Graduate Studies Office

Online Programs

Purpose of the on-line program

The Graduate Studies Office offers units in on-line format. Units are part of the MIB and MCom programs, so the on-line program is available to students across the range of accounting and business programs managed by the GSO.

The on-line program will suit students in a variety of situations. For example:

  • International students who need one or two units to complete their degree can take these units in their home country rather than spend another semester at Macquarie.

  • International students who are unable to attend Macquarie university for more than one semester can take half of their degree program in their home country.

  • Australian students who cannot attend classes at Macquarie can take one or more units in on-line format. This will suit students who travel, or have personal or work commitments that prevent regular attendance at classes.

  • Australian citizens and permanent residents who do not want to enrol in a complete degree program can take single on-line units for professional development purposes. Units successfully completed will count toward a degree if future enrolment takes place.

International students must observe student visa requirements while residing in Australia with regard to enrolment in on-line units. In summary these are:

(a) to enrol in three on-campus units in any semester while enrolled in an on-line unit unless it is the last semester of study;

(b) in the last semester of study, must enrol in at least one on campus unit while enrolled in an on-line unit; and,

(c) no restrictions apply to the enrolment in on-line units during the summer vacation while remaining in Australia

Units available in on-line format

Timetable

Introduction to on-line study for current students

Students already enrolled in the MCom or MIB program can log into the Online Learning @ MQ and view the unit outline and introductory video on each of the on-line units available. After logging into the On-Line Teaching Facility, look for "GSO On-Line" among the courses listed as available to you. Go into "GSO On-Line" and find the introductory material on MIB and MCom on-line units.  However, actual enrolment by current students in a full on-line unit can only be done through eStudent for first and second semester and through the GSO office (E4A, Level 2) for summer units.

Fees

The tuition fee for an on-line unit is the same as the tuition fee for taking the unit in standard on-campus format. For details, go to the Fees page.

Features of the on-line program

  • On-line units are exactly the same in content and standard as the on-campus version of the same unit. The same Macquarie staff are involved in the teaching of both on-line and on-campus classes. Exams and assessment tasks are of the same standard in both formats.

  • The admission requirements to the on-line program are exactly the same as the admission requirements to the on-campus program. The on-line format is only an alternate means of completing the same program of study. For some students, it may be more convenient to take units on-line.

  • On-line units are conducted over the same semester periods as on-campus units. Both on-campus and on-line units start and finish on the same dates, or dates that are very close. The availability of on-line units is shown on the timetable (see above).

How the on-line program works

  • Current MIB or MCom students can enrol in an on-line unit as an alternative to taking that same unit in on-campus format. The enrolment in an on-line unit is considered an "external" enrolment under the Macquarie system. Please note that international students will not be permitted to enrol in more than two on-line units while resident in Australia on a student visa. For international students, additional on-line units can be taken while resident outside Australia, either temporarily or permanently. There are no restrictions on Australian students taking on-line units.

  • The on-line program is conducted through Macquarie University's Online Teaching Facility. It is very easy. It is a more satisfying experience if students have remote access to Macquarie through broadband, although dial-up facilities will be sufficient. The resources of Macquarie University Library are available to on-line students as well.

  • When studying on-line, your computer is the classroom. You will interact with staff and other students. You will work in groups with other students and your assessment tasks will be completed and submitted on-line. The final examination will be conducted on-line at a venue close to your place of residence.

  • Read what a student and a lecturer have said about the advantages of on-line learning.

MIB on-line article

Program manager

The Graduate Studies Office has appointed Michael Matthew as On-Line Program Manager. One of Michael's roles is to make sure that all students in the on-line program have an interesting, high quality and trouble-free experience with on-line postgraduate education.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When are on-line units offered?

On-line units are offered in both first and second semester and sometimes over an intensive December-February summer session. On-line units start and finish at the same time as on-campus units and exams are held during the standard exam period. On-line units have mid-semester breaks as well. So studying on-line is the same as on-campus in terms of the study periods involved.

How do I enrol in an on-line unit if I am already in the MCom or MIB?

If you are already an MCom or MIB student, then an on-line unit can be included in your program of study at the re-enrolment session held at the start of each semester using e-Student. Be sure to select the "external" offering of the unit - this is the on-line class.

How do I get access to the on-line unit's web site?

You go to http://learn.mq.edu.au and log in using your Macquarie Login ID and password. This is the login ID you receive on initial enrolment at Macquarie University.

How will I meet other students in the unit and my teacher?

The unit's classroom is your computer using the web site for the unit available through http://learn.mq.edu.au (see above). When you have logged in, you will see a list of the units in which you are enrolled and in which you can participate. Enter a unit's website and you are then "in class". You will enjoy visiting and working with the unit web site - it is intuitive and easy to use. Your participation in the discussion groups, along with reading the text chapters and using other support materials (including videos), replaces normal lectures and tutorials. The more you and your fellow students put into it, the more you will get out of it.

How do I contact my on-line teacher for consultation?

Your on-line teacher is available for regular consultation through the unit's website either using the discussion room facility or by private mail, depending on the nature of the correspondence.

How will get a copy of the learning materials?

In most cases, all learning materials are contained within the unit's web site. You may have to buy a text book, but this can usually be done on-line by going to Macquarie's Cooperative Bookshop.

How will I submit assignments?

Assignments are submitted through the unit's web site using an electronic postbox which is stamped with the date and time of submission. Teaching staff will also return results and comments on assignments by private e-mail.

Can I get additional support?

Academic support is available through the Library. Student related support is available through Macquarie and You.

Do I have to sit for a final exam?

All on-line units have a final examination and students will be expected to sit for an exam under the same conditions as on-campus students. The exam may consist of written essay type questions, multiple choice questions, problems or case studies depending upon the unit. The content and length of exams will vary depending on the unit. There will also be conditions about the use of calculators, dictionaries or allowable material to take into the examination. The university will inform students of the time and place of the examination. If you are outside Australia it will be close to your place of residence. The exam will be completed on-line under supervision.

How will I get my exam results?

Exam results are available two or three weeks after the finish of the exam period. Students can find out their results by going to e-Student.

What happens if I fail an on-line unit?

Failing an on line unit is no different to failing an on-campus unit and students in on-line units have the same rights all other students at Macquarie University. These rights are outlined in the Macquarie University Students' Handbook which is available on the university website. Students are able to re-enrol in an online subject should they wish to do so. Assignments or any other work done in a previous enrolment cannot be carried forward to a future enrolment in the same unit.