University Course Options
This page contains information from universities across Victoria. For the most complete and up-to-date information , please check the VTAC Course search, or the university course websites.
More information below:
What is an undergraduate certificate?
5 things to think about when looking for a course
On campus or online study – What’s right for you?
Australian Catholic University (ACU)
What is an undergraduate certificate?
If you're exploring your study options after leaving school or considering a career change, you might have come across something called an undergraduate certificate. But what is an undergraduate certificate exactly, and could it be the right choice for you? We'll break down everything you need to know about this flexible qualification.
So what is an undergraduate certificate?
An undergraduate certificate is a short-term qualification designed to give you foundational knowledge in a specific field. Usually taking anywhere from 3 to 12 months to complete, these certificates offer an introduction to a subject area without the time commitment of a full degree.
Think of it like dipping your toes in the water before diving into the deep end. You get to explore a field of study, develop new skills, and gain qualifications that can either lead to employment or serve as a stepping stone to further education.
These certificates usually cover content at various academic levels, from foundational skills through to more advanced concepts. For example in Australia they cover content between Levels 5 to 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. This is the same level as anything from a Diploma to a Bachelor Degree. The specific level depends on the institution and the particular certificate you choose.
Understanding undergraduate vs postgraduate study
You might wonder why it's called "undergraduate" when you've probably heard that term used for bachelor's degrees. Here's the thing: undergraduate simply means any qualification you can study without already having a degree. It's the opposite of postgraduate study, which requires you to already hold a degree for entry.
So whether you're studying a certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree straight from school (or later in life without prior higher education), you're an undergraduate student.
Why consider an undergraduate certificate?
There are plenty of compelling reasons to choose an undergraduate certificate over jumping straight into a longer qualification.
Lower entry requirements
Perhaps you have your heart set on a particular field but don't quite meet the entry requirements for a full degree. Undergraduate certificates often have more accessible entry requirements, making them an excellent stepping stone. Many institutions will then give you credit towards a longer qualification if you decide to continue your studies.
Time efficient
In our fast-paced world, spending three or four years studying isn't always a practical option. Undergraduate certificates allow you to gain qualifications and skills in months rather than years. This means you can start working in your chosen field sooner or test the waters before committing to longer study.
Try before you buy
Unsure whether you'll actually enjoy studying the psychology, business, or creative writing degrees you've been contemplating? An undergraduate certificate lets you experience what the subject is really like before investing in years of study. You'll engage with similar content to what you'd find in a longer qualification, giving you a genuine taste of what's ahead.
Flexible
Most undergraduate certificates offer flexible study options, including online delivery and part-time schedules. This makes them ideal if you're working, caring for family, or have other commitments that could make traditional full-time study challenging. If you manage to handle everything brilliantly and you're still keen to study afterwards, you'll have the confidence to know that you can give it a good shot.
Career advancement and upskilling
Already working but want to climb the career ladder? Undergraduate certificates are brilliant for developing new skills, specialising in a niche area, or transitioning into a related field. They're particularly valuable in industries that evolve quickly, where staying current with new knowledge and skills is essential.
Cost-effective learning
Let's be honest – education can be expensive. Undergraduate certificates understandably cost significantly less than full degrees while still providing valuable, recognised qualifications. This makes them a smart choice if you're budget-conscious or want to minimise student debt.
What can you study?
The range of undergraduate certificates available is quite impressive, with more options being added all the time. You'll find options in areas like:
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Health and community services
- Information technology and digital skills
- Creative arts and design
- Education and training
- Engineering and technical fields
- Hospitality and tourism
Many institutions design these certificates around industry needs, so you're likely to find options that align with current job market demands. Course Seeker, is an example of one search engine you could use to browse and compare your options, including entry requirements, institutions, delivery mode, and more.
Will it actually help your career?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on your goals and industry. Many employers value the practical, focused skills that undergraduate certificates provide. They demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
In some fields, an undergraduate certificate might be all you need to start working. In others, it might be the foundation for further study. The key is researching your chosen industry to understand how employers view these qualifications.
Making your decision
Before enrolling, consider what you want to achieve. Are you looking to start a new career (or career change), advance in your current role, or explore a potential field of study? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right certificate and institution.
Research the specific requirements and outcomes of any certificate you're considering. Look at what skills you'll develop, how the qualification is viewed by employers in your chosen field, and whether it offers pathways to further study if that's something you might want later.
Finding your options
When you're ready to explore specific undergraduate certificates, start by researching institutions in your area or those offering online study. Many universities, vocational education providers, and private colleges offer these qualifications.
Consider factors like delivery mode (online vs on-campus), duration, cost, entry requirements, and whether the certificate offers credit towards further qualifications. Don't hesitate to contact institutions directly with questions – they want you to succeed and are usually happy to provide guidance.
Your next steps
An undergraduate certificate could be exactly what you need to kickstart your career, change direction, or simply explore a new interest. The flexibility, accessibility, and practical focus of these qualifications make them an excellent choice for many people.
Take some time to research your options, speak with careers advisors or industry professionals, and consider how a certificate might fit into your broader life and career goals. With the right choice, you could be on your way to new opportunities in just a few months.
5 things to think about when looking for a course
Planning on doing some more study in the future? You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thousands of course choices out there. If you're looking for some guidance, we've got some things you might like to think about when looking for a course - it could help you make your decision.
Study location
This is one of the most important things you'll need to consider first. Would you be willing to move to another city (or even state or country) to study your chosen course? Or perhaps you're unable (or unwilling) to move and you'd like to study online instead.
