Guaranteed pathways to strengthen student opportunities

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and the University of Canberra (UC) announced a nation leading suite of seven guaranteed pathway arrangements, making it easier for students to move between vocational and higher education.

The guaranteed pathways enable CIT graduates from the past five years to receive direct entry and up to one year of recognised credit into seven UC degrees, spanning high-demand areas such as nursing, early childhood education, leadership and management, graphic design, government, accounting and project management.

Minister for Skills and Training Michael Pettersson MLA welcomed the announcement. "Our TAFE and University sectors need to meet the needs of learners by being flexible to their education journey."

"The guaranteed pathways announced today give students greater choice in their study options and the confidence that they will be supported with opportunities to learn throughout their career."

"The CIT and UC have long demonstrated the benefits of a more connected and flexible tertiary system. This announcement further develops the exciting pathways open to Canberrans through this partnership.”

UC Vice-Chancellor The Honourable Bill Shorten described the UC-CIT guaranteed pathways suite as nation leading, putting the best interests of students first and a long-overdue step towards tertiary harmonisation.

“These pathways will change the course of students’ careers, save them thousands of dollars in student debt and streamline their progression into higher education through the recognition of their prior learning through CIT, where a high-calibre diploma will secure their pathway to a quality degree.

“UC can be trusted as the university where practical experience meets academic opportunity for skilled professionals and qualified tradespeople to advance their careers. UC understands that adult learners are seeking supportive, flexible, community-based and quality education that meets their needs and supports their career ambitions.

“These pathways further advance some of UC’s strategic priorities outlined in our Reconnected strategic plan, to champion tertiary harmonisation, lifelong learning, and access to university for adult learners, while contributing towards addressing Canberra’s workforce demands and workplace productivity.

“We want people to see UC as their natural learning choice – whether they’re continuing their education, returning after time away, or pursuing the next step in their career or business journey,” said Mr Shorten.

CIT Chief Executive Officer Dr Margot McNeill said the guaranteed pathways reflect the strength of collaboration between ACT’s tertiary institutions.

“These guaranteed pathways create clear, accessible routes for students who begin their learning journey with CIT to continue to university study with confidence.”

“This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to a harmonised tertiary system, one that values practical skills and academic learning equally and recognises the skills students bring from CIT to higher education,” Dr McNeill said.

The announcement follows months of collaborative work between UC and CIT pathway specialists to map qualifications and confirm credit alignment.

The first tranche of courses will now be promoted to prospective students and industry as part of the two institutions’ joint commitment to building a seamless and future-ready tertiary education system for the ACT.

The seven guaranteed pathways are:

• Nursing – Diploma of Nursing to Bachelor of Nursing
• Government – Diploma of Government to Bachelor of Government
• Project Management – Diploma of Project Management to Bachelor of Business
• Early Childhood Education – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth–5) or Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education
• Leadership and Management – Diploma of Leadership and Management to Bachelor of Business
• Graphic Design – Diploma of Graphic Design to Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)
• Accounting – Diploma of Accounting to Bachelor of Business

For more information, visit https://www.canberra.edu.au/uc-cit-pathways.