THE University of New England (UNE) and TAFE New England Institute have teamed up to provide new and unique Integrated Degrees.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall told the NSW Parliament last week that the degrees were a first for Australia, offered in two different overarching disciplines – Agrifood Systems and Health – combining practical and vocational skills with university studies at every stage of learning.
“Effectively, students are offered the ’hands on’ skills typically obtained through TAFE, along with a deep, contextual understanding of the sector of their choosing from the beginning to the end of their studies,” Mr Marshall said.
“The aim of the degrees is to produce graduates who are able to work straight away upon graduation across various levels of their sector.
“Students studying an Integrated Degree are able to gain recognition and credit for existing qualifications, skills and industry experience, which means they will be able to fast-track their studies accordingly.”
Students who study the Bachelor of Agrifood Systems can major in Livestock, Crop, Horticulture or Poultry Production.
“Students are enrolled in both UNE and TAFE but will only go through one enrolment process making the experience more seamless for students,” Mr Marshall said.
Likewise in the health degrees, which include a Bachelor of Health Practice, Bachelor of Community Services and a combined Health Practice and Community Services Degree, students are enrolled at UNE only and all VET aspects of the course are embedded into the university units.
The real clincher, according to the State MP, is the speed at which students will gain their qualifications.
“At the end of their first year, students obtain a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health or in Community Services Work,” Mr Marshall said.
“In their second year and at the beginning of their third year, students are awarded a diploma and/or advanced diploma in their chosen major, enhancing their range of qualifications, and therefore their likelihood of employment,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the new degrees provided a solution to a huge need in the higher education sector.
“Through this partnership, the degrees will provide opportunities for training to people who otherwise may not have considered university study by offering flexible entry for all people regardless of their educational background or experience,” he said.
“This is critical, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“The degrees equip students with both practical and theoretical knowledge, rather than just one or the other as has been the case with traditional education – that’s why these degrees stand out from the pack and why they’ll hopefully be extremely successful.”
Mr Marshall commended the work of UNE and TAFE in Parliament, particularly UNE Vice Chancellor Jim Barber and Strategic Projects Group senior manager Maureen Chapman and TAFE New England Institute Director Alison Wood and Director of Human and Personal Services Lyn Rickard.
Enrolments for the degrees are now open.
