Sasha Clarke dreamt of helping people with learning difficulties achieve their goals but wasn’t sure how to make her dream a reality.
That was before enrolling in the Flinders University Foundation Studies program, creating a pathway for her to complete a marketing and psychology double degree in 2019.
“Foundation Studies really challenged me and made me realise that uni was just about building little skills as I went, listening to instructions and asking for guidance or help if I needed it. The course allowed me to focus on my self-belief in order to finish one goal at a time, and now I’m graduating university.”
Five years earlier, Sasha was concerned not getting an ATAR for direct entry into her preferred course limited her options, before realising she could achieve a minimum grade point average in the pathway program to guarantee an undergraduate place.
High school leavers and mature aged residents in Adelaide’s northern suburbs seeking a career change can now follow the same career pathway, with Flinders University offering its Foundation Studies program close to home for the first time.
In collaboration with the City of Playford, the University is delivering the Foundation Studies program at the Stretton Centre in Munno Para from semester 1 2020 (March entry) and semester 2 (July). Those completing the semester-long course will be eligible to apply for a wide range of undergraduate courses.
The full suite of Flinders Foundation Studies topics will be delivered on site at the Stretton Centre including:
- Introduction to University Study through Academic Writing
- Developing the Skills of Academic Literacy
- Developing the Skills of Academic Numeracy
- Flinders University: An Introduction to Different Areas of Study
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Clare Pollock says Flinders University is creating opportunities for those living north of the CBD to realise their career aspirations through tertiary education.
“Whether a school leaver who didn’t quite achieve the ATAR for their desired course, or someone a little older who perhaps didn’t complete secondary school or who is looking to change their career path, Foundation Studies is the key that opens the door to a degree.”
“We already have more than 2000 students from the northern suburbs studying across a range of disciplines including social work, psychology, law, paramedic science, nursing, creative arts and allied health, however we recognise that for many people, location and circumstance can conspire to make education difficult to access – so we’re making it easier by taking opportunity to those who would seek it.
“And Flinders will be increasingly accessible to students across Adelaide, including the northern suburbs, thanks to the soon to be completed $125 million Flinders Rail line, creating a direct 20 minute connection to Flinders from the CBD” Professor Pollock says.
“There is also the increasingly popular option of studying online for courses in business, management, marketing, international business, accounting, information technology, network and cyber security systems and in the growth areas of disability and developmental education and healthy ageing.
“Our Stretton Centre Foundation Studies initiative and our flexible learning options bring SA’s #1 university for student support, teaching quality and starting salaries – as rated in the latest Good Universities Guide – a step closer to potential students in the north”, Professor Pollock says.
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty says the council is thrilled to partner in an initiative that aims to boost the number of university graduates in the community.
“We welcome Flinders University to the City of Playford. Having a university presence at the Stretton Centre increases accessibility to further education for people in the North of Adelaide”.
“The Foundation Studies program benefits Playford and the Northern Adelaide region, offering students and adult learners a supportive learning environment to reach their utmost potential”.
Member for Light Tony Piccolo MP says the delivery of the Flinders University Foundation Studies program at the Stretton Centre will make a huge difference to the lives of young people seeking to undertake tertiary studies.
“The accessibility of the programs in the local area could make difference between some young people studying at university or not.”
“The program also give adults a second chance to undertake university studies, which can only be a good thing, for those who missed out the first time.”
For more information or to register, please visit here.