met. 

Suggest study plans can be found here.

Supervised study
Supervised study sessions are facilitated by an expert or student peers, allowing you to review and reflect on your learning from other sessions such as tutorials or workshops, while still having access to in-person help or advice.

Swot vac
A period of time (usually one week) before exams and major assessments are due, when there are no scheduled classes, which enables you to prepare for your final assessments.

Testamur
The official certificate issued by Flinders University, generally during your graduation ceremony. It is a legal document signed by the University Chancellor and the President & Vice-Chancellor that verifies the award has been conferred and you have received a university qualification.

Timetable
The timetable is the schedule of class activities at Flinders. It indicates the study period (semester 1, semester 2), and the days, times and locations of the activities, including lectures, tutorials, supervised study sessions, etc.

Topic
Similar to a subject in school, a topic forms part of your course.

Topic availability
The teaching period and/or location within which a topic is offered. It’s important to note that topic availability can change, so always check the actual availability of subjects in Handbook.

Topic code
An alphanumeric code that identifies a topic by subject area and level, e.g., BIOL1112 is the topic code for the first-year topic called Biology and Society. Quote the code whenever you are making enquiries or enrolling in a topic.

Topic coordinator
The member of academic staff responsible for a topic. Direct any topic-related queries to your topic coordinator.

Tuition fee
The cost of your study as a fee-paying student.

Tutorial
Tutorials or ‘tutes’ are smaller, more interactive activities where you will discuss course material, debate ideas, and ask questions.

Undergraduate course
The first type of award a student completes at university is generally referred to as an undergraduate course. This may be an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or certificate.

Undergraduate student
A student who is enrolled in an undergraduate course (e.g. bachelor degree, diploma, associate degree).

Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A Unique Student Identifier is a 10-digit number that all higher education students receive. You need a USI to receive Commonwealth financial assistance like HECS-HELP and to receive your award.

Unit
Each topic in your course is given a weighting in units. A topic generally comprises of 4.5 units. Full-time students normally complete 18 units each semester, or 36 units a year. A 3-year course requires the successful completion of 108 units that meet the course requirements.

Unofficial transcript
An unofficial record of your studies, showing the course you are studying, all topics you have enrolled in, credit you have received, topic grades, the unit value of your enrolled topics and your grade point average (GPA).

Upper-level topic
Topics at a level of study above the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Vice-President & Executive Dean
The member of academic staff responsible for the management of a College.

Waitlist
If you try to register in a class, but there isn’t enough room or availability, you can be placed on a waitlist of students. If space becomes available, you may be offered a place depending on your position on the list.

Withdrawal
To change topics or discontinue studying a topic, you must withdraw your enrolment in that topic. When you withdraw, you will be automatically removed from all class registrations.
For more information on Withdrawing, please click here.

Work integrated learning
Practical experience in a workplace setting, directly related to the course you're studying. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) can be in the form of:
* work placements such as clinical placements, internships, field education, vocational and professional practice
* projects with industry and community organisations.

Workshop
A facilitated group discussion or demonstration that usually has a specified outcome or goal. Workshops are smaller than a lecture, and larger than a tutorial. They typically run for less than five hours and offer more opportunities for collaboration and engagement.