Additional pathways to university a highlight of Deakin and MIBT’s renewed partnership

Deakin University and the Melbourne Institute of Business Technology (MIBT) have signed a new 10 year Partnership Agreement which took effect on 1 January 2008. The partnership expands access to Deakin University for international and local students.

The Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University, Professor Sally Walker, said the new agreement would allow the two organisations to expand the number of undergraduate pathways available to students and to collaborate on the development of new options for those considering postgraduate study.

The agreement was signed by Professor Walker and the Executive General Manager of University Programs at Navitas Ltd, MIBT's' parent company, Professor John Wood.

It provides a framework for the two organisations to further consolidate their close working relationship.

"At present MIBT, which is located in the University's new International Centre on the Melbourne Campus at Burwood, already provides an excellent and direct pathway to Deakin University's undergraduate courses in the areas of Business, Information Technology, Media and Communication, and Health Sciences" Professor Walker said.

"Our plan as partners is to add further pathway courses such as the new MIBT Diplomas in Management, Engineering and Science which will then feed into the second year of relevant Bachelor Degrees at Deakin University. In a first for Deakin and MIBT, these developments will also see MIBT offering certain courses at the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds."

Professor Walker said that MIBT Diplomas are equivalent to the first year of the linked Deakin University undergraduate degree. On satisfactory completion of an MIBT Diploma, and subject to meeting University academic entry criteria, MIBT graduates enter the second year of undergraduate studies at Deakin University.

Professor Walker said that the partnership agreement would also formalise the collaboration between the two organisations for the introduction of a new postgraduate pathway program to be taught by MIBT and by the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI). "From 2008 we will be able to deliver a seamless program which allows students to complete one semester of study and qualify for entry into a related postgraduate program," she said.

Professor Walker said that the partnership agreement would also consolidate Deakin's relationship with MIBT's Indonesian affiliate in Jakarta.

MIBT's College Principal and Director Dr John Duncan said Deakin and MIBT were in a new phase of development particularly with the recent move of MIBT in October 2007 to the new International Centre at the University's Melbourne Campus at Burwood.

"Moreover, the planned teaching of MIBT courses at the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds from July next year is both challenging and exciting for both institutions," Dr Duncan added.

"This new agreement provides the necessary foundation where both Deakin and MIBT can explore a multitude of new programs from 2008 onwards.

"It also allows us to ensure the quality and integrity of our joint programs are maintained."