Navigating any space is easier when you understand how it's organised. Learn more about the way universities are structured and the types of study programs that are available, as well as the role of research at a university.
Organisation of university activities
A university is generally led by the Vice-Chancellor and governed by the council and the academic board. Each university has their own values, policies, and legislation developed according to the national standards, which they are required to obey and respect.
At RMIT, there are four colleges: Business and Law (CoBL), Design and Social Context (DSC), STEM and Vocational Education (CoVE).
These colleges are made up of schools. For example, the STEM College has the School of Engineering, the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, the School of Science and the School of Computing Technologies.
Image by Kiattisak on Adobe Stock.
Study programs
Tertiary institutions offer a range of study programs from vocational education and higher education to postgraduate education in many disciplines. Here is a list of the levels of education in Australia:
Pre-university study: Programs for domestic and international students to prepare them for tertiary studies or students who require extra support to get into a university-level program or who are keen to brush up their skills before starting at the university level.
Vocational study: Many Australian universities offer vocational education or TAFE (technical and further education) programs, such as certificate programs, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
Short courses: Some universities offer fully online short courses. The core study areas include artificial intelligence, design, marketing, business and finance, health, science and engineering, data analytics and information technology.
Undergraduate study
Associate degrees: Two-year programs that combine both theoretical and practical knowledge, with a significant focus on work-based learning. This is a stand-alone qualification to enter the workforce as well as a pathway to enter a relevant bachelor degree.
Bachelor degrees: Usually three-year study programs with a focus on both theory and practice. However, some professional degrees can take up to four or five years, depending on the study discipline. These degrees are open to both domestic and international students.
Honours degree: The honours degree is a one-year specialised study that is generally undertaken upon the completion of the bachelor degree. Typically, students are required to have a high GPA from a bachelor to enter an honours degree. With an honours degree, you specialise in a specific area of your discipline. This degree is comprised of a larger portion of