adult entry to university
If you think university is only for young people just out of school then think again. Flinders University welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds. We are proud of our long history of supporting adult learners, in fact half of all students at Flinders are classed as adult entry students. Many adult students thrive in a university setting where learning environments are enhanced by the valuable experiences and knowledge they bring to their studies. They are often keen to share their skills with fellow students adding to the diversity and depth of the learning process.
W
e encourage and support adult entry students to attend university and begin a degree and a new life. If you:
WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
•
Did not complete Yr 12 at school but want to undertake university study to develop a satisfying career
There are several pathways available for adult entry applicants to gain admission to Flinders:
•
Did complete Yr 12 but not at a standard for admission to the course of your choice
•
Previous year 12 results
•
•
Are already established in a career, after having obtained an apprenticeship, traineeship or TAFE qualification, or
TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO/VET) award
•
Flinders Foundation course
•
Indigenous Access Scheme
•
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
•
If you are willing to explore our range of entry options then you are in the right place and on the right page.
In this booklet we will briefly explain the variety of pathways for adult entry to Flinders University. This will assist you to enrol in a degree of your choice and eventually obtain the right qualification for your needs, update your skills, change your career direction or further a new or lifelong interest.
PREVIOUS YEAR 12 RESULTS Regardless of when you finished year 12 you can still use your results as the basis for your application to Flinders. If you are unsure about your results contact the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA).
TAFE OR REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION (RTO) AWARD
competitive so talk to one of our Prospective Student Advisors about how you can maximise your chances of gaining admission to the course you want.
A Certificate III or higher qualification from a TAFE or RTO can be used as the basis of your application to university. However, not all courses will accept a TAFE/RTO award for entry, so you need to check with our Admissions/ Prospective Students staff about using your qualification for admission into a Flinders course. For further information refer to our TAFE to University guide or visit www.flinders.edu.au/tafe.
For further information refer to our Flinders Foundation Course guide or visit www.flinders.edu.au/foundation.
FLINDERS FOUNDATION COURSE The Flinders University Foundation Course allows people to experience university study in a supportive learning environment. The course teaches, in clear and concrete terms, how to be a successful student and introduces you to some of our major fields of study. There are no prerequisites for entry into the Foundation Course and on successful completion students are able to apply for admission to Flinders degree courses the following year. Admission to bachelor degrees is
INDIGENOUS ADMISSIONS SCHEME Yunggorendi First Nations Centre for Higher Education and Research administers the Indigenous Admissions Scheme, as a pathway into Flinders. This scheme is recognition by Flinders University that Indigenous Australians do not always have the opportunity to gain entry to university courses through traditional pathways. For further information visit www.flinders.edu.au/yunggorendi or phone (08) 8201 3033
OPEN DAY 15 & 17 AUGUST 2008 In 2008 we will be holding our annual Course and Career Open Days on Friday August 15 between 12pm and 5pm and Sunday August 17 between 10am and 4pm. Open Day is a great opportunity to talk to our friendly staff about your study options, take part in a campus tour, attend an information session or even just have a look around the campus. For further information please visit www.flinders.edu.au/openday
SPECIAL TERTIARY ADMISSIONS TEST (STAT)
Am I eligible to apply?
The STAT is a 2 hour test consisting of 70 multiple choice questions. It is designed to assess a range of abilities and competencies considered important for successful university study, particularly the ability to think critically and to make sense of the material presented.
•
Be aged 21 or over on or before 1 July 2008 for semester 2 2008 entry
•
Be aged 21 or over on or before 1 January 2009 for semester 1 2009 entry; and
•
Not hold a University award at diploma or higher level, nor a TAFE degree (excludes TAFE certificates and diplomas)
The test does not assume previous knowledge or expertise in specific subject areas (eg Chemistry). Its main purpose is to assess your ability to study at a tertiary level. STAT questions typically require candidates •
To read and think about a passage of writing
•
Interpret graphical displays of information
•
Use mathematical relationships
•
Reason about tables of data.
The questions are based on a wide range of materials. All the information required to answer questions is contained in the tests. About ten days before the test, a Candidate Information Bulletin, containing sample questions similar to the type used in the test, is made available to people who have applied through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).
To be eligible to apply for the STAT you must:
Note: If you have studied at higher education level and, in all attempts at higher education study you have accumulated more than the equivalent of two full-time years of study, you must wait until three years have elapsed since you were last enrolled in a higher education course. For 2009 entry, this means your last year of enrolment must have been 2005 or earlier.
STAT dates and times STAT settings are held in both metropolitan and country locations. Please contact SATAC for dates and times of the next round of tests.
Notification of results The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in Melbourne marks completed STAT tests. The marks are then reported to SATAC in Adelaide and made available to selection staff at the three South Australian tertiary institutions.
