Flinders University and TAFE SA have combined to make it easier for students to gain both a vocational qualification and a degree with the launch of a Dual Offer program for 2013.

The flexible new study option will particularly benefit regional students where access to a TAFE campus may be more readily available than a university or for those students not yet eligible for direct entry to a university degree.

Flinders’ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Andrew Parkin, said students can apply for a Dual Offer with a single application either through TAFE SA or SATAC for entry into both a TAFE SA course linked to a Flinders degree.

“Entry to Flinders is guaranteed on successful completion of the TAFE SA course and students will not need to complete a further application,” Professor Parkin said.

“Students will also receive generous credit in the Flinders degree for the work already completed in the TAFE SA course. This means, depending on the chosen courses, both qualifications can be completed within 3 to 5.5 years,” he said.

The Acting Chief Executive of TAFE SA, Robin Murt, said students can gain two nationally recognised qualifications and graduate with skills valued by employers.

“Students can study their first qualification at the appropriate TAFE campus before completing their degree at Flinders,” Mr Murt said.

“University results show that graduates who come through a TAFE SA pathway perform better in degree studies than many of those that come direct, because they are better prepared for their university studies,” he said.

Andrei Rus, who graduated from Flinders with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) after initial study at TAFE, says the Duel Offer program will be very attractive to prospective students.

“Coming to University from TAFE SA is a great opportunity. Having two professional qualifications provided me with more skills, knowledge and experience and an edge in the development of my career in Accounting,” Mr Rus said.

Dual Offer courses are available from 21 TAFE SA campuses, 11 of which are in regional South Australia. Details of Dual Offer courses are available on the TAFE SA or Flinders University websites, or in the SATAC university guide.

Flinders University also offers guaranteed entry to many degrees for students who hold a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma. Google TAFElink to see which degrees are available.