The University of Newcastle introduces new pathway to uni

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, has today announced a new alternative pathway to higher education.

He said that, as a sector leader, the University of Newcastle was pleased to be introducing seven new diplomas to provide more opportunities for students to begin their higher education journey with a choice of degree destinations.

The new diplomas are focused on the following areas: arts and social science, business, engineering, built environment, science and environmental science, information technology and education studies. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed entry into a selection of Undergraduate degrees with credit for the work they have done in their diploma.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Mark Hoffman, said the diplomas were another example of the University of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting students in our region, ensuring there is a pathway for everyone who wishes to pursue higher education.

“Our students have faced extraordinary challenges since the beginning of last year. We want to remind them that there are many pathways into the University of Newcastle and many ways to succeed in their studies outside of traditional entry schemes.”

The new diplomas offer a combination of first-year degree courses and supported pathway courses, providing students with academic credit that can be transferred to their degree of choice as well as academic literacy, research and subject-specific skills that help with the transition to university studies.

Professor Hoffman said the new diplomas would provide a more supported start to university life.

“When you choose to study a diploma, you have the opportunity to be mentored and supported by passionate teachers to set you up for success. You can also access the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, with dedicated academic learning support, counselling and peer support.”

Diplomas can be completed over 12 months of full-time study or up to 2 years of part-time study. Students can take a combination of on campus face-to-face, online and blended study options. While there are entry requirements for these diplomas, the required selection rank is lower in comparison to an Undergraduate degree and if students do not have an ATAR, they can still gain entry based on other criteria like past study, work, or vocational experience.

Applications for Semester One 2022 are now open via UAC.

For more information, please visit newcastle.edu.au/diplomas.

Additional information

Since 1974, more than 60,000 people have entered University of Newcastle Undergraduate degrees through one of our alternative pathways and each year make up around 20% of students commencing their degree.

Newcastle is the largest provider of pathways programs in Australia according to the Department of Education Selected Higher Education Statistics, 2019.

The following Diplomas are open for applications:

** Flexible delivery (face-to-face, online and blended) is subject to School courses mode of delivery. Bachelor degrees are generally delivered in face-to-face or blended mode.

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