Course progression rules
Understand your options after failing a subject and access support to help plan your next steps.
About course progression rules
Course progression rules determine when you can move from one subject level to the next in your course.
For most bachelor degrees, you must pass at least 50 credit points at one year level before enrolling in subjects at the next level. For example, you will generally need to pass 50 credit points of level 1 study before enrolling in level 2 subjects.
These rules help ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete higher-level study.
When course progression rules apply
Course progression requirements vary by course.
Check the University Handbook entry for your course to confirm the rules that apply to you. You will usually find them in the Course structure section.
Your course requirements may include wording such as: "Students must complete 50 points of study at one year level before proceeding to the next year level."
See how to plan your course for help selecting subjects that meet your course requirements.
How course progression works
Higher-level subjects build on the knowledge and skills developed in earlier subjects:
- Level 2 subjects build on level 1 study
- Level 3 subjects build on level 2 study.
Meeting a subject’s prerequisites does not automatically mean you have met your course progression rules. You must satisfy both requirements before enrolling.
A subject coordinator can waive a subject prerequisite but cannot waive a course progression rule.
What to do if you have enrolled at the wrong level
If you enrol in a higher-level subject before completing the required lower-level study, you may:
- Find it difficult to successfully complete the subject
- Fail the subject
- Receive a course progression rule sanction against the subject on your student record
- Be withdrawn from the subject by Stop 1, even if you have registered for classes or purchased subject materials.
Enrolling at the wrong level cannot be used as grounds for an extension, special consideration or fee remission.
Withdraw from the subject
You can withdraw from the subject through my.unimelb.
Before withdrawing, check the relevant enrolment dates and consider any academic or financial consequences. See withdrawing from subjects for more information.
Apply for a course progression rule waiver
You may be eligible for a waiver if you can show that you have already met the progression requirements through other university-level study.
This may include subjects completed:
- As part of a previous degree
- Through the University of Melbourne Extension Program.
Waivers are not approved based on:
- Strong results in secondary school
- Strong results in lower-level subjects
- Approval from a subject coordinator
- Personal interest in the subject.
Prerequisite waivers and course progression rules
Course progression rules apply in addition to subject prerequisites.
A prerequisite waiver allows you to enrol without meeting a subject’s standard prerequisite requirements. It does not waive the progression requirements for your course.
To request a waiver, apply for a course progression rule waiver .
Your request will be assessed against your previous studies and the progression requirements of your course.
Need help with planning your course and subjects?
Submit an online enquiry or book an appointment with one of our course advisers, who can help you with course rules and structure, understanding subject pre-requisites, enrolling in to subjects, using the study plan, checking you're on track to graduate and more. Please add your My Course Planner link to any enquiry or appointment booking.