University of Tasmania, Australia

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Articulation/Credit - Double Advantage

UTAS Home › Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students & Education) › Centre for University Pathways and Partnerships  › Articulation/Credit - Double Advantage

The University of Tasmania is committed to providing a quality education to holders of qualifications from any national Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the Tasmanian Polytechnic, Tasmanian Skills Institute, a TAFE or other RTO and has developed pathways to enable students to move from one institution to another with ease and often generous credit.

By combining study at the Polytechnic, Skills Institute, TAFE or an RTO with study at UTAS, you will get a double advantage for your career.

NB: Throughout this web page the term "Polytechnic" is used to refer to the institution providing certificate or diploma qualifications that articulate to UTAS degrees, however holders of qualifications from all providers - i.e. Tasmanian Polytechnic, TAFEs from all states throughout Australia, including Tasmania prior to 2009, and other RTOs nationally - are equally eligible to apply for articulation or credit transfer into an appropriate UTAS program.

How can I get a double advantage through articulation or credit?

There are two main ways in which you can combine study at the Polytechnic or Skills Institute and UTAS:

Articulation and credit transfer arrangements

After completing a qualification with another provider (certificate, diploma or advanced diploma), you can apply to UTAS to enrol in a degree course. If the content of the qualification you have completed is similar to your UTAS course, you may be entitled to credit. Some Polytechnic or Skills Institute and UTAS courses are articulated, which means that you receive block credit towards your university degree on the basis of your Polytechnic or Skills Institute study and enter at a higher year level.

A formal articularion agreement is being facilitated by the Pathways Project for the creative arts in Tasmania. The Pathways initiative is a partnership between the University of Tasmania and Tasmanian Polytechnic, and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employments and Workplace Relations.

Information on articulation and credit arrangements, as well as concurrent study programs, is available in the articulation table.

Concurrent study programs

Polytechnic and UTAS offer two concurrent programs in the information technology areas. You are able to enrol in a Diploma of Information Technology at Polytechnic and concurrently undertake a Bachelor of Information Systems or a Bachelor of Computing at UTAS. At the end of four years' study, you will receive two qualifications a Polytechnic diploma and a UTAS bachelor degree.

What subject areas offer a double advantage?

View the articulation table for details of current credit and articulation arrangements for the Polytechnic or Skills Institute and the University of Tasmania, as well as concurrent study programs available through the two institutions.

What are the benefits of double advantage?

A qualification from the Polytechnic or Skills Institute;and UTAS provides many benefits including:

  • Increased career opportunities
  • Reduced university course costs
  • Practical and theoretical skills.

What course costs are involved?

Polytechnic course costs

Studying at the Polytechnic represents great value for money with fees capped at $990 per year for full-time study ($280 with concession) for students not enrolled in Years 11 and 12.  Students who are undertaking Years 11 and 12 will incur the $280 levy only. Some additional costs may be incurred for text books, uniforms, licences or other materials. Further information on Polytechnic course costs is available on the Tasmanian Polytechnic website.

NB: For information about costs associated with other TAFEs and RTOs in Australia, please contact the particular institution directly.

UTAS course costs

The University of Tasmania does have course costs, but only for the units you undertake, and you don't pay for any units that you receive credit for. Eligible students also have the option of deferring their course costs until they have finished study and are earning at a minimum level. See www.studyassist.gov.au for more information.

Can I fit study into my life?

The Polytechnic and Skills Institute work closely with industry to develop relevant training that can be delivered flexibly, including on-the-job professional placements and online courses that can be studied remotely. You can even apply for recognition, which means the Polytechnic will recognise skills and knowledge learnt from life experience or previous employment.

Many courses at UTAS are offered part-time, and some include options for flexible study such as print or web-based distance education.

The flexible and part-time options offered by the Polytechnic, Skills Institute and UTAS will enable you to establish a routine that fits study into your existing work and family commitments.

In what ways are the Polytechnic, Skills Institute and University different?

The Polytechnic, Skills Institute and UTAS have different operating systems in terms of how and when people attend classes.

The Polytechnic and Skills Institute provide a range of units to enable learning to occur through professional placements, remotely through online courses, part-time, full-time, and day and/or evening classes. As a full-time university student your formal contact time can be as little as 12 hours a week and you will need to organise your own private study schedule.

At these institutions you are regarded as an adult learner and consequently you are left in charge of managing your studies and time.

How can I successfully manage the transition to University?

University faculty staff will give you advice about your credit entitlement for studies completed at the Polytechnic or Skills Institute and will assist you with planning your enrolment.

UTAS also offers a number of enabling programs to assist students in the transition to university study:

  • Unistart: a short free of charge program for new students, available at the start of semester. Focuses on developing essay-writing and other essential skills required for independent learning at university.
  • University Preparation Program (UPP): designed for people who intend to enrol in a tertiary course but feel the need to build up their confidence and learning skills prior to starting university study.

The Centre for University Pathways and Partnerships offers detailed information and application proceedures on UTAS's full range of transition and enabling programs.