Experience a smarter, more engaging way to study with the VU Block Model®.

When you study an undergraduate degree or diploma at Victoria University, you complete one subject at a time. Learning in interactive, workshop-style classes where you get to know your teacher and classmates, you’ll put theory into practice, apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and receive fast feedback on your assessments.

Inspired by similar models across North America and Europe, the award-winning VU Block Model® is a proven success with students, educators and employers.

For postgraduate study, please see VU Block Model® – postgraduate courses.

Our VU Block Model explained - Transcript

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The smarter way to study

No.1 learner engagement (Vic)

2020 QILT Student Experience Survey & 2021 Good Universities Guide

 
No.1 for professional skills^

Top uni for workplace technical skills (QILT 2022)
Excellence Award

Australian Financial Review Award for Teaching and Learning Excellence 2021
University Teaching Award

Winner 2020 Australian Award for University Teaching – VU First Year College® VU Block Model® teachers

How the VU Block Model works

Instead of juggling multiple subjects (units) at the same time, at VU you complete one subject at a time over a four-week ‘block’, usually with three 3-hour classes per week. Typically, you finish your block on a Friday and receive your results on the following Monday, meaning you can move into your next block with certainty and confidence.

Block Model classes run 3 days per week

Classes 3 days per week

Block Model classes are 3 hours long

3-hour classes

Block Model classes have a maximum of 35 students per class

Max. 35 students per class

Assessments

You will complete all assessments for each unit within each four-week block and receive your results soon after your block finishes.

The type of assessment will depend on the unit you are taking, and may include:

  • hands-on activities or smaller assessment tasks (conducted in the classroom or online)
  • group presentations
  • a final product or assessment task at the end of your unit.

Assessments are designed so you so that you can achieve your best through early and ongoing feedback.

Plan your study

All bachelor degree, higher education diploma, and higher education certificates at our Melbourne and Sydney campuses are taught with the VU Block Model®.

If you are considering postgraduate study, please see VU Block Model® – postgraduate courses.

We offer five intakes across the academic year, so you have five opportunities throughout the year to start your course. Please see your course page for detailed information on start dates.

When you enrol, you select your units for the year across each block, and choose the order you will complete them.

For details of core units, and to plan out your year, please see the web page for your course – or search our course delivery plans for your chosen course.

Up to 10 blocks per year

Each year, you can complete up to 10 (4-week) blocks:

  • Semester 1: 4 blocks
  • Semester 2: 4 blocks
  • Plus two optional Blocks: 1 winter block and 1 summer block 

Note: If you miss a unit or need to repeat one, you may be able to catch up over the winter and summer blocks.

You also have the option to complete your studies part time.

Related

Students in class at VU City Tower

Why it's smarter

Have you noticed that when you are able to really focus on something, it becomes clearer? At VU, you are fully focused on each subject. It means you can concentrate, reinforce concepts, and extend your understanding academically – and achieve better results.

We’ve waved goodbye to stuffy lecture theatres. Instead, you’ll learn in interactive, workshop-style classes with no more than 35 students, where teachers know you by name. You’ll feel empowered to ask questions and debate ideas, and you’ll get to know your classmates. It’s a more engaging way to learn – VU students are the most engaged learners in Victoria.

In class, you’ll apply your knowledge to current, problem-based scenarios, drawn from industry. You’ll develop your skills as a critical thinker, and work in partnership with your classmates and teacher.

Being able to work well in teams, solve problems and think critically is essential in all careers, and Australian employers ranked VU graduates number 1 in Australia by for employability skills, for a second year, in 2021.

The focused timetabling of the VU Block Model (3-hour classes, three days per week) means you have more time for work, social life, sport, caring responsibilities, and everything else that’s important to you.

Our summer and winter blocks allow you to complete up to 10 subjects a year and finish your studies faster. Or, if you want to take a break – whether for work, a holiday, personal commitments, or any other reason – you can pause your studies for a block or two and start again.

VU is the only university in Australia to have a college dedicated to the first year of study. Staffed by specialist subject matter experts and educators, the VU First Year College® is focused on helping you make an easy transition from high school or work into life as a university student, setting you up to succeed and excel in your studies and career.

Elyse's experience with the VU Block Model® - Transcript
Dilan's experience with the VU Block Model® - Transcript

Find a course & start studying

Contact us to find out more about the VU Block Model® and choose the right course for you.

Phone: +61 3 9919 6100

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Find your course

What our students say about the VU Block Model®

Love at first practice

VU offers the flexibility to choose a diverse curriculum or a specialised area of law, so I geared my studies towards migration law. It was love at first practice.

Arnab Ghosh Roy — Graduate Diploma in Migration Law, Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
Arnab's story
Natasha’s inspiration for the future of STEM

I really love the VU Block Model®. I’ve maintained a high distinction average thanks to the smaller class sizes, supportive lecturers and single-unit focus.

Natasha Milner — Bachelor of Science, Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)
Natasha's story

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