As well as location, look at different universities, vocational institutions, and private providers and compare your options. Take a tour of the campus (in person or virtually), browse accommodation options, and read about on-campus clubs, facilities, and activities. See if you can read student reviews about their experience, or talk to someone you know has studied there in the past.
Flexibility and access
As well as where you'll be studying, take a look at other important details about the course. This includes things like whether part-time study is available, if you can defer your studies, and even what their study calendar is like (when will you be on holidays, for example?).
You should also do a bit of research on the institution's other options and services, such as how easy it is to switch between courses if you've changed your mind, whether you'll receive any credit for past studies, and what kind of support they offer (e.g. for students with disabilities, career advice, etc.).
Entry requirements
One of the key things you'll need to know about a course is whether or not you're eligible to apply. Make sure you read and meet any academic requirements and have the needed subject prerequisites before you apply.
If you're not eligible through the standard pathway, take a look at their alternative pathway options and see if there is another way you might be able to receive an offer instead.
Course fees
Unfortunately, not a lot of things in life are free - and this includes most tertiary courses. Take a look at not only how much the course will cost, but what your options for payment are. Common finance options include loans, payment plans, scholarships, and even government assistance.
But in some circumstances you might be expected to pay your course fees upfront, so make sure you know exactly what you'll owe and how you'll pay for it before signing up.
Career pathways
If you're looking into further study, it's probably because it will eventually lead you to a particular job or career. So ensure the course you're looking at will actually qualify you for future jobs. Take a look at job sites and see what qualifications employers are looking for in roles you'd like to have one day.
In some cases, you might be required to have a specific degree to start in your chosen career (if you want to be a doctor, for example, you'll need to follow a set study pathway).
Also consider other jobs and pathways the course could take you, in case you find your career goals change over time or don't pan out how you expected.
On campus or online study – What’s right for you?
The past few years have seen a huge uptake in universities moving their learning online, and it's an option that's more popular and accessible than ever. But for some people, it's not quite the same as being able to attend classes on campus. So what's the best option for you if you're looking to start studying at university soon - on campus or online?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to both, and at the end of the day the decision comes down to what will best suit you. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
On campus - Benefits
First, let's take a look at the upsides of study on campus.
It's easy to meet new friends
Studying on campus means you will have to meet a whole bunch of new people - whether you want to or not! But it's also a great opportunity to make new friends, build important connections, or start a study group. It's always nice to have people to talk to and study with to make life that little bit easier.
Easy access to resources
Being on campus gives you easy access to all of the resources the university has to offer: libraries, student support services, computer labs, study spaces, and even things like cafes and gym facilities. Everything you could possibly need is right there at your fingertips.
The schedule is done for you
It doesn't matter if you don't have the best time management skills, because your class times are all set for you. All you have to do is show up!
On campus - Downsides
Now that we've looked at some of the positives, let's cover some of the reasons on campus study might not suit you.
The cost
Depending on how far away you live from your nearest campus, you might find yourself spending a lot of time (and money) commuting back and forth. Some universities have on-campus accommodation, but this can also be costly. And if there is no university near you, you'll have to spend a lot of money moving away from home.
The time commitment
Studying full-time on campus means that you will be spending most of your time at university. This doesn't leave much time for other things like work. If you need to rely on your income, this might not be the best option.
The rigidity
Having your schedule set for you can be good, but you might find that certain classes can conflict with other activities you have planned, such as sports and social time. And in most circumstances, going to class will be the option that wins. Sometimes you might even have two classes that clash, meaning you will need to choose between one or the other.
Online - Benefits
Thinking of studying online? Here are some of the reasons it could be right for you.
The flexibility
When you study online, you can generally set your own pace. You can take as long - or as little - as you need on a certain topic. You can also choose when to study. If you're an early riser, you can study in the morning, and if you're more of a night owl, then you can study at night instead. It also gives you the flexibility to fit your study around other commitments, such as work.
Minimal disruption
Even if there is no university campus nearby, studying online means you don't have to move away to access top-notch education. This could save you heaps of money in travel expenses and accommodation (and you don't have to shift your whole life half way across the country).
Meet people from all over
Studying online isn't necessarily lonely - you will often be able to chat to your other classmates and lecturers virtually, either by video or text. You can meet people from all over the country and even overseas, giving you a broader perspective during your studies.
Online - Downsides
Finally, let's cover some of the not-so-good things about online study.
Requires serious time management skills and discipline
Studying at your own pace can be a blessing - or it can be a curse. If you're the kind of person who's more likely to stay in bed and get distracted scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, online study might not be the best option.
Less access to resources
Depending on where you live, you might not have access to a library in town. Or perhaps you still live at home with younger siblings and your house is often crowded and noisy, making it difficult to study. At times like these, it's nice to have certain facilities on-hand at campus.
No face-to-face contact
Even though you will still chat regularly with your lecturers and other students, it can still be lonely for some people without proper face-to-face time with friends. Be careful not to get sucked into the trap of never leaving your house either! Having support and connections through other means (family, other friends, etc) is still important.
The final verdict
At the end of the day, which study option is best for you is a personal decision. There are a lot of things you need to take into consideration, and what's right for one person might not be right for you.
But here's something else to consider: a lot of universities also offer flexible or blended study modes. This means you can combine both on campus and online study to suit your needs. And there's nothing from stopping you trying one out - you can do your first semester online, and if you find it isn't quite working for you then you can swap to on campus for the second, or vice versa.
Whatever path you choose, have fun with your studies and remember that you always have options.