University of Tasmania, Australia

The UTAS College Program (UCP) is an initiative by UTAS in partnership with the senior secondary schools and colleges to enable eligible students to undertake university study. Students can study units at the same time or in addition to their TCE studies as follows:

• Co-delivery. Students undertake a TCE subject extension, in selected language, visual and performing arts, arts and business studies, where the TCE subject curriculum closely aligns to a UTAS first year or Foundation unit; or
• 
  
• Full UTAS units. Students complete UTAS units either through the High Achiever Program or a college or campus based facilitated class*.

* These units are best suited to high achieving students whom the Academy or college assesses as capable of completing work at first year university level. Assessment for these units is the same as assessment for other UTAS students, which will often mean taking an exam at a University campus.

• Engagement and extension for capable pre-tertiary students.
• Results for UTAS units count towards the student's Tertiary Entrance/Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (TE/ATAR).
• An introduction to university study to prepare for an easier, less stressful transition to university.
• University experience that can assist in future educational and career planning.
• The opportunity to complete UTAS units while in Year 11/12. These units can contribute to Associate Degree or Degree programs or Diplomas that add value to professional qualifications.
• The opportunity to engage with UTAS online learning and resources.
• Support by UTAS lecturers through assignments and workshops.
• No HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) charges - a saving of around $650 per unit of study.
• Access to UTAS Library and other on-campus facilities.

Students are recommended for the program by their College based on academic results, motivation and maturity and capacity to cope with university level study.

Co-delivered (extension) units are delivered through a combination of online and independent study undertaken at college or home supported by on campus workshops and colloquia.

Full UTAS units may be on campus mode or online, supported by online tutoring with on campus workshops or lectures.

The Conservatorium Foundation Practical Studies units are College based. Units involve a combination of assignment completion, online activities and/or attendance at UTAS tutorials or workshops. The program requirements will be available on MyLO (the UTAS online learning system) and sent by email to both the student and their responsible teacher.

Step 1 - Choose

• Students choose the program of study they wish to enrol in. See the above link to the 2013 UCP offerings for options. It is important for the student to discuss their choices with parents/guardians and teachers to explore their eligibility and how the program will fit with their TCE study.

Step 2 - Apply

• Students can get an application form and program information online or from their school or college and apply for their chosen program with the appropriate form.
• Once completed by students and signed by a parent/guardian, the application form will then need to be signed by the School or College Principal and supporting teachers.
• Domestic students (Australian and New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents) should submit their application, Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF), any additional citizenship documentation and a passport-size jpeg image (for ID card) to their school/college co-ordinator.
• Students who were not born in Australia but have obtained Australian citizenship or Permanent Resident status must provide a certified copy of their residency paperwork.
• International students should submit their application and a certified copy of their student visa to their school/college co-ordinator.

Step 3 - Enrol

• After the application and documentation has been approved by UTAS, students will be enrolled in their program, units and semester.
• Teachers and colleges will closely monitor student progress to ensure that enrolment in this program does not impact on a student's normal program performance.

• The TCE result counts towards the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) as normal.
• To receive an award for your UTAS units you will need to successfully complete mandatory assignments and workshops and achieve a TCE result of CA or better.
• UTAS will receive TCE results from the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority in mid December. Results will be moderated and combined with the results for their UTAS projects at that time, and students will receive advice of their UTAS result in mid/late January.
• A summary of student results will also be provided to your school/college.
• On successful completion of the program and the respective TCE subject, you will be awarded results in UTAS units of study in the relevant Associate Degree, two units being equivalent to 25% of a first year load. Your UTAS results do not contribute additional points to your TER.

UTAS units:

• Units in the UTAS College Program studied as university units are included in the calculation of ATAR scores.
• On successful completion of a university unit, your result will be assessed for eligibility for inclusion in the calculation of your TER. 12.5% university units are deemed to be the equivalent of half the size of a Level 3 subject.
• In order to provide for the inclusion of the university units in the calculation of your TER, all Level 3 subjects you have completed have the TE score halved. Each half score is then the equivalent of a university unit. The best 10 half scores (with at least 6 in Year 12) are then selected to determine the TER. Further explanation and examples can be found in the High Achiever Program section.

• Schools and colleges provide academic and student support.
• UTAS staff will provide a program of study, resources, workshops and academic assistance.
• Participation in the program also entitles students to rights as per normal UTAS students including internet and email access, library usage and use of other student facilities.

Q: Will the UTAS College Program cost me anything?
A: For domestic students the only costs you will be liable for are any textbooks/stationery costs, and costs associated with attending workshops. Students studying under the UTAS College Program will not be liable for HECS.

Q: Do I already have a place reserved for me at the University after I complete year 12?
A: No. When you have completed your Year 11/12 studies, you will need to apply to the University as a normal year 12 leaver. However you can apply for credit for the units you have studied.

Q: When I finish year 12, should I enrol at UTAS as continuing or commencing student?
A: You need to enrol as a commencing student. This ensures you will be entitled to normal services, scholarships etc. of standard commencing students even though you have been a UTAS student through the UTAS College Program.

Q: Will I be required to submit assignments and sit exams?
A: You will be required to complete all the assessments relating to the unit you are undertaking. This may include both assignments and exams. You will be told about these requirements at the beginning of your course.

We advise that you initially discuss the possibility of enrolling in the UTAS College Program with the relevant teacher at your college.

For more information, contact us.