Professional development

University of Newcastle introduces new pathway for ECTs as demand surges

Freya Lucas

Nov 08, 2021

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The University of Newcastle has announced Diploma-based pathways to higher education, including a pathway which will end with a Bachelor of Early Childhood qualification, coinciding with increased pressures on the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector to attract and retain qualified staff.

Announced by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, the seven new diplomas provide more opportunities for students to begin their higher education journey with a choice of degree destinations.

As well as education, the new diplomas focus on arts and social science, business, engineering, built environment, science and environmental science, and information technology.

Once a student successfully completes a Diploma qualification, they are guaranteed entry into a selection of Undergraduate degrees with credit for the work they have done in their diploma.

“Our students have faced extraordinary challenges since the beginning of last year. We want to remind them that there are many pathways into the University of Newcastle and many ways to succeed in their studies outside of traditional entry schemes,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Mark Hoffman.

The new diplomas offer a combination of first-year degree courses and supported pathway courses, providing students with academic credit that can be transferred to their degree of choice as well as academic literacy, research and subject-specific skills that help with the transition to university studies - something Professor Hoffman describes as “a more supported start to university life”.

“When you choose to study a diploma, you have the opportunity to be mentored and supported by passionate teachers to set you up for success. You can also access the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, with dedicated academic learning support, counselling and peer support,” he added.

Diplomas can be completed over 12 months of full-time study or up to two years of part-time study. Students can take a combination of on campus face-to-face, online and blended study options.

While there are entry requirements for these diplomas, the required selection rank is lower in comparison to an Undergraduate degree and if students do not have an ATAR, they can still gain entry based on other criteria like past study, work, or vocational experience.

Applications for Semester One 2022 are now open via UAC.

For more information, please visit newcastle.edu.au/diplomas.

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