Regional education alliance offers new university pathway

Regional education alliance offers new university pathway

Western Victorian students will have a new pathway into university through a land management course to be provided by an alliance of six education providers including South West TAFE.

A statewide curriculum will be developed to enable rural students to gain advanced diploma qualifications as a lead-in to science and environmental degree courses and masters at Melbourne University.

Up to 500 study places will be available through the course which will be based at the university’s Creswick campus and delivered through other locations including South West TAFE’s campuses.

Creswick has Australia’s only dedicated forest ecosystem research centre.

Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay and Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall last week announced $1.35m for the $2.25m integrated land management partnership.

Warrnambool-based South West TAFE manager of educational development, Jenny Madden, said it was an exciting initiative to open more tertiary education opportunities for rural students.

“It will also assist people engaged in work to link in with flexible study options,” she said.

“This course enhances opportunities for higher studies and will offer a clearer articulated pathway into university.

“We will be assisting in developing the new advanced diploma to start in 2015.

“South West TAFE already offers a diploma course in conservation and land management and this advanced course improves our linkages with other institutions.”