VU Block Model

Achieve more with our unique and award-winning VU Block Model®, studying one subject at a time.

No.1 learner engagement (Vic)

Teaching Excellence Award

Top university for real job skills

Feel confident and engaged in your studies with our unique VU Block Model®.

Study one subject at a time, learn in interactive, workshop-style classes, and be supported to reach your full potential.

Victoria University (VU) is the first university in Australia – and the largest in the world – to deliver courses through this innovative teaching model, inspired by similar successful models across North America and Europe.

This mode of study is also available for our postgraduate courses, which are delivered in a mixture of four-week and eight-week blocks, depending on the course.

PhD courses and masters by research are not taught in block mode.

Our VU Block Model® explained

At most universities, you would usually study four subjects at the same time, similar to high school.

With the VU Block Model®, you study one subject at a time, in four-week blocks (or eight-week blocks for some postgraduate courses). That means you can focus your efforts, master your skills, and receive real-time feedback before moving on to the next subject.

Watch our short video below, where VU student Maneesha explains how it all works – and how it gives you a better study experience.

Our VU Block Model explained - transcript

A more engaging way to study

Enjoy more flexibility with a focused timetable of three-hour classes, three days a week – making it easier to balance work, family and everything else that matters in life.
Learn in interactive classes where you can apply your skills to real-world scenarios and really get to know your teachers, classmates and our industry partners.
Build career-ready skills that put you in demand – employers rated our graduates number 1 in Australia for real job skills.*
Get real-time feedback on assessments. You’ll typically finish a block on a Friday and receive your results the following Monday, so you can feel confident moving on to the next subject.
Fast-track your studies with optional summer or winter blocks, or take a block off when life demands a break.
Enjoy dedicated first-year support with our unique VU First Year College®, the first of its kind in Australia.

*Top university in Australia for workplace technical skills (QILT 2022)

Modes of delivery

Studying in the VU Block Model® means your study mode of delivery will be organised in one of the following ways, depending on your course.

: This mode is relevant to undergraduate courses, and some postgraduate courses (check with your course coordinator).
Study one unit (subject) at a time over four weeks
Full-time and part-time study
One unit at a time over four weeks
: VU Online courses only:
study one unit at a time over seven weeks
part-time study only.
: This study mode is relevant to some postgraduate courses. Check with your course coordinator.
Full-time and part-time study
Two units at a time over eight weeks (full time) or one unit at a time over eight weeks (part time)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the VU Block Model®

: All bachelor degree, higher education diploma, postgraduate courses and higher education certificates at our Melbourne and Sydney campuses are taught with the VU Block Model®.
This mode of study is also available for our postgraduate courses, which are delivered in a mixture of four-week and eight-week blocks, depending on your specialisation.
PhD courses and masters by research are not taught in block mode.
Please note that TAFE courses are not run with the VU Block Model®. Learn more about VU TAFE courses.
: The VU Block Model® is designed for a focused timetable of three-hour classes, three days a week, making it easier to fit into your life.
Block classes are available in multiple combinations to allow you to choose the timetable that best suits you (depending on your course). You can choose classes in the day or evening to ensure you can still keep any other commitments you may have outside of university, like work or family commitments.
Some courses may require additional hours. Find your course page for more information.
Use our timetable planner to get an idea of when classes for particular units and courses will run in the coming semester.
: You will complete all assessments for each unit (subject) 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 can achieve your best through early and ongoing feedback. Please find your course page for detailed information.
: The VU Block Model® allows us to offer five opportunities throughout the year to start your course. Typically, these will be:
the start of the year (February)
Semester 1, Block 3 (May)
Mid-year (July)
Semester 2, Block 3 (October).
Note: not all courses will be available to start in every intake period. Please see your course page for detailed information on start dates.
: When you enrol, you will select your units for the year across each block.
Depending on your course, you may have set units you need to complete, or you may have options to choose from. You may also be able to choose the order you complete units in.
For details of core units and to plan out your year, please see your course page – or search our course delivery plans for your chosen course.
: If you’re studying full time as an undergraduate student, you will typically complete eight blocks each year.
However, depending on your course and subject availability, you may be able to fast-track your studies by completing up to ten blocks across the year:
Semester 1: four blocks
Semester 2: four blocks
Plus two optional blocks: one winter block and one summer block
This also means 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.
Postgraduate courses are delivered via a mixture of four-week and eight-week blocks. Find your course page for more information.

VU stories

Natasha’s inspiration for the future of STEM

Bachelor of Science, Master of Teaching (Secondary Education)

"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's story