Peer Assisted Study Sessions
The Peer Assisted Study Session Program, known as PASS, is a university-wide peer learning program.
The aim of PASS is for students to connect and learn with their peers, to develop deeper understandings of topics and to strengthen study strategies that are transferrable to other subjects.
What is PASS?
PASS provides free weekly study sessions for students who are enrolled in supported subjects and who are interested in enhancing their learning experience, developing study skills, building connections with other students, and improving their academic performance.
Sessions are organised by a PASS Leader, a fellow student who has recently completed the subject with high success. PASS Leaders facilitate group-based activities that combine subject knowledge with study skill development, helping their peers develop confidence to study independently.
Joining these sessions each week enables students to revise the weekly content of their subject through activities and discussions. The sessions are designed to complement subject lectures and tutorials with interactions and activities that reinforce learning objectives. This means the sessions do not include the teaching of new subject content but offer an additional exposure to content already taught by subject academics.
PASS is a great way to understand the expectations of tertiary study through the experience of a current student, in an inclusive and enjoyable classroom environment.
What are the benefits of PASS?
Academic performance
This could include a higher grade in the subject, and across other subjects within the coursework. This is because the discipline-specific skills learned and practiced during a study session can be applied beyond the classroom.
Learning strategies
Connecting with a more experienced student to develop new approaches and build-upon existing strategies may increase study efficiency.
Communication skills
Participating in an active discussion, created by students for students, means a freedom to test understandings and new ideas within a supportive environment.
Collaboration skills
Learning to accommodate the insights and expertise of others to complete tasks is helpful for group assessments and working in team environments.
Critical thinking skills
Spending time on problem solving tasks, whereby concepts are broken down into parts and reconstructed, assists an understanding of their contribution to the whole picture.
Network of friends
Students sharing the same learning experiences are likely to build networks within their disciplines, creating a sense of community and belonging.
Which subjects are supported by PASS?
The following subjects will be supported at Unimelb in 2026:
Semester 1, 2026
| Faculty | Subject code | Subject name |
|---|---|---|
| ABP | *ARCH10001 | Foundations of Design: Representation |
| ABP | *ARCH10003 | Design Studio Alpha |
| ABP | *ARCH10004 | Design History & Theory in the Making |
| ABP | *PLAN10001 | Cities Past and Future |
| Arts | LANG 10001 | The Power of Language |
| Arts | SOCI10001 | Understanding Society |
| FFAM | FINA10026 | Critical and Theoretical Studies 1 |
| FBE | ACCT10001 | Accounting Reports and Analysis |
| FBE | ECON10004 | Introductory Microeconomics |
| FBE | ECON10005 | Quantitative Methods 1 |
| FBE | FNCE10002 | Principles of Finance |
| FBE | FNCE20005 | Corporate Financial Decision Making |
| FEIT | ENGR10004 | Engineering Technology and Society |
| MDHS | PSYC10003 | Mind, Brain and Behaviour 1 |
| Science | BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
| Science | CHEM10003 | Chemistry 1 |
| Science | MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
| Science | MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
| Science | MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
| Science | MULT10011 | Introduction to Life, Earth and Universe |
Semester 2, 2026
| Faculty | Subject code | Subject name |
|---|---|---|
| ABP | ARCH10001 | Foundations of Design: Representation |
| ABP | ARCH10004 | Design, History and Theory in the Making |
| ABP | PLAN10002 | Urban Planning |
| Arts | ASIA10003 | Asia, Australia and the World |
| FBE | ACCT10001 | Accounting Reports and Analysis |
| FBE | ECON10004 | Introductory Microeconomics |
| FBE | ECON10003 | Introductory Macroeconomics |
| FBE | ECON10005 | Quantitative Methods 1 |
| FBE | FNCE10002 | Principles of Finance |
| FBE | FNCE20005 | Corporate Financial Decision Making |
| MDHS | BIOM10002 | Exploring Biomedicine |
| MDHS | PSYC10004 | Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2 |
| Science | BIOL10010 | Foundational Biology: Life’s Complexity |
| Science | CHEM10003 | Chemistry 1 |
| Science | CHEM10004 | Chemistry 2 |
| Science | MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
| Science | MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
| Science | MAST10007 | Linear Algebra |
| Science | MAST10010 | Data Analysis |
| Science | PHYC10004 | Physics 2 |
Where can I find more information?
Visit the PASS Program SharePoint, which includes:
- when and where the weekly PASS sessions are offered
- who leads the PASS sessions for each subject, and
- information about how to become a PASS Leader
For program enquiries, email: PASS-Team@unimelb.edu.au