TAFE to University pathways made easier

North Coast students considering a university education will have increased opportunities following a new articulation agreement signed this week by North Coast TAFE and Southern Cross University.

The agreement builds on an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two education organisations, which jointly addresses meeting education and training needs in a way that will support the development of the local economy, and the social and environmental well-being of the Mid North and North Coast regions.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the articulation agreement delivered an undertaking to grant specific ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) to North Coast TAFE students who have gained a Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification.

“Anyone with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from North Coast TAFE will receive a very competitive ATAR ranking,” Professor Lee said.

“We have also agreed on clear advanced standing arrangements for North Coast TAFE qualifications, providing a clear pathway for students.”

Institute Director for North Coast TAFE, Elizabeth McGregor said the agreement identified a minimum level of advanced standing for the three top TAFE NSW qualifications.

“Essentially, what that means is that North Coast TAFE students will be seen to have already successfully completed a certain number of units in a Southern Cross University degree in the same course area,” Ms McGregor said.

Professor Lee said this meant that Southern Cross University was providing graduates of NCTAFE programs at Certificate IV level and above with a six to 18-month head start in the related university program.

“This partnership will allow North Coast students even greater access to higher education opportunities, and will certainly contribute to developing a more highly qualified population in Australia,” says Professor Lee.

Ms McGregor said that these articulation arrangements would be of enormous benefit to NCTAFE students, and would mean that more students will remain in the region, rather than leaving home for the metropolitan centres.

“This will keep valuable knowledge and expertise here on the North Coast and help continue to build our competitiveness, sustainability and prosperity,” says Ms McGregor.

Photo: Signing the agreement are Institute Director for North Coast TAFE Elizabeth McGregor and Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee, with Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Bill MacGillivray and Joy Corben, director TAFE services.