New study options for Dookie campus and Hume region

A new Diploma in General Studies based at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus near Shepparton and nearby locations aims to provide students in the Hume region with their first experience of tertiary study, allowing them to stay closer to home, family and friends.

The course is partly funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund and will be introduced this academic year.

The University is offering 12 scholarships of $5000 each for the Diploma to assist with study and travel costs, including two awards for Indigenous students.

The course will be delivered at the Dookie campus in partnership with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE in Benalla, Shepparton, and Wangaratta, and the Wodonga Institute of TAFE providing access to local campuses and industry mentoring.

The Diploma offers a qualification from the University of Melbourne with study areas in Science, Commerce, Environments and Agriculture as an introduction to tertiary study and pathway to the Melbourne Bachelor Degrees. It is designed as a one year full-time or two years part-time course.

“The aim of the Diploma in General Studies is to provide a taste of what studying a Melbourne Bachelor Degree is like,” says Professor Richard James, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Student Engagement).

“This gives students a year to experience study and a stepping stone to a meaningful outcome whether that is employment, or further study in a University of Melbourne degree or TAFE program,” he says.

“Students will have the chance to try new subjects, pursue an interest, or undertake prerequisite subjects they missed out on at school, and will be given support and advice to select subjects that are the best fit with their goals.”

The flexibility of the course allows students to make their own living arrangements, including low-cost accommodation available at Dookie campus.

Second round applications will be accepted until 8 February 2013. 

Direct entry applications will be accepted for the 2013 academic year so students can apply for admission to the Diploma in General Studies in addition to VTAC preferences by submitting an application directly to the University of Melbourne.

www.dookie.unimelb.edu.au/generalstudies