Combined education programs – frequently asked questions
General
1. Am I able to study middle/senior phase education at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
2. What are the combined education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast that allow me to become a middle/senior phase teacher?
3. How long will it take me to complete a combined education program?
4. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering a stand-alone Bachelor of Education?
5. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering primary education?
6. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering a Graduate Diploma in Education program?
7. What do we mean by the middle phase of learning?
8. What do we mean by the senior phase of learning?
Admission and enrolment
9. How do I apply for admission into the combined education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast for 2008?
10. What are the QTAC codes I will need to apply for admission into the education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
11. I am already enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Am I able to transfer to the new education programs?
12. How do I apply for an internal transfer to a combined education program?
13. When will the internal transfer application process to combined education programs occur?
14. I am enrolled at another university. Can I apply for admission into a combined education program at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
15. I am a potential international student. Where can I get more information on admission to an education program?
16. Are there special entry pathways to combined education programs available for Indigenous Australian students?
17. Do I have to enrol full-time in a combined education program?
18. If I am offered a place in 2008 in a combined education program, can I defer my place?
19. Will the combined education programs be offered mid-year?
Teaching-related questions
20. In what areas would I be able to teach if I complete one of the combined education programs?
21. How many teaching areas do I need?
22. What are the proposed teaching areas within each of the combined education degrees?
Additional questions
23. I've heard that the Government has set education course fees at a special rate. What does this mean?
24. Does the University of the Sunshine Coast offer any courses to prepare me for University study generally and for specific discipline studies?
25. Where can I get further information?
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General
1. Am I able to study middle/senior phase education at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. From the beginning of 2005 you have been able to enrol in a combined education program to become qualified as a middle/senior phase teacher.
2. What are the combined education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast that allow me to become a middle/senior phase teacher?
We offer five combined education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast. These are:
3. long will it take me to complete a combined education program?
Each program will take four years to complete by students taking a standard full-time enrolment (four courses in each semester). Part-time study may be approved on an individual basis but potential students should note that lectures and tutorials will normally be offered during day-time hours only.
4. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering a stand-alone Bachelor of Education?
Yes. The University will offer a stand-alone Bachelor of Education program in 2008.
5. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering primary education?
The University is not planning to offer education programs for primary teaching in the short to medium-term future.
6. Will the University of the Sunshine Coast be offering a Graduate Diploma in Education program?
The University currently offers a Graduate Diploma in Education program. This program will require one year of full-time study or two years part-time.
7. What do we mean by the middle phase of learning?
Much research in Australia and overseas has suggested that students are making least progress in learning around 10 to 15 years of age. Employing authorities have identified specific strategies to enhance learning during this phase (from around Year 4 to Year 9).
8. What do we mean by the senior phase of learning?
The senior phase of learning (Years 10 to 12) has a focus on academic and training outcomes, increased options and flexibility for young people and building community partnerships.
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Admission and enrolment
9. How do I apply for admission into the combined education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast for 2008?
Applications for admission to the combined education programs must be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). Only students currently enrolled in a degree program at the University of the Sunshine Coast will be exempt from this requirement.
10. What are the QTAC codes I will need to apply for admission into the education programs at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
The QTAC codes you will need are:
- Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Science: 017021
- Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts: 017001
- Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Business: 017011
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)/Bachelor of Human Services: 016601
- Bachelor of Education/Bachelor or Arts (Special Education and Psychology): 017201
11. I am already enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Am I able to transfer to a combined education program?
A number of places will be made available in the mid-year intake for students currently enrolled in a University of the Sunshine Coast degree program. An internal transfer application will be required and applicants will be considered on the basis of academic performance in their University of the Sunshine Coast studies to date. Students who are successful in transferring internally should be aware that, if advanced standing is awarded, studies might be restricted to a part-time (day-time) basis for an interim period.
12. How do I apply for an internal transfer to a combined education program?
Currently enrolled students can obtain an Application to Change Program package from Student Administration. Students should make an appointment with the Education Program Adviser to discuss their intentions and any issues relating to advanced standing and progression.
13. When will the internal transfer application process to combined education programs occur?
Applications will be processed between late June and early July.
14. I am enrolled at another university. Can I apply for admission into a combined education program at the University of the Sunshine Coast?
Students currently enrolled at other universities may apply for admission to the University of the Sunshine Coast education programs through QTAC. However, advanced standing will be assessed on an individual basis depending on prior studies. Students should be aware that if advanced standing is awarded, studies might be restricted to a part-time (day-time) basis for an interim period.
15. I am a potential international student. Where can I get more information on admission to an education program?
International students should contact USC International.
16. Are there special entry pathways to combined education programs available for Indigenous Australian students?
Indigenous Australians wishing to enrol in one of the combined education programs must apply through QTAC in the usual manner. Potential students who do not receive a first-round offer and who have identified themselves as Indigenous Australian on their QTAC Application, will be contacted by the Indigenous Services Coordinator. Further information may be obtained from the Indigenous Services Coordinator.
17. Do I have to enrol full-time in a combined education program?
Students may enrol in fewer than four courses per semester (three courses per semester is the minimum full-time enrolment). Please note: courses will normally be scheduled during the day. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy their Student Visa conditions.
18. If I am offered a place in 2008 in a combined education program, can I defer my place?
Yes, you can defer your place.
19. Will the combined education programs be offered mid-year?
Yes. Mid-year entry into the combined education programs can be made via application through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). A limited range of teaching majors and minors may be available for mid-year applicants.
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Teaching-related questions
20. In what areas would I be able to teach if I complete one of the combined education programs?
There is a range of teaching areas available in the combined education programs. Generally speaking, the teaching areas are determined by what you study in your degree combined with education (that is, within your Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business).
21. How many teaching areas do I need?
Normally, most secondary teachers in Queensland require two teaching areas and the programs are structured on that basis.
22. What are the proposed teaching areas within each of the combined education degrees?
The following teaching areas are proposed for the Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Science:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Health
- Marine Studies
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Physics
The following teaching areas are proposed for the Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Arts:
- Civics
- English
- Geography
- Modern History
- Studies of Society and Environment #
The following teaching areas are proposed for the Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Business:
- Accounting Education
- Business Education
- ICT Education
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Additional questions
23. I've heard that the Government has set education course fees at a special rate. What does this mean?
Any courses within your program of study that have a DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) classification of Education will be charged at the rate of A$509 per course in 2008 for students eligible for Commonwealth Support. Potential students should, however, be aware that other courses within the combined programs will be charged according to the relevant DEEWR classification. At least 50 percent of courses in the combined education programs are offered in areas other than education.
24. Does the University of the Sunshine Coast offer any courses to prepare me for university study generally and for specific discipline studies?
Yes. The University offers a number of free courses to assist new students to make a successful transition into the University's academic and social life. These courses are open to all students and are generally offered in the two weeks prior to Orientation Week at the beginning of semester.
- The University offers enabling courses in Chemistry, Statistics, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Literacy and Writing Skills. All students are encouraged to access this opportunity. Further information can be obtained from Scott Roche (email: kroche1@usc.edu.au or telephone: +61 7 5430 2828).
- The University also offers courses in Academic Writing and Study Skills, Computer Basics and Editing for Tertiary Study. Further information regarding these courses can be obtained from Student Services (email studentservices@usc.edu.au or telephone +61 7 5430 1226).
25. Where can I get further information?
Further information may be obtained from the Education Program Adviser (email: education@usc.edu.au or telephone: +61 7 5459 4644).
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