Why Diplomas, Alternate Pathways And Short Courses Are The Perfect Stepping Stone To Get Into Your Ideal Uni Course

Yes, there's more than one path to your dream degree — hurray for options!

Don't panic if your ATAR didn't hit the mark — there are other ways to get into your dream course. In fact, taking an alternative path might even lead to greater things for your future. It's true!

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What feels like a setback now, could turn out to be a major positive for your career.

Pathway courses — such as diplomas, certificates, short courses or Foundation Studies programs — all serve as stepping stones towards your desired degree. Each pathway or uni journey comes with its unique set of opportunities, experiences and connections, so there's lots to be excited about and zero cause for despair.

So the question is really, which pathway suits you best?

One option is to study a diploma at ACU, which has lower entry requirements and allows you to earn credits towards a more advanced course you might take in the future.

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This is great news if your ATAR was less than you'd hoped, as your score won't block your progress. 

Diplomas can be standalone qualifications or work towards your degree; they could even help you secure a spot on your dream course. In some cases, the credits you earn through a diploma allow you to go straight into the second year of your degree program — so you won't have lost any time at all.

Diplomas usually involve a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and, depending on the subject, can open up the door to multiple degrees or even double degrees.

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This leaves things open for you if you change your mind about the degree you want to do. 

Diploma programs are often more technical and give students practical skills they can apply directly in their work, so this is where you can get early exposure to different aspects of your field and a clearer sense of your interests. So pathways give you that little bit more flexibility before you launch into your bachelor's degree.

A diploma at ACU can make your transition into uni easier, too, with lots of support and access to a wide range of student services.

ACU

ACU has smaller class sizes and tailored support, so taking a diploma is a brilliant opportunity to develop your study skills and get one-to-one access to tutors, as you transition to uni from school — or wherever you're coming from. 

The same applies for other pathway courses, too.

ACU's Foundation Studies program is another pathway that can help you build up knowledge and confidence around your chosen field before you begin your undergraduate degree.

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This program can be a great option for students from overseas, as well as Australia — really, anyone who wants to study at uni — but doesn't have a recognised Year 12 qualification.

ACU's Foundation Studies programs take around 35–40 weeks of full-time study.

Certificates, short courses and individual units are other ways of earning credits that count towards your degree.

ACU

ACU's 'stepping stone' pathway courses also include certificates, short courses or professional programs that can be completed through ACU, TAFE, or other VET providers. So many options! These are all offered to help you gain credit towards your bachelor's degree.

It's also worth knowing that ACU has developed a range of undergraduate certificates at a reduced fee. This is designed to help you gain practical skills and knowledge in areas that are in high demand.

Feeling confused? Don't worry — you can get a clear understanding of the pathways using ACU's quick and simple Pathway Finder tool.

ACU

The Pathway Finder makes it super easy to understand all your options based on your own situation. When you select the subject area you're interested in, you'll get a list of all the courses available in that field. For every advanced course, you can see the different pathways to get to it, with duration details and course info. 

Pathway options vary between courses — and even campuses (some campuses have lower entry requirements than others) — so it's well worth doing your research.

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Look into educational access schemes too, in case you've been affected by personal illness or financial hardship — 'adjustment factors' can boost your Year 12 selection rank when you apply to study with ACU. 

To explore ALL your options with an expert (sometimes you just need to talk it over!), head to an information event, book a campus tour, call, email, or simply jump on ACU's live chat.

Head to the ACU website to learn more about the many pathways available for you to take — and get excited for the next big step in your education!