1. TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS
Learning for Life

2. Session Objectives Discuss how qualifications relate to careers
Discuss tertiary qualifications
Cover commonly used terminology at tertiary institutions

3. Careers and Qualifications
Career or Career Field
Qualifications
On the job
University
TAFE

4. Tertiary study – what is it?
Ph. D
Masters
Honors
Bachelor
Cert IV, Diploma, Associates Degree
Senior Secondary Qualification
Cert I, II or III
Tertiary Institution are classified as TAFE, Independent Tertiary Colleges and Universities

5. TAFE Qualifications
Students who have successfully completed VCE and have met the entrance requirements usually enter the TAFE sector at the Cert IV or Diploma level
TAFE courses are structured on Certificate Awards
Study at TAFE is usually vocational, practical, structured on industry requirements and is workplace oriented
VCE
Cert I
Cert II
Cert III
Cert IV
Diploma
Adv. Dip
Degree

6. TAFE to University
Students are able to articulate into degrees with credits for relevant and recognised subjects successfully completed at TAFE. This will reduce the time taken to complete the Degree.
Advanced Diploma
Degree
Associate Degree

7. Independent Tertiary Colleges
ITCs offer both professional and paraprofessional courses usually in specific areas of experience with an emphasis on practical skills and vocational outcomes
ITCs focus on specialized areas of study
Courses vary in length from one year to four years full time
Outcomes vary from Certificates, Diploma, Advanced Diplomas to Degree qualifications
ITCs are all full fee paying colleges
Need to check with individual ITC regarding fee structure and payment options

8. University Qualifications
University Courses prepare students for professional and higher management careers and future research studies
Undergraduate
Associate Degrees: Recently introduced to provide a pathway into further university study (e.g. Engineering – Associate Degree Swinburne)
Bachelor Degrees: Minimum three or four years full-time
Double Degrees: These enable students to complete two awards in reduced time and widen choices of study options. Usually four or five years full time (e.g. Bachelor of Arts/Commerce)
Dual Awards: These combine a degree program with a TAFE qualification.

9. A typical university Bachelor degree structure over 3 years
1st Semester
2nd Semester
No of subjects
each year
1st Year 1. 2. 3. 4.
= 8 subjects
2nd Year
3rd Year
= 24 subjects
over 3 years

10. Transferring
Universities often have pathways from one course to another
Example: Latrobe University offers a Health Science degree with an ATAR of (2014 entry). Students who achieve an A average are able to apply for OT (82) and even Physiotherapy (95.90).
It is possible to change degrees if the entry requirements have been met.
Degree
Degree

11. University Qualifications
Graduate Entry Programs: On completion of a Degree it is possible to apply for courses that require a recognised degree as the prerequisite e.g. Graduate Entry Medicine at Monash
Specific entry criteria will need to be satisfied
Current Year 12 students cannot apply
Post Graduate Programs: On completion of a Degree it is possible to apply for further studies through an Honors, Masters or eventually a Doctoral program if the entry requirements are met to undertake further study in a specific area of interest. Some careers require post graduate study (e.g. Psychology).
Strict entry requirements must be met before progressing

12. Paying for Qualifications
International students are full-fee paying
Domestic students are required to contribute financially to the cost of their education. These costs will vary as students can be offered either a Commonwealth supported (CSP) or a fee paying place (Fee- Help may be available). CSP places involve a student incurring a HECS debt.
TAFE and Universities are substantially sub-sidised by the Australian Government and/or State Government so that students are only required to pay a student contribution towards the cost of their education. This is not done upfront.
ITC are full fee

14. Take home message Do your research Ask questions
Think carefully about your pathway
Look for scholarships and internships