New students starting at Griffith this week will have their own unique place in the university’s history books.

Trimesters replace semesters in 2017, with the first of three 12-week teaching periods commencing on February 27.

Griffith is the first Brisbane-based university to offer the trimester structure.

“Universities need to deliver flexible learning options more than ever before,” Professor Debra Henly, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), said.

“Our new structure will allow students in many degrees greater flexibility to balance work and study by spreading their workload across three trimesters, or to accelerate and complete a standard three-year degree in two years.

In many programs, students will also be able to commence their studies in Trimester 2 starting on July 3 or Trimester 3 commencing on October 30.

The introduction of trimesters is a part of a suite of teaching innovations that Griffith University is implementing in 2017, focusing on preparing students for future career paths. Other initiatives include the introduction of a career portfolio, more opportunities for industry work placements and a unique program of internships with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Explore interests and aptitude

A foundation first year is also being introduced in 2017 for a number of disciplines, including business, commerce, engineering, education, IT, photography science and fine art.

“This initiative will give students the best start at university. The added flexibility means they can explore their interests and aptitude early in their academic journey before committing to a specialised pathway,” Professor Henly sa​id​.

Bachelor of Education students, for example, won’t have to decide if they want to specialise in primary, secondary or special education teaching until their second year, after completing a first year with common core studies.

Students commencing Fine Art or Photography at the QCA will be immersed in a new joint foundation year program that will foster skills and knowledge key to their artistic development throughout their degree and beyond.

Trimesters 1 and 2 will be compulsory for domestic and international students, with Trimester 3 optional. Not all programs will be offered in Trimester 3, and availability will depend on degree popularity.