Pathway courses — such as diplomas, certificates, short courses or Foundation Studies programs — all serve as stepping stones towards your desired degree. Each pathway or uni journey comes with its unique set of opportunities, experiences and connections, so there’s lots to be excited about and zero cause for despair. So the question is really, which pathway suits you best? Diplomas can be standalone qualifications or work towards your degree; they could even help you secure a spot on your dream course. In some cases, the credits you earn through a diploma allow you to go straight into the second year of your degree program — so you won’t have lost any time at all. Diploma programs are often more technical and give students practical skills they can apply directly in their work, so this is where you can get early exposure to different aspects of your field and a clearer sense of your interests. So pathways give you that little bit more flexibility before you launch into your bachelor’s degree. The same applies for other pathway courses, too. ACU’s Foundation Studies programs take around 35–40 weeks of full-time study. It’s also worth knowing that ACU has developed a range of undergraduate certificates at a reduced fee. This is designed to help you gain practical skills and knowledge in areas that are in high demand. To explore ALL your options with an expert (sometimes you just need to talk it over!), head to an information event, book a campus tour, call, email, or simply jump on ACU’s live chat.
