DIPLOMA OF GENERAL STUDIES WHY STUDY GENERAL STUDIES AT AVONDALE?... 2 DIPLOMA OF GENERAL STUDIES... 2 Details... 2 Overview... 2 Entry Requirements... 3 Where it could take you... 4 Course Structure Summary... 4 Standard sequence... 5 Fees... 6 Financial assistance... 6 Scholarships... 6 HOW TO APPLY... 6 1 P age
WHY STUDY GENERAL STUDIES AT AVONDALE? Avondale s Diploma of General Studies is an accredited one-year award and a proven pathway to degree studies. The flexible and unique program helps you to develop the skills needed to pursue study in a range of degree courses, or to seek employment. On successful completion of the diploma program, you can seek entry into a range of courses at Avondale and universities Australia-wide. The diploma has been designed for those who: did not complete the Higher School Certificate (or QCE, etc.) and are 19 years or older, did not gain sufficient marks for entry into a degree course, may have suffered some kind of disadvantage. If you fall into any of the above categories, you can benefit from Avondale s Diploma of General Studies, a program that gives you the chance to demonstrate your potential and reach your goals. Avondale has been providing excellence in Christian higher education since 1897. At Avondale, we are committed to providing education that prepares people to make a significant difference in the world. DIPLOMA OF GENERAL STUDIES Details CRICOS code: Locations offered: Course type: Study mode: Course duration: Accreditation 057321A Lake Macquarie Campus Higher Education Diploma On campus. One year full-time (or part-time equivalent) The Diploma of General Studies is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Overview Avondale s Diploma of General Studies (DGS) functions as a pathway into degree studies at Avondale for those who do not meet the direct entry requirements. Most students are able to start their chosen Avondale degree after one or two semesters in the DGS program. The course provides individual help with critical thinking, essay and assignment writing, managing a study program and other skills necessary for academic success or entry into employment. The diploma is a flexible and individualised program, with course units structured to suit your individual needs. 2 P age
The five paths available in the course offer a choice of units: Path G: offers four generic skill units in tertiary writing, learning at tertiary level, academic English and Christian and ethical living. Path 4: enables applicants with an ATAR of at least 54 (or equivalent) and satisfactory numeracy and literacy skills to take four 100 level units from the Avondale degree course of their choice. Paths 1-3: are a mix of generic and degree-specific units (according to individual need). * Note: You are not required to complete the diploma before transferring to a bachelor s degree at Avondale. You can transfer after just one semester of satisfactory academic progress by passing four units in the semester. Academic credit earned as a diploma student is portable, with relevant units able to be transferred into a bachelor s degree. Entry Requirements DIRECT ENTRY Students who have completed the final year of high school (e.g. Year 12 Australia, Year 13 New Zealand) with an ATAR of 45 (or equivalent) or higher but not sufficient for entry into a degree course. ALTERNATE ENTRY Special consideration may be given to those unable to meet the normal requirements, especially those who have been disadvantaged in some way. You may demonstrate suitability for higher education by: Completing a STAT exam, if eligible, OR providing a recommendation from your Year 12 school principal (or principal s nominee) providing report/s of your most recent educational attainment providing reference/s from any relevant industry/work experience undertaking an interview with the Diploma of General Studies Course Convenor completing online testing with Avondale. Detailed information on alternative admission is available from Avondale Admissions. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International applicants will have their qualifications assessed by Avondale Admissions. For a comprehensive list of English and academic entry requirements, visit www.avondale.edu.au/entryrequirements International applicants are also required to satisfy Australian Government visa requirements. 3 P age
Where it could take you Upon successful completion of the DGS or satisfactory progress in the first semester (four units), you may apply to enrol in a bachelor s degree at Avondale. Students using the DGS as a pathway to a degree can transfer relevant units satisfactorily completed in the diploma into a degree course. For those on Path 4, this may be four units. For those on the other paths, it will be a varying number of units. Course Structure Summary The DGS is composed of 8 units (48 credit points) of study over two semesters (full time). All units are worth six credit points. Component Description CORE UNITS GSEN15000 Effective Tertiary Writing GSEN16600 Academic English GSEN16700 Principles of Tertiary Learning CSTD14300 Christian Studies I SAMPLE ELECTIVES ACCT16300 BBNT16000 BBNT17000 CCCR16000 CCCR11500 CHEM16300 CNSL11000 CSTD10400 DTDP10100 DTFN11100 ECON12200 GEOH11000 GEOH12000 HPPD10100 MATH16400 MNGT14500 OEHP10100 THSY16100 VISC12000 VISC14100 Introduction to Accounting Gospels A New Testament Epistles A Media Interpretations Writing for Media General Chemistry Counselling Skills I Spiritual Care in Health Design Principles and Practice (TAS) Food, Nutrition & Health Introduction to Economics Global Issues & Humanitarian Response Environmental Issues Physical Education Studies: Sports skills General Maths Organisations in a Business Context Perspectives in Outdoor Education Introduction to Theology Painting & Drawing I Computer Generated Design 4 P age
Standard sequence Diploma of General Studies Standard Structure Diploma of General Studies 48 Credit Points* Semester Unit Unit Unit Unit 1 GSEN15000 Effective Tertiary Writing GSEN16600 Academic English GSEN16700 Principles of Tertiary Learning CSTD14300 Christian Studies I 2 ANY FOUR ELECTIVE UNITS (at 100 level) (Chosen in consultation with Course Convenor) Faster pathways involving more 100 level degree units are available to those with suitable entry requirements. Contact Avondale Admissions for more information. 5 P age
Fees For current information on tuition fees, on-campus accommodation and meal costs, visit www.avondale.edu.au/fees Financial assistance FEE-HELP If you are an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder you may be eligible for FEE- HELP assistance. FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer payment of their tuition fees. FEE-HELP is available for all Avondale higher education courses. For further details visit http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/ Scholarships For a complete list of available Avondale scholarships visit www.avondale.edu.au/scholarships HOW TO APPLY For an information pack and application form, contact Avondale Admissions or apply online at www.avondale.edu.au Phone: +61 2 4980 2377 Freecall: 1800 991 392 (within Australia) Email: study@avondale.edu.au Mail: PO Box 19, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia CRICOS Provider No 02731D Avondale College Ltd October 2014 6 P age