Overview 2020
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The program combines core business subjects covering areas such as management, finance, marketing and planning with a choice of electives in students’ areas of interest. The course content has been developed in consultation with industry experts and they are actively involved in its delivery.
The first year serves as a foundation year, where you’ll learn the skills to apply your new business knowledge to a range of situations. In the second year, you’ll have an opportunity to choose a pathway to employment or higher study.
A key feature of the course is the focus on hands-on learning, where students develop knowledge and skills through work integrated learning opportunities such as industry placements, fieldwork, case studies and applied research. This aims to enhance students’ problem solving, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills by allowing them to ‘learn through practice’. It has been designed to make university study a little less daunting—and a lot more practical.
Employment pathway
Students wishing to pursue a career in business who don’t wish to continue on to a Bachelor degree should choose this pathway. Due to the practical focus and industry-based syllabus, you’ll be considered ‘workplace ready’ after two years of (full time) study.
Higher study pathway
In the course of your foundation year, you may decide that you’d like to continue your education beyond the Associate Degree level. The higher study pathway prepares you to undertake a Bachelor degree after completing your Associate degree. You’ll be eligible for two years of full credit in the University of Tasmania’s Bachelor of Business Administration.
The program is available for full-time and part-time study across all campuses in Tasmania and is delivered through a combination of online study, face-to-face classes, practical workshops and tutorials.
Completing our Associate Degree in Applied Business will give you:
- a pathway to a great career in business across a range of industries
- in-depth knowledge of contemporary business concepts and practices
- practical skills to take straight into the workplace
- opportunities to advance in your areas of interest
- the skills to help you meet personal career development goals
- credit towards a Bachelor Degree at the University of Tasmania.
Practical experience
Experiential education and work integrated learning approaches are central to the Associate Degree in Applied Business. Students will therefore learn through project and problem-based learning activities such as field work, case studies (local and international), action learning, design thinking, simulated environments, placements, data for decision making, wicked problems and more. These approaches ensure practical experiences are placed at the centre of learning and assessment and that students have the opportunity to develop work-related skills, knowledge and behaviours.
In the first year of an associate degree, students are introduced to learning through practice and exposed to authentic experiences that develop skills and understandings related to industry, community or global needs. Students engage with (i) a range of methods and approaches to practice, (ii) principles and perspectives such as values, ethics, empathy and leadership in real world scenarios, (iii) reflection and deliberative thinking as a means of developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations, and (iv) ways of understanding problems and developing solutions through active inquiry.
A key component of the course, which is established in the first year, is a Practice Manual. The Practice Manual contains all portfolio requirements for the course, including the Professional Development Plan (PDP) and is a collection of evidence that highlights personal, academic and professional development. Dedicated teachers are in coaching roles to support you to continuously develop your Practice Manual over the duration of the course. This involves working with you to determine what evidence best highlights your ability to apply theory in practice, and what activities and experiences showcase your achievement in terms of transferable skills, professional attributes, technical skills and knowledge, and so forth.
The second year of an associate degree builds on the concept of learning through practice by introducing students to more complex learning experiences. Students are therefore introduced to (i) discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations, (ii) concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others, (iii) the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice, and (iv) the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice. In addition, students are expected to exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage themselves and professional relationships effectively. On completion of the two years, students are expected to have a fully developed Practice Manual that highlights all their achievements, including the development of transferable skills and professional attributes, so they leave with a tangible asset that showcases what industry are looking for.
Career outcomes
I’ve been tempted over a number of years to go to university but I got to that stage in my career where I decided if I was going to get into bigger and better roles I needed to get the tertiary education on my résumé.
Career Outcomes
Graduation from the Associate Degree in Applied Business can provide an entry opportunity for those who have not worked in business settings, accelerate progression through a graduate's present organisation, or open up new career paths and opportunities. It will also provide a clear articulation pathway into the Bachelor of Business Administration. This course provides graduates with paraprofessional level of business knowledge and practice applicable across industries. The career options of graduates may also be influenced by their chosen specialisation. A graduate's chosen specialisation might lead them to paraprofessional-level roles within that industry.
New to Applied Business and never worked in the industry before?
For those graduates new to Applied Business, this qualification could assist you to gain roles such as trainee positions with managers, team leaders, field officers, and researchers.
Already working and want to fast track or leverage off past experience?
For those graduates already working in Business, an Applied Business qualification may enable you to progress from assistant positions to managerial roles, lead a small team, become specialists, salespersons and liaise better with suppliers or customers.
Potential types of employers:
- Small and medium businesses;
- Accountancy firms;
- Financial services;
- Event organisations;
- Sport organisations;
- Tourism organisations;
- Health and well-being consultants;
- Non-for-profit organisations; and
- Project management companies.
Articulation into further study
Articulating into the Associate Degree in Applied Business will be in line with the University's standard application for credit process. Please see the Articulation/ Credit webpage for more information. Applications for credit can be made upon application to the Associate Degree in Applied Business course.
Students seeking full credit will need to complete the full articulation pathway within the Associate Degree in Applied Business and apply for the Bachelor of Business Administration. This will require students to undertake 4 x 12.5% subjects from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics in their second year.
Students wishing to articulate from the Associate Degree in Applied Business into other University of Tasmania bachelor programs may gain credit, subject to the receiving faculty/college's discretion.
The progression diagram will give you an idea of how Associate Degrees can help launch you into a Bachelor degree
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
Each year the University of Tasmania administers an estimated $7 million in scholarships to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability.
For more information on scholarships and to view the full range of scholarships available to you, head to the Scholarships website.
Additional costs
In addition to course costs, students may be subject to other costs related to study at university including:
- Text books and stationery
- Accommodation
- Student Services and Amenities Fee
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries