How to get the qualification you want: your guide to pathway options

As an international student in Australia, it is important for you to have access to a career you will love. Maybe you dream of getting a Bachelor of Nursing or a Master of Business Administration (MBA). For these goals and all the others in between, there are pathway programs in Australia to help you get there.

If you are unfamiliar with pathway programs in Australia, you probably have some questions. What is a pathway program? What are my pathway degree options?

As a proud pathway program university, Torrens University has all the answers you have been looking for. In this guide, we take a look at the common pathway programs in Australia. We also explain how they can help you reach the qualification you want.

What is a pathway program?

Pathway programs in Australia are courses designed for both domestic and international students. They give you the qualifications, skills, and knowledge you need to meet the entry requirements of your preferred courses.

So, if you are feeling nervous about starting university, need to meet the prerequisites to get into your dream course, or want to develop your study skills before launching into a new qualification, pathway programs are a perfect option for you.

English language pathway courses

All Australian institutions have an English language requirement for prospective international students. To meet these requirements, many international students take English language pathway courses. These courses give you a safe space to prepare for university entry and success - plus, you can start to make new friends.

As mentioned, we are a proud pathway program university. As such, we offer English pathway courses, including:
● General English (Elementary to Advanced) ● English for Academic Purposes Level 1 and 2 (Intermediate to Advanced)

Bachelor’s degree

Are you hoping to get a bachelor’s degree? Lucky for you, you have plenty of pathway degree options to make that dream a reality. No matter your situation, you are sure to find one that suits you.

Your first option is applying to an undergraduate program straight after secondary school. If you choose this pathway, you must submit your Year 12 certificate for consideration. But many recent high school graduates do not feel ready to commit to a multi-year undergraduate program – and that is okay. If this sounds like you, there are a range of options available.

Firstly, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification of Certificate IV-level or higher can be a pathway to a degree at Torrens University Australia. So, if you are a recent graduate of a VET provider or TAFE, you may be able to transfer into a Bachelor degree.

Alternatively, you may want to consider a Diploma program. These courses give you a feel for university life without the commitment of an entire degree. They also give you a chance to learn new concepts and skills that will benefit you once you move on to your bachelor’s degree.

Finally, an Associate Degree is a short-cycle program that can help you with your career development and lead you to a full Bachelor degree.

Master’s degree

Many students want to take their studies to the next level by completing a master’s degree. If that is your ambition, you have a wide range of pathways to make it happen.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, then you can apply for a master’s degree directly. Your undergraduate courses and academic performance will be considered in your application. That said, you do not necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to pursue a master’s degree. In many cases, you can enrol in a graduate certificate or a graduate diploma program as a starting point.

A graduate certificate usually takes about six months of full-time study to complete. A graduate diploma usually takes one year of full-time study to finish. These courses allow you to grow more specialised in a field of study, preparing you for the master’s level.

Course credits and recognition of prior learning

As an education provider, we know how important it is to help you build on your prior learning. Whether this learning was through previous studies in a structured course or through life or work experience. What you have learnt in the ‘school of life’ can be really significant.

So, here are two ways you can easily get course credits at Torrens University:

1. Qualification pathways to a degree
   This one is simple. If you have already completed a qualification, either at Torrens University or at another institution around the world, we will review your learnings and apply course credits towards your chosen degree with us where appropriate. You can look through guaranteed credit options, or contact us to chat about these course credit opportunities.
2. Recognition of prior learning
   Learning does not have to happen in a classroom. Life or work experience, self-tuition or teachings, your hobbies and even your leisure activities can all be credited towards a degree with us. You will be assessed on how your experience matches the learning outcomes of the subjects covered in your course, so make sure that you tailor your application to your chosen degree.

Evidence to support your application for credit based on informal or non-formal learning like this can include letters from employers/professional references (on business letterhead), portfolios of work samples, interviews, performance review evidence, plus much more.

When it comes to your pathway degree options, the possibilities are endless. At the end of the day, it is up to you to choose the pathway that best suits your needs and your lifestyle. Doing so will set you on the path to ultimate success in achieving the qualification of your dreams.