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Open Foundation by Distance

Thursday 13 January 2005

After a string of casual jobs, Orla O'Dowd was 29 when her now husband suggested that she go to university because she felt she wasn't getting anywhere with her career, but Orla needed an entry qualification before she could go to university.

She applied to Open Foundation at the University of Newcastle, was accepted and did very well.

"I had to move from Dubbo to do the program and that was very hard," says Orla. "It was all worth it though because I was accepted into a Bachelor of Social Work and I'm now working full time as a Drug and Alcohol Case Worker with Macquarie Area Health Services."

Dr Keryl Kavanagh from the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre says that these days there's no need to move! Open Foundation by distance means that people can achieve their goals without leaving home.

Open Foundation by distance is a one-year part-time program offered by the University of Newcastle for people aged 20 and over who want to get into tertiary study but don't have the HSC or UAI qualifications.

"With much attention on HSC school leavers and their plans for university study, many people forget that the HSC is just one avenue into higher education," says Dr Kavanagh.

"Many people finish their high school education early and later have the desire or need to do a university degree. Open Foundation offers them a second chance."

"If they successfully complete the Open Foundation program they are eligible to apply to study at university. Studies show that students with an Open Foundation entry qualification are well-equipped to tackle degree courses at university," says Dr Kavanagh.

Open Foundation applications close on 28 January 2005. People interested in finding out more about Open Foundation should phone 1800 353 775 for an information pack.

For more information, visit the Open Foundation website