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Tertiary Preparation Pathway Addresses the Gap for Opportunities to Study at University
13 May 2006
Tertiary Preparation Pathway, or TPP, is a new program developed
by the University to provide students with an alternative entry
pathway into tertiary study.
The Commonwealth Government is very supportive of the TPP
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.
Another bonus is that the new program allows students to experience
university life before committing to a three- or four-year
degree.
About half of all USC students are mature-age, which means they
didn't come to university 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.
The majority of mature age students who return to study do
exceptionally well. They are committed and enjoy the challenge of
life-long learning. On many occasions, these people really exceed
their own expectations and end up doing far more than what they
thought they were capable of and they learn a lot about themselves
in the process. Their contributions in lectures and tutorials also
bring another dimension to the experience of school leavers.
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. 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.
TPP will provide many more people with the opportunity to gain a
university degree with the added benefit of a recognised entry
rating on completion if they do decide to continue on with their
studies. 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.
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. For
people who do not have any of those the University's Tertiary
Preparation Pathway provides them with a way of gaining admission
to a degree program at USC without first gaining additional
qualifications. Students can apply direct to USC and may be
eligible for Austudy. Minimum entry age is 17 years with courses
offered in Semesters 1 and 2, both full-time and part-time.
TPP is set to commence in Semester 2, 2006 and TPP students will
benefit from the University's small class sizes and the high level
of support provided by teaching staff. To find out more, contact
Student Administration on 5430 2890.
The program is a significant development and a very positive
move forward for the University, the community, and the
region.
Professor Greg Hill is Acting Vice-Chancellor in the absence
of the Vice-Chancellor