Education FAQs

Should I buy the prescribed textbook?

Textbooks which are prescribed as comp­ulsory in the Unit of Study outlines align the most directly with the course. Whilst other texts can often supplement understanding, SULS recommends that students should access all textbooks prescribed as compulsory.

  • New Textbooks: Co-Op Bookstore

  • Second-Hand Textbooks: SULS offers an Online Textbook Exchange to buy books second hand.

  • Borrowing Textbooks: The University of Sydney libraries offer an extensive range of textbooks in which students are able to borrow for a period of up to 48 weeks.

Are assessments marked anonymously?

Yes. Most law school assessments (with the exception of class participation) are marked anonymously in line with University policy. This is to reduce both conscious and unconscious bias in order to provide a fair opportunity for grading for all students. How this will work in practice is that any work submitted by a student will be identified by their Student Identification Number (SID) rather than their name.

For further information on University policy regarding anonymous marking, please see: https://sydney.edu.au/education-portfolio/ei/teaching@sydney/implementation-anonymous-marking/

Where can I get sample responses from past law students?

Each Unit of Study may release assessment samples throughout the semester depending on the Faculty’s decision that year. SULS recommends reaching out to the Unit of Study coordinator (their emails are often provided in the UoS outlines) and enquiring as to whether or not they can provide the relevant samples.

If you are looking for a brief overview of individual units, SULS recommends the Questions & Answers series by LexisNexis.

I would like to see my exam script, how can I do this?

Sydney Law School allows you to request access to your law exam script via this online form.

Please note that the script retention period is currently 6 months following the date of the exam, after which the scripts are destroyed.

Can I vary my study load?

Yes, each unit of study is generally 6 credit points and students commonly take 24 credit points a semester. However, full-time study is fulfilled when a domestic student is undertaking 18 credit points or more.

  • Overloading: Additional units (more than 24 credit points) may be applied for via special permission in Sydney Student.

  • Underloading for Domestic Students: Studying less than 18 credit points a semester requires special permission via email from the Associate Dean (law.associatedean@sydney.edu.au).

  • Underloading for International Students: Studying less than 24 credit points may affect your student visa. Further information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/students/reduced-study-load.html.

I really need a break, what can I do?

A work life balance is extremely important and the University of Sydney allows you to suspend your studies while keeping your place in the course.

  • LLB: Undergraduate students are able to suspend their Law studies for one year and this must be applied for before the census date.

  • JD: Postgraduate students are able to suspend their studies for a maximum of two years in total. Full-time students are not able to suspend their students in Year 1 of the program and part-time students are not able to suspend in Year 1 or 2 of the program.

For further information, please see: https://sydney.edu.au/students/suspend-studies.html


Can I re-take a unit of study when I haven’t failed it? I’m unhappy with my mark.

There are no general guidelines at USYD about re-taking a unit of study when a student has not failed. As such, SULS recommends reaching out to the Academic Advisers at our Law School who can provide further guidance as to where to go from here.

What can I do if something happens that will impact my academic performance?

  • Simple Extensions: If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, certain units of study allow for simple extensions of up to two days. However, it is important that you check with your unit of study coordinator as this is an informal arrangement that is not always offered.

  • Special Considerations: The University of Sydney may be able to support you through Special Consideration for short-term illnesses, injuries or misadventures. The application process is online however, SULS recommends that you check your eligibility and prepare the relevant documentation in advance to maximise the time available for the University to assess your application.

For further information, please see: https://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html

 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. As University policies, rules and regulations may change from time to time, SULS recommends that students seek information and advice from the University for confirmation. SULS and any persons involved assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in relation to the information provided.