Students entering St John's College

Academics & Learning

Johnians have a history of high academic achievement

St John's College continues to provide students with academic support and resources to help them build a strong foundation for success at university and throughout their careers.

Students in academic gowns walking through the St John's grounds on a sunny day

Academic Program

The Vice Warden oversees the academic program on campus.
Each week, tutorials and academic consultations are offered to supplement classroom learning. The tutorial program is very popular and boasts impressive results.

Nearly 80% of students participate in the tutorial program and achieve grades that are almost a full GPA point higher than those who don't participate.

All students meet with the Dean of Studies at least once per semester to develop a study plan, assess their progress, and provide academic mentoring.

Tutorials

Nearly 80% of students participate in the tutorial program and achieve grades that are almost a full GPA point higher than those who don't participate.

More than 150 tutorials are run each week throughout the semester and cover a wide range of university subjects. College tutorials are kept small, ensuring students receive focused and individualised support.

Tutors are primarily alumni and senior students who excelled in the subjects they now tutor. This fosters trust and rapport, making students feel comfortable asking questions.

The tutorial team is assembled each year after a rigorous selection process by the Dean of Studies and according to the academic composition of the student body.

Students in a tutorial with their Tutor

32%
of St John's College students maintain a GPA of 6 or higher

Student studying using their laptop

10% +
improvement in grades by students who participate in St John's College tutorials

Tutor and students during a Tutorial

40%
less likely to fail a subject compared to other UQ students

Student studying writing in their notebook

Academic Mentoring

All students have access to academic mentoring at St John’s College and students are encouraged to seek advice on academic matters proactively.

The Dean of Studies regularly advises students on course selection, enrolment issues, academic appeals, navigating the university system, and much more.

All residents must achieve a GPA of 4.5 to remain at College. Students who fail to meet this requirement must meet with the Warden to discuss an academic study plan and justify why they should remain at College.

Study Spaces

The Morgan Centre is a dedicated study space which comprises the library, 6 tutorial rooms, and a dedicated anatomy room. The Morgan Centre can be accessed 24/7 for study.

Large and small tables are provided in the library for quiet study, and tutorial rooms may be used when not being utilised for a scheduled tutorial session.

During SwotVac and Exam period, the dining hall is also available as a quiet study space.

Postgraduate Advising

As the world continues to change and evolve, students must find ways to future-proof their careers.

Many choose to pursue further study after completing their undergraduate degrees.

Even after students leave St John’s, they have access to our academic and careers advising team.

More about our professional edge

Student reading a book in the Library
Student working on their creative art project

Academic & Creative Projects

Students are encouraged to exercise their creative side through several competitions each year, including the Poetry Competition, an Essay Prize and Film Competition.

All Johnians are welcome to enter, and the standard is always very high. Winning entries and other creative works from students are published in Exsolutus, the College journal.

Academic Awards

Student receiving an Academic Award

Awards are presented to students each year at the Academic & Professional Dinner in Semester 1.

The Warden, Vice Warden, and Dean of Studies select winners based primarily upon the individual’s academic performance. Most prizes are awarded to third-year students, though exceptional second-year students regularly receive awards as well.

Prizes for leadership, community service, college spirit, and other non-academic awards are presented to students at the Valedictory Dinner in Semester 2.

St John's Academic Awards

The Arthur Marjason Prize

Awarded to the student studying in the field of Business or Commerce who achieves the highest GPA over the previous year.

The John Grigg Prize

Established in honour of College Alumnus, John Grigg, the prize is awarded to an exceptional student studying Agriculture or Environment.

The John Allpass Prize

The prize is a gift of Honorary Fellow, Mr John Allpass, and awarded to a student for outstanding achievement in the Health and Behavioural Sciences.

The Sir Charles Spry Prize

Named in honour of Brigadier Sir Charles Spry CBE, DSO, the second Director-General of Security and head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the prize is awarded to a Law student who likely to pursue a career in public service following graduation.

The Downer Evans Prize

The Downer Evans Prize is awarded to a high-performing Engineering student who consistently demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for the engineering profession.

The D’Arcy Prize

Awarded to a student studying a Humanities or Social Science subject who is both academically gifted and showcases their dedication to their field outside the classroom.

The Stan and Sophie Freemantle Prize

Awarded to a student studying either Biomedical Sciences or Health Sciences and intending to pursue a career in Medicine.

The E.C. Cribb Prize

The E.C. Cribb Prize is awarded to a student for outstanding achievement in Engineering.

The Helen Thompson Prize

The Helen Thompson Prize for All Around Excellence is awarded annually to a graduating student, expected to take high honours, who has contributed significantly to College life.

Academic Excellence Prizes

A prize is awarded to the student in each faculty who attains the highest overall GPA: Business, Economics, and Law Faculty, Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology , Faculty, Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty, Science Faculty

The Warden’s Medal

The Warden’s Medal is awarded to a second-year student with the highest overall GPA.

DUX

The Dux is the highest award the College bestows on a student for overall academic excellence. The Dux is awarded to the third-year student who has achieved the highest GPA throughout their undergraduate studies.

Acknowledgement of Country

St John's College acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and learn, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge their ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to land, community and to Maiwar, the Brisbane River, on which our College now stands. We appreciate and value the interconnection of all First Nations people who visit this place.

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