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USC announces new pathway to study
9 May, 2006
Mid-Year Entry still
open.
With applications now open for mid-year entry, the University of
the Sunshine Coast has announced a new alternate entry program for
students.
The
Tertiary Preparation Pathway, or TPP, has been developed by USC
to provide students with an alternative entry pathway into tertiary
study and is set to commence in Semester 2 this year.
The TPP program allows people who do not have an OP score and
are not direct school leavers to gain university entry status said
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Hill.
"At present, there are several ways to gain entry to university
through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), such as
an OP score - which is relevant to school leavers - a suitable TAFE
qualification, extensive work experience in a particular industry
or to have studied at some higher level since leaving school,"
Professor Hill said.
"For people who do not have any of those, our Tertiary
Preparation Pathway program provides them with a way of gaining
admission to a degree program at USC without first gaining
additional qualifications.
And TPP is offered to students at no cost.
"The Commonwealth Government is very supportive of the Tertiary
Preparation Pathway program in regional universities because they
recognise the importance of providing enhanced opportunities for
university study.
"Because of this, there is no HECS fee associated with TPP,"
Professor Hill said.
TPP will most benefit mature age students - those over 21 years
of age.
"About half of all our students are mature-age, which means they
didn't come to USC direct from high school.
"They have all taken an alternative path into university study -
but not everyone was offered an opportunity with the previous
programs.
"TPP will address that gap and provide many more people with the
opportunity to study at university."
Another bonus is that the new program allows students to
experience university life before committing to a three or four
year degree.
For many people in the community the idea of starting a full
degree program may seem a little daunting.
"Many may feel that they are not prepared enough to go straight
into a degree program, so TPP will be a 'bridging' step for them to
experience lectures, tutorials and what is required of them at
university level study and assessment," he said.
"For students who already have a suitable background for
university entry, but who may feel unsure of their capabilities,
for example in using a computer, there is also the option of
enrolling in one or two courses rather than the full TPP
program."
On successful completion of four TPP courses, students will be
able to gain guaranteed entry into most USC degree programs through
the standard QTAC application process.
"The majority of mature age students who return to study do
exceptionally well. They are committed and enjoy the challenge of
life-long learning.
"TPP is a very positive move forward for both USC and the
community," Professor Hill said.
For further information on the TPP program, contact
Student Administration on 5430 2890.