Kylie Watson left high school in year 11 and always believed studying at university was out of reach but 14 years later she’s achieved her dream.
“When I had my last two children very close together, the time off work inspired me to start studying at TAFE doing a business administration course. The desire to study grew from there and I decided I wanted to try and study at university.”
So she enrolled in the Flinders University Foundation Studies program, creating a pathway for her to undertake a social work degree at the Bedford Park campus.
“This course helped me gain the skills I needed for essay writing, research and gave me a sense of belonging before starting my first semester at university.”
“I believe the foundation studies are a valuable resource for people wanting to get back into study, leave the workforce for a change in career or even just an extra step up for those coming straight from high school. The Foundation Studies help build on skills, step by step and give you the confidence to take on assignments once your at university.”
High school leavers and mature aged residents seeking a career change in Adelaide’s northern suburbs can start a new career pathway with Flinders University offering foundation courses close to home in 2021.
In collaboration with Playford Council, Flinders is delivering the Foundation Studies program at the Stretton Centre in Munno Para in Semester 2 with applications starting in April and successful participants eligible to apply for most undergraduate courses.
All Flinders Foundation Studies topics will be delivered on site at the Stretton Centre including:
- study skills and an understanding of university life
- digital literacy and reading skills
- academic communication skills
- critical thinking and analytical skills.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Clare Pollock says the Flinders Foundation Studies program offers a great pathway for students seeking to take their first steps and opens up entry into a range of undergraduate degrees.
“Whether you’re a school leaver seeking a new pathway, or someone looking to upskill or develop skills for a new career path, competition of Foundation studies will open the door to a degree.”
“Flinders campuses are now increasingly accessible to students based in the northern suburbs, thanks to the completed $141 million Flinders Rail line, which has created a direct 20 minute connection to Flinders from the CBD.”
“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 make education difficult to access – so we’re making it easier by taking the opportunity directly to them.”
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty says that the Council is thrilled to continue the Flinders University partnership, increasing local training and education opportunities in our community.
“After 49 students attended the program last year, we’re pleased to offer more local students and adult learners a pathway into university studies.”
“Having the Foundation Studies program held at the Stretton Centre offers community the convenience of studying close to home, in northern Adelaide.”
“The program aims to increase accessibility to further education and boost the number of university graduates in the community.”
Member for Light Tony Piccolo MP says the Flinders Foundation Studies program gives people in Gawler and the Northern Suburbs a second chance to undertake university studies.
“People often don’t consider university an option when they are younger for a range of reasons, so having the foundation studies offered locally gives people another pathway to into university.”
“The results from the intake last year have been very encouraging.”
For more information or to register, please visit the website to apply for the semester 2 intake: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/foundation-studies