If you’re a high school student thinking about university, you might assume that “full-time study” means being on campus five days a week, just like you probably had at school. But here’s the truth: university timetables are completely different. At The Hotel School Australia (THSA), full-time study doesn’t mean sitting in classrooms all day. Instead, it’s about flexibility, independence, and making the most of your time.
University timetables at THSA are nothing like school timetables—and that’s a good thing for our busy students.
Sample Timetable for the following undergraduate courses:
- 1 year Diploma of Hotel Management
- 2-year Associate Degree of International Hotel and Tourism Management or
- 3-year Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management
The Southern Cross Model: A Flexible Approach to Study
At The Hotel School Australia, we follow the Southern Cross Model, which breaks the academic year into six-week terms. Students take a maximum of two units (subjects) per term, making study more focused and less overwhelming.
Each unit totals 3 hours and includes:
- One 2-hour face-to-face tutorial per week
- One 1-hour online workshop per week
Our timetabling team aims to schedule both units for a student on the same day, so many full-time students may only need to be on campus one day per week. Compare that to school, where you’re in class five days a week for six hours a day!
“The Southern Cross Model is designed to reduce stress and help students concentrate on mastering two subjects at a time,” says Dr Yu (Jack) Qin, Academic Coordinator at The Hotel School Australia.
“This approach improves retention and allows students to engage more deeply with their learning.”
The Dean of The Hotel School Australia, Erica Wilson, explains more in this short video about how the Southern Cross Model works…
Study-Life Balance: How Our Flexible Timetables Work for You
We know you want more than just lectures. you want experiences, work opportunities, and time for yourself. That’s why our timetables aim to keep you on campus for just two days per week. With five days free, you can balance studies with part-time work, spending time with family or exploring your city.
“Flexibility is key to student success,” says Dr Qin. “Our timetable structure supports a healthy balance between academic commitments and personal development.”
Current Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management student Niya Badesire says the Southern Cross Model has transformed the way she studies. Niya explains that her two small classes a week means she gets a less stressful university experience. Her smaller classes give her real feedback from lecturers who know her by name, helping her make real progress every week.
“Smaller classes mean I get real feedback from lecturers who know my name, so each week actually moves me forward,” she explains. “Also, it’s easier to manage my week when I’m not drowning in five back-to-back lectures. This means that each time after my two-week break every term I’m actually excited to return to campus.”
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Sample Flexible University Timetable for First-Year Students
To give you a real sense of what a university timetable looks like, here’s an example from the 2025 Term 1 intake for Bachelor students at The Hotel School Australia:
- EDUC1001 – Language and Learning in Your Discipline
Wednesday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Face-to-Face Tutorial)
- HOSP1001 – Introduction to Professional Practice
Tuesday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Face-to-Face Tutorial)
Each unit also includes a 1-hour online workshop per week, which you can complete from home. So, in this example, you’d only need to be on campus two mornings per week, a big difference from the five full days you’d spend at school! While online learning offers convenience, many students enjoy coming to campus to meet classmates and build connections.
“University isn’t just about study and lectures, it’s also about networking and building relationships with people who will be your future work colleagues,” says Dr Qin. “We encourage students to experience campus life, but we also provide flexibility for those who need it.”
Independent Learning and Study-Life Balance: What to Expect
Even though you spend fewer hours in the classroom at university, you still need to do independent study. In the Southern Cross Model, you should plan for about 20 hours of your own study each week for each subject you take.
In the infographic below, you’ll see how your weekly university timetable is structured under the Southern Cross Model.
“University is about independent learning,” explains Dr Qin. “Students need time outside the classroom to research, reflect, and prepare assessments. That’s why our class timetables give them space to manage their own study schedules.”
Flexible University Timetables That Support Your Independence
University life is very different from school, and that’s a good thing! At The Hotel School Australia, full-time study means flexibility, focused learning, and real-world experience. You’ll spend less time in classrooms and more time shaping your future.
Ready to start your journey? Apply now and experience the flexibility of THSA timetables.
About Dr Yu (Jack) Qin
Dr Qin is the Academic Coordinator at The Hotel School Australia and has over 25 years of experience in higher education. His expertise spans curriculum design, student engagement, and innovative learning models. Dr Qin is passionate about creating flexible, student-focused programs that prepare graduates for success in the hospitality industry and beyond.
Connect with him here https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackyuqin
