Courses and Programs
Bridging Courses
These courses are run by TAFE, university and private RTOs and are designed 'bridge the gap' in a students knowledge. Bridging courses are offered on specific topics or subjects that are commonly required by tertiary institutions as a pre requisite to undertaking a particular course of study. For example maths, physics, chemistry, history, English.
Bridging courses are a great way to refresh your knowledge and transition into study. Some tertiary institutions offer bridging courses over the summer months prior to courses beginning in March to enable students to brush up on their knowledge. Speak to the course coordinator to identify if you meet the pre requisites. If not, ask the course coordinator what bridging or refresher courses they recommend.
Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet 2 as PDF 85 KB) to assist you identify the questions that you need to ask a course coordinator when investigating the requirements of a particular course.
University Studies and Foundation Courses
Most universities offer Foundation or University Studies courses that are specifically designed for people who have experienced educational disadvantage or wish to return to study after a significant absence or lack the formal qualifications to enter university. These courses also provide members of equity groups access to education as most universities do not require formal minimum entry requirements to apply for a Foundation or University Studies course. However applicants who have not obtained a Tertiary Entrance Rank will be required to provide evidence of an interval of at least two years between leaving school and applying for the course.
Students that graduate from a Foundation or University Studies course are eligible to apply for any undergraduate university course provided they meet the minimum entry requirements. The length of these courses is generally 12 months and part time study is offered. Examples of the subjects offered in these courses include: critical literacy, introduction to computing, introduction to tertiary studies, information skills, individual and group skills and financial management.
TAFE Introductory Courses
Many TAFE institutes run introductory programs (bridging programs) that range in length between five days and six months. These courses are designed to provide students with an opportunity to find out more about study and the vocations that are available in different industries. Introductory courses are practical in nature and are designed to lead students into further TAFE studies in Certificate I, II, or III. Examples of the introductory courses offered include: preparatory studies, English as a second language, spoken and written English and women's education.
TAFE Vocational Education Courses
TAFE also offer vocational education courses to prepare students to undertake vocational study and progress towards further study and employment. The subjects offered in these courses include Building, Reading and Writing Skills, Cultural Awareness, Managing Time in the Workplace, Personal Presentation, Preparing for the Workplace, Problem Solving Techniques, Applying Safe Working Practices and Job Interviews. Vocational education courses are designed to meet the needs of a range of people such as people with a disability, special needs and the long tern unemployed. To find out more about these courses contact your local TAFE institute or log onto their website.