Distance Education Study (DE)

Instead of attending lectures, DE students receive course materials and maintain contact with lecturers via the University's comprehensive online communication system.

As the first university in Australia to have its courses supported online, CSU's expertise in providing distance education has received national and international recognition. CSU has become a reference site for other Australian and international universities to learn about online education, and often hosts international delegations to demonstrate its online capabilities.

The advantages of studying by distance education are many. DE provides an ideal opportunity for you to further your education and enhance your career prospects if you are unable to attend a tertiary institution due to distance or other commitments. Through its comprehensive online communication system, CSU is able to bring higher education to you.

Course materials such as printed study notes, texts, CD-ROMs and other interactive teaching methods take the place of lectures, so you may study from your home or workplace. DE allows you the freedom to choose when and where you study, without the complication of travelling to lectures. Support and communication is maintained between lecturers and students through email, online forums and telephone calls.

With all of the University's distance education subjects supported online, you may submit assignments, order library books or even check your grades using CSU's online facilities. The CSU website has been designed to allow desktop access to all your study and administrative needs from anywhere in the world, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

A normal study load for DE students is two subjects per eighteen week session, with approximately eight hours of study required for each subject per week. Success in DE requires dedication, commitment and perseverance because students must balance family, work and social commitments with the demands of study.

On-line orientation and information sessions for new DE students are held at the beginning of each semester - your letter of offer will contain further details.