These courses are run by TAFE, university and private RTOs and are designed 'bridge the gap' in a students knowledge. Bridging courses
are offered on specific topics or subjects that are commonly required by
tertiary institutions as a pre requisite to undertaking a particular course of
study. For example maths, physics, chemistry, history, English.
Bridging courses are a great way to refresh your knowledge and transition
into study. Some tertiary institutions offer bridging courses over the summer
months prior to courses beginning in March to enable students to brush up on
their knowledge. Speak to the course coordinator to identify if you meet the pre
requisites. If not, ask the course coordinator what bridging or refresher
courses they recommend.
Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet
2 as PDF 85 KB) to assist you identify the questions that you need to ask a
course coordinator when investigating the requirements of a particular
course.
Most universities offer Foundation or University Studies courses that are specifically designed
for people who have experienced educational disadvantage or wish to return to
study after a significant absence or lack the formal qualifications to enter university. These courses
also provide members of equity groups access to education as most universities
do not require formal minimum entry requirements to apply for a Foundation or
University Studies course. However applicants who have not obtained a Tertiary
Entrance Rank will be required to provide evidence of an interval of at least
two years between leaving school and applying for the course.
Students that graduate from a Foundation or University Studies course are
eligible to apply for any undergraduate university course provided they meet the
minimum entry requirements. The length of these courses is generally 12 months
and part time study is offered. Examples of the subjects offered in these
courses include: critical literacy, introduction to computing, introduction to
tertiary studies, information skills, individual and group skills and financial
management.
Many TAFE institutes run
introductory programs (bridging programs) that range in length between five days
and six months. These courses are designed to provide students with an
opportunity to find out more about study and the vocations that are available in
different industries. Introductory courses are practical in nature and are
designed to lead students into further TAFE studies in Certificate I, II, or
III. Examples of the introductory courses offered include: preparatory studies,
English as a second language, spoken and written English and women's
education.
TAFE lso offer vocational
education courses to prepare students to undertake vocational study and progress
towards further study and employment. The subjects offered in these courses
include Building, Reading and Writing Skills, Cultural Awareness, Managing Time
in the Workplace, Personal Presentation, Preparing for the Workplace, Problem
Solving Techniques, Applying Safe Working Practices and Job Interviews.
Vocational education courses are designed to meet the needs of a range of people
such as people with a disability, special needs and the long tern unemployed. To
find out more about these courses contact your local TAFE institute or log onto
their website.