Alternative entry to university

Are you considering going to university, but don't have the necessary qualifications?

Southern Cross University has introduced a new foundation program called 'Preparing for Success at SCU' to provide an alternative entry into university for people who do not have traditional qualifications.

The program will suit mature age people and school leavers who may not quite have the UAI they need for the course they'd like to enrol in. As well as alternative entry to degree courses, the program provides students with academic skills to help them succeed when they enrol in their undergraduate degree.

The Preparing for Success Program is free to students and will be offered at the Lismore campus in second semester, 2006 (July 17 to October) for 12 weeks and then as an intensive eight-week summer school program in December, January and February.

Head of SCU's Learning Assistance Unit, Ms Maria Simms, said core units in the program would cover areas such as academic study skills, essay and report writing, computer literacy and library research methods.

"Students also choose a unit from an area of study they are interested in. They study three units in all, then if they meet the requirements of the course they may enrol in one of the University's degree programs," Ms Simms said.

"It's designed for anyone who doesn't have the traditional entry requirements for university. Often they will be older people who want to go to university, or parents who find they have time on their hands when their children go off to school.

"Some people may enrol in the program because they will have gone a certain way in their career but now think they may need a degree to further their career, or they might decide to make a complete career change. The program can also help school leavers who haven't quite got the UAI they need for a particular course," she said.

Ms Simms said students could enrol on a fulltime or part-time basis.

"If students complete the program by the end of February, they will be ready to start their degree program in 2007."

A learning support program for students, the Tertiary Preparation Course, will also be offered over three weeks at the Coffs Harbour campus. Completion of the Tertiary Preparation Course prepares students well, and adds points to a person's entrance score for the University, but it does not guarantee entry.

For information about the program contact SCU's Learning Assistance Unit on 66203386 or email learningassistance@scu.edu.au