Kelly White
10 November 2022: This year saw the very first round of students to graduate from the UC Accelerated Pathways Program, with many having already received early entry to study their dream degree at the University of Canberra in 2023.
Developed in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate and officially launched in early 2021, the UC Accelerated Pathways Program allows ACT college students to study on campus, earn credit towards a University of Canberra degree, and experience what university life has to offer.
Year 12 students Bethany Agius and Jessica Morris attended the graduation ceremony last week. Bethany studied Systemic Anatomy and Physiology through the Pathways Program and Jessica studied Business Decision Making.
Jessica found that the program opened her eyes to new possibilities and helped her understand her own strengths and interests.
“I had really struggled with what I wanted to do once I left school. I’d always had an interest in the business field and the business subjects that I've done at school, so I thought the UC Accelerated Pathways Program would be a great opportunity to see if I wanted to pursue higher education,” Ms Morris said.
“It helped me decide on my major Business Management – which I’m very excited to start next year!”
Ms Agius chose to study Systemic Anatomy and Physiology, as she had always been interested in the medical field.
“I wanted to get to know what university is like – the program helped me understand my options,” she said.
Far from adding an extra burden during her busy final years of school, Beth found that the topics covered complemented her college studies.
“I saw a lot of correlation between my subjects, so for my Year 11 and 12 classes, I could bring that knowledge into college . I also had access to the databases and resources through the University,” Ms Agius said.
Both students have accepted their offers to study at the University next year and are looking forward to this exciting new chapter of their lives. As she embarks on a Bachelor of Business Management next year, Ms Morris is looking forward to meeting new people.
“UC has a very strong community. When walking around, I see people spending time together outside of their classes, at all the different cafes and other places around the campus, which is really nice,” she said.
“I’ve also met a bunch of like-minded people through the program. I think most of my classmates are planning to study here next year – maybe not the exact same degree, but in the same field, which is exciting.”
Ms Agius is also looking forward to full-time study next year and is already eyeing new opportunities she can access through the University.
“UC has a lot of partners across the world, so there’s so many possibilities for studying abroad. I would love to spend a semester in Europe ,” she said.
The Accelerated Pathways Program upholds the University’s commitment to equity and equal opportunity. Students are selected from across all ACT colleges.
Selection is not based on grades or test scores, but on a written application and interview to assess their learner attributes, skills and interest in the chosen courses.
Course co-ordinator Amy Smith has worked with the students since those initial interviews two years ago, and has watched them bloom into capable and confident young graduates, ready to take the next step in their journey.
“I am so proud of the achievements of our students and am excited to see what they do next. This program is an important offering for ACT students, and the graduation of our first cohort marks a significant milestone in its development. It continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to providing this opportunity to many more students.” Ms Smith said.
Enrolments for the UC Accelerated Pathways Program are now open for 2023. For more information, visit the website at https://www.canberra.edu.au/campaign/accelerated-pathways-program
