HIGH school leavers and mature-aged residents seeking a career change in Adelaide’s northern suburbs can start a new career pathway with Flinders University offering foundation courses close to home in 2021.

In collaboration with Playford Council, Flinders is delivering the Foundation Studies program at the Stretton Centre in Munno Para in semester two with applications starting last month and
successful participants eligible to apply for most undergraduate courses.

All Flinders Foundation Studies topics will be delivered on site at the Stretton Centre, including study skills and an understanding of university life; digital literacy and reading skills; academic communication skills and critical thinking and analytical skills.

Senior deputy vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor (Students) Professor Clare Pollock said the Flinders Foundation Studies program offered a great pathway for students seeking to take their first steps and opens up entry into a range of undergraduate degrees.

“Whether you’re a school leaver seeking a new pathway, or someone looking to upskill or develop skills for a new career path, competition of Foundation studies will open the door to a degree,” she said.

“Flinders campuses are now increasingly accessible to students based in the northern suburbs, thanks to the completed $141 million Flinders Rail line, which has created a direct 20-minute connection to Flinders from the CBD.

“We already have more than 2000 students from the northern suburbs studying across a range of disciplines including social work, psychology, law, paramedic science, nursing, creative arts and allied health.

“However, we recognise that for many people, location and circumstance can make education difficult to access – so we’re making it easier by taking the opportunity directly to them.”

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said council was thrilled to continue the Flinders University partnership, increasing local training and education opportunities in the community.

“After 49 students attended the program last year, we’re pleased to offer more local students and adult learners a pathway into university studies,” he said.

“Having the Foundation Studies program held at the Stretton Centre offers community the convenience of studying close to home, in northern Adelaide.

“The program aims to increase accessibility to further education and boost the number of university graduates in the community.”

Member for Light Tony Piccolo said the program gave people in Gawler and the northern suburbs a second chance to undertake university studies.

“People often don’t consider university an option when they are younger for a range of reasons, so having the foundation studies offered locally gives people another pathway to into university,” Mr Piccolo said.

“The results from the intake last year have been very encouraging.”

For more information or to register, visit the website to apply for the semester two intake (www.flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/foundation-studies).