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Associate Degree in Education Support (42B)

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Overview (2027)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 2 years, up to a maximum of 5 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Launceston
Semester 1
Online
Semester 1

The Associate Degree in Education Support is a two-year course designed for those who want to make a real difference in education. Whether you are working as a Teacher Assistant, Integration Aide, School Support Officer, or supporting home-schooling, this course will help you build the skills and knowledge you need to thrive.

Education Support is a distinctive and essential profession, focused on ensuring access and equity for learners who may experience challenges such as learning difficulties, lack of confidence, or disengagement from traditional education systems.

Throughout the course, you’ll build a strong foundation in learning support, guided by core theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice. With a focus on social justice, inclusivity, and social and emotional learning, you’ll be equipped to foster positive relationships with learners and support them to achieve both academically and personally.

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  • 1 Exhibit broad theoretical and technical knowledge related to education support work in schools and communities
  • 2 Identify, demonstrate and assess skills of ethical practice, communication, critical reflection and collaboration needed in diverse, complex and unpredictable learning contexts
  • 3 Apply knowledge and skills pertinent to education support by planning for and supporting the delivery of a differentiated curriculum for individual learners, particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy

Through work Integrated learning (WIL) opportunities, you will be mentored to become a confident, creative, and resilient professional, ready to make a meaningful impact in diverse educational environments. During your placements, you'll gain hands-on experience by actively observing, participating, and engaging in education support roles. These experiences are designed to familiarise you with a variety of learners and diverse learning environments, preparing you to support the needs of students in real-world settings.

As part of your studies, you will complete at least 20 days of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements in education settings. Across your first two years, you’ll undertake 10 days each year, giving you the chance to actively observe, participate, and engage in education support roles.

These experiences will help you build confidence working with diverse learners and deepen your understanding of different learning environments, preparing you for a rewarding career in education support.

Career outcomes

You’ll be highly sought after for careers in education and beyond, including roles such as:

  • Integration Aide, Teacher Assistant, or School Support Officer in classroom settings
  • Opportunities in the industry training sector
  • Communication-based roles and public relations
  • Other sectors that value strong problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills

Course structure

The Associate Degree in Education Support requires the completion of 200 credit points comprising:

  • 175 credit points of Core Units
  • 25 credit points of Elective units

It is strongly recommended that you complete EDU106 Academic Literacies in your first semester of study. This unit introduces you to the expectations of university study and assists you to develop the skills you need to engage successfully with higher education. 

If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here. Your course planner gives you a visual representation of your course and will help you plan which units to enrol in and when.

For course planners from previous years, refer to the handbook entry for that year.

Entry requirements

Domestic Applicants

We recommend students enrolling in this course undertake at least one day of paid or volunteer work in a classroom setting. If you are providing home schooling we recommend that you are registered with the Home Education Advisory Council to provide home schooling.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations. 

Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. 

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released. 

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your study plan and subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic Applicants with Higher education study

  • Completed University Preparation Program or equivalent or;

  • Successful completion of 1 (12.5 credit point) undergraduate unit of study

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

  • = Certificate III or equivalent in any discipline

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

  • Statement of personal competencies (includes work and life experience)

Special Consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.

Students may receive credit for up to 200 points for completed equivalent units from the 42B Associate Degree Education Support course into the 43B BEd (Primary), and/or 43J BEd (HPE) courses. Note no credit is available for the Units: 

EES160 - Foundations of Literacy Support {12.5 credit points) 

EES161 - The Role of Education Support {12.5 credit points) 

EES162 - Foundations of Numeracy Support (12.5 credit points) 

EES163 - Education Support in Practice {12.5 credit points) 

If you have completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Education Support or Diploma of University Studies (Education), you can articulate into the Associate degree in Education Support with full credit.

 

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $4,736

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

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