Within a Cooee! Advice Tool
I’m thinking about uni, but I’m still not sure, conversation starters directed towards regional people who are considering university as an option.
Study options to think about
Universities usually offer a range of ways to undertake your course (sometimes referred to as mode of delivery). The terminology varies between institutions, so you will need to check, but here is a general guide:
On campus means that all or most learning activities (lectures, tutorials, labs, demonstrations) take place on campus and face-to-face. You would probably need to live within a reasonable distance from the campus.
Blended or hybrid learning: this is a mix of online and on campus learning. You would need to attend campus regularly throughout the semester.
- Online learning: this is where at high percentage (around 90%) of learning is delivered online. Learning goes wherever you are as long as you have access to good internet and technology. There is greater flexibility around when you study so you need to be self-disciplined and organised.
- Block mode: this is where most learning is online, but where there are blocks of time (e.g. 1-2 week periods) during semester where you attend on campus face-to-face learning.
Placement: this is a requirement for some courses (for example, nursing, medicine, education) where you spend a period of time in a variety of real-world environments under supervision. You may not be able to choose where you are placed, and you may have to bear the costs of travel, accommodation, take time off work, organise childminding etc. However the learning on-the-job is a critical part of the learning process and good preparation for working in the field
Online?
On campus?
Move away?
Therese is in her 40s and has just begun her higher degree research study, after completing a health-related degree. She has 3 children ranging from 4 months to 11 years. She is from a remote area.
Grace is a 21-25 year old Education student from an outer regional area, and is first in her family to go to uni. She moved 400kms from her family and is now in her final year.
Ways to be ready
Mairead is 31-40 from an inner regional area, 3rd year of Psychology part-time. She is a student with disability and has children. She hasn't had to move for her studies