Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The Overload Policy of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics determines whether a student is permitted to enrol in more than a standard load.

A standard load in any academic year is 48 points, comprising two semesters of 24 points. However, the Faculty recognises there are occasions when students may need to overload in one or both semesters. You may also wish to see the University General Rule 1.2.1.6 and 1.2.1.7 governing this area.

Permitted to overload

Students who have passed all units in a semester may enrol for units with a total value of up to 54 points in the subsequent academic year.

Students who wish to enrol in 60 points in an academic year may enrol in 30 points in their first semester and on successful completion of these units may add an additional unit in their second semester.

Students enrolling for the first time

Students who are enrolling for the first time at The University of Western Australia (UWA), either in the first academic year of a course or in a later year with advanced standing from another recognised institution, will not have passed all units in a semester at UWA and therefore cannot overload in their first semester. Subsequent enrolments must be in accordance with the overload policy.

Exceptional circumstances

Students who have not passed all units in a semester may apply to overload in their final semester or final year if the overloaded enrolment would enable them to complete. They must have an interview with the Associate Dean (Students) for approval.

All students who enrol in more than the standard load are advised that an overload will not be considered grounds for special consideration. Students who are having difficulty with an overloaded enrolment or unbalanced load are advised to see the Associate Dean (Students) immediately and to withdraw from the unit(s) as necessary to facilitate satisfactory progress.

Please note: Combined Course students apart from the BCompSc/BE, BE/BE and BCM/BE are not governed by this policy. However the following advice is provided for these students:

• Always check to ensure that you comply with the overload policy of the faculty administering the non-engineering part of your combined course.
• Do not overload in your first semester at UWA, if possible.
• Give careful consideration to overloading in light of performance
• Do not overload by more than six points per semester.