COURSES AVAILABLE TO ADULT ENTRY APPLICANTS# Applied Geographical Information Systems Aquaculture Archaeology Arts Business Behavioural Science (Psychology) Biodiversity and Conservation Biotechnology (Hons) Commerce Computer Science Computing and Digital Media Creative Arts Disability and Community Rehabilitation Ecotourism Education • Early Childhood combined with Arts • Junior Primary/Primary combined with Arts or Science • Middle School combined with Arts, Science or Health Science • Secondary combined with Arts, Science or Health Science Engineering • Biomedical • Biomedical/Masters of Engineering (Biomedical) • Computer Systems • Electronics • Robotics
• Robotics/Masters of Engineering (Smart Instrumentation) • Software Engineering Science Environmental Health Environmental Management Environmental Science Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Government and Public Management Health Sciences Health Sciences (Paramedic) Information Technology International Studies International Tourism Justice and Society Laws and Legal Practice* Marine Biology Media Medical Science Medicinal Chemistry Midwifery Nanotechnology (Hons) Nursing Nutrition and Dietetics* Psychology (Hons)* Science Science (Hons) Social Work and Social Planning Speech Pathology Theology
Note: some courses require applicants to meet certain SACE stage 2 (or equivalent) prerequisites, please read the relevant course brochure for further information. *TAFE/RTO qualifications not considered for entry. #Not all courses are offered for Semester 2 entry, please contact the Admissions/ Prospective Students Office for further information.
Richard described his years at Flinders as the best time of his life, and added that the positive spin-offs from his studies have been marked. He has a simple recommendation: ‘Just do it! It will be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.’ Richard Dolan, International Studies
HOW TO APPLY To apply for a course or sit the STAT for semester 2 (July) 2008 entry you must lodge your application with the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) by 5pm on Friday 13 June 2008* via UniWeb; www.satac. edu.au/uniweb To apply for a course or sit the STAT for semester 1 (January) 2009 entry you must lodge your application with the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) by 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2008* via UniWeb; www.satac.edu.au/uniweb For 2009 applications the normal processing fee for applications is $40. For applicants wishing to undertake the STAT a fee of $87.00 also applies. *Late applications may be considered but will be subject to a late application fee and may not be granted equal consideration. Please contact the Admissions Office for further details.
USING MULTIPLE PATHWAYS If you have multiple qualifications, such as a TAFE award and a STAT test result, you can use both qualifications when applying for admission. When applying simply include all information in your application and we will consider both qualifications in assessing your eligibility and competitiveness for a course.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STUDY AT FLINDERS UNIVERSITY? For most students the study workload involves a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, laboratory or practical classes, fieldwork or work placements, and the all-important time for individual study. The number of academic sessions, for example lectures or tutorials, will vary according to your subjects. For the remainder of the time you will be expected to study independently. All students need to organise their time efficiently and develop good study habits but most adult students are used to doing this, particularly if they have been employed or are raising a family. For additional details on what it is like to study at Flinders please look in our 2009 Undergraduate Course and Pocket guide.
TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY Returning to study, or commencing studies later in life, is a big decision. The first few weeks involve negotiating new routines and finding a balance between study and other commitments. The Flinders University Transition Office has assisted students aged from 17 to 68 with transition to university.
Returning to study after 21 years was a daunting prospect for Anthea Williams. She was pleased to find that her experience at Flinders was very rewarding and she highly recommends the University. She believes her studies have greatly enhanced her knowledge, skills and experiences. Anthea was impressed with ‘the lecturer’s wealth of background experience. It brought my learning to life.’ There was comprehensive support for her learning reinforced through interactive state-of-the-art equipment and software, generous library resources, and happy, friendly staff. Anthea said the broad scope of subjects provided students with a dynamic foundation for the future. Anthea Williams, Health Sciences
All Flinders students have access to a comprehensive range of student support services including: •
Start Smart. Organised by the Transition Office this program covers such topics as study skills including EXCELerate, a wide-ranging academic program designed to smooth your entry into academic life
•
A skills development program for first year students
•
Careers advice, mentoring, vacation and graduate employment for students (last year we advertised over 5000 graduate positions)
•
A range of additional programs to assist our students to further develop the skills that employers seek in graduates
•
A health and counselling service
•
Disability Support - Flinders is committed to providing access and equity for students with disabilities. There is a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer to assist students when required
•
Student loans and financial assistance
•
Child care.
/ "!(. "53 ,).% 440 TO #ITY !$%,!)$% !)20/24 MINUTES
#)49 #%.42% MINUTES
"52.3)$% MINUTES
',%.%,' MINUTES -!2)/. 3(/00).' #%.42% MINUTES
-4 "!2+%2 MINUTES
"2)'(4/. "%!#( MINUTES
.
",!#+7//$ MINUTES
flinders
./!2,5.'! MINUTES
location map
ADMISSIONS/PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS OFFICE Student Centre (next to the Alan Mitchell Sports Centre) Postal address: Admissions/Prospective Students Office, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001 Telephone: (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost) Fax: (08) 8201 2580 Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au Website:www.flinders.edu.au
CRICOS Registered Provider Flinders University CRICOS Provider No. 00114A.
3997
The information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of publication: May 2008. Flinders University reserves the right to alter any course or topic contained herin without prior notice.