FAQs

There are no written exams at MAC; instead, all units are assessed by a variety of assignments or verbal presentations.

Returning to study can sometimes be hard. MAC provides a supportive study environment. If you need help and support at any stage of your study at MAC, our Dean of Students is available to work out with you how we can support you through your course.

If you feel that your study skills need a refresher, we also offer a ‘Return to Learn’ program before the beginning of each semester to help students brush up on study and essay skills before they commence their course at MAC. Many MAC students have also benefited from attending study skills workshops run periodically at MAC on topics such as referencing, using eBooks, and assignments.

Alternatively, it is possible to audit your first unit to see how the College works before committing to a full course at any level.

Auditing allows students to attend lectures and participate fully in class life without having to complete assignments. All of the units at MAC are able to be audited. If you audit a unit, it is important to remember that you do not receive credit for participation towards any kind of qualification; it is for your interest and enjoyment only. Fees for auditing units depends on the number of lecture hours and the level.

Yes, MAC runs an orientation program for all new students each semester. Orientation is held in hybrid mode in the week before each semester begins.

Orientation will help you to make the most of your study at MAC, to meet the staff involved in your training, and to be introduced to the different resources that you will need throughout your study at MAC.

Do you want to try out studying before committing to a whole course? You are welcome to apply to enrol in a single unit of your choice. If you decide to undertake a full course, this unit can be credited towards it.

MAC has an application process that involves completing an application form and providing the names of two referees. All applicants will also need to agree to MAC’s Code of Conduct which you can read ahead of applying.

Once your application to study has been approved, you will be sent an email with an invitation to enrol in your unit(s) for the coming year or semester and a link to the enrolment form.

Yes, in order to finish a course at any level, you must complete all of the assessments set for each unit.

If you would like to attend classes without having the complete the assessments, you can choose to audit a unit. Auditing means you can attend classes but not complete the assessments; however you would not receive a qualification or award at the completion of your study in that case.

If it is an intensive or a MAC Certificate unit, your unit’s classes may be held over a shorter length of time, but your assignments will be spread out over a manageable timeframe.

MAC Certificate units:

Each unit in the MAC Certificate requires 50 demand hours. This includes 12 hours of class time, plus additional time for completing required readings as well as researching for and writing your assignments.

ACT Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Certificate units:

Each 12 credit point unit in an ACT Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Graduate Certificate requires 150 demand hours. This includes 36 hours of class time, plus additional time for completing required readings as well as researching for and writing your assignments.

Each 8 credit point unit in an ACT Diploma or Advanced Diploma requires 100 demand hours. This includes 24 hours of class time, plus additional time for completing required readings as well as researching for and writing your assignments.

To enrol in a unit for credit towards completing a course, the fees are different for each course level.

The 2025 fees are listed on the Fees page.

There are different maximum time limits for each course. Students can undertake 1 or more units each semester as they are able.

MAC Certificate:

For the MAC Certificate there is a 6 year maximum time limit in which to complete the course.

ACT Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Certificate courses:

For the ACT Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses, they can be completed in 1 - 1.5 years full time or in a maximum of 8 - 8.5 years part time, depending on the particular course. For the exact time limit for a particular course, see the Diploma courses page.

For the ACT Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health, there is a 2 year maximum time limit.

Yes! All of the units are run in hybrid mode at MAC which means we teach the units to students in-person and online simultaneously. This means students across Australia can join in classes together online for live classes with the opportunity to ask questions of their lecturer and get to know other students in their class through class discussions, group work and other online modes of communication.

Yes! Students get access to MAC’s physical library located on campus as well as a range of online ebook and journal databases in order to undertake research for their assignments. Each unit also has an eLibrary set by the lecturer with resources to specifically help you with your assignments for that unit.

At MAC we try and make our assessments as practical and relevant as possible. You may be asked to write an essay on a particular topic, write short answers, write a reflection or other exercise. However, other assessments might require you to be more creative, e.g. create a PowerPoint presentation, develop a resource for Kids or Youth ministry, write a letter to a friend about what you have been learning in class, or even write a blog post.

There are no exams at MAC.

MAC is blessed to have a great team of experienced and qualified lecturers who are passionate about their areas of teaching. Find out more about the MAC lecturers here.