VU Block Model

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.

The smarter way to study

: 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.

Our VU Block Model explained - transcript

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.

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.

Dilan's experience with the VU Block Model - transcript

Elyse's experience with the VU Block Model - transcript

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.