SCU application deadline draws near

People wanting to study at the Southern Cross University (SCU) in 2004 have until September 30 to apply.

That is the closing date for applications through the NSW University Admissions Centre and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre. For some courses and external study, application can be made directly to SCU.

Southern Cross University’s three campuses at Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads, offer a range of courses in Business and Tourism, Creative and Performing Arts, Education, Health and Recreation(including nursing), Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Law,and Primary Industries and Environment.

Less than 18 per cent of SCU students come straight from school. More than 80 per cent are mature-age students over the age of 21. Mature-age students can apply for admission to degree courses based on skills gained in life and work experience.

For those thinking about a university course, SCU’s Coffs Harbour campus offers a tertiary preparation program that gives a head start on university study.

The 30-hour program covers topics ranging from essay writing techniques, to basic maths revision and critical reading and research skills. The aim is to help students make the transition to university studies by building general study skills.

The program, run over two weeks, includes evening and weekend sessions to give people in fulltime employment the chance to attend.

SCU's Coffs Harbour Learning Assistance Advisor, Ms Polly Wells, said while the course was geared to university study it would also be useful in the workplace.

“This course will definitely be lots of fun and it will help new students to hit the ground running at the start of the academic year,” Ms Wells said.

“It can also give people thinking about university study a small taste of what it’s all about.”

Mature-age student, Euam Bloomer, who is in his final year of a Bachelor of Business, said the program was really worthwhile and helped him overcome his fears regarding university study.

“One thing I found was the help it gave me writing reports. I really had an edge on the school leavers. It just made it easier. It was nothing technical, it was just having a look at the basics,” Mr Bloomer said.

The course is being run by the University's Division of Business from November 10 to 22, with sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and on two Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

The cost of the course is $170, including resource material. For information on the course, contact Carole Davis on 66593195.

For information on university applications contact SCU Student Services on 1800 626 481.

Media contact:02 6620 3144, scumedia@scu.edu.au