Deakin’s new associate degree on Dandenong’s doorstep

Deakin University and Chisholm Institute of TAFE today (Tuesday 27 October) signed an agreement to bring theDeakin at Your Doorstep program to Dandenong in 2010, enabling local residents to study a new Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences at Chisholm Dandenong.

The associate degree is a pathway through to a range of bachelor degrees including degrees in commerce and management. The two education providers believe the program will benefit the region through improving career opportunities for local residents in accounting, management and human resources roles.

Deakin's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Rural and Regional) Professor Sue Kilpatrick said the program provides increased educational opportunities for people in the Dandenong region.

"The associate degree is an exciting new opportunity to provide people with the skills they need to succeed at university. It gives people the option to learn where they live and is the ideal pathway to a bachelor degree," Professor Kilpatrick said.

"The associate degree also gives people already in the workforce a pathway to advance their workplace skills and provides work relevant subjects."

Virginia Simmons, CEO and Director Chisholm Institute said: "Chisholm is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Deakin in offering this associate degree at our Dandenong Campus. It will be one of an increasing range of higher qualifications offered by Chisholm, giving the people in our region more educational options."

The Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences is a two-year full-time (or equivalent part-time) qualification that can be undertaken concurrently with a diploma fromChisholm Institute of TAFE. Students may gain up to 18 months credit in their chosen bachelor degree which can be completed at Deakin University's Warrnambool Campus or via off-campus study.

"We're excited about the possibilities the associate degree opens up for students in the Dandenong region and also for the benefits it brings to the region, particularly as the concurrent diplomas and bachelor degree pathways have been chosen to address local skill shortages," Professor Kilpatrick said.

To find out more about the Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences available through Chisholm Institute of TAFE visit www.deakin.edu.au/doorstep or call 03 5563 3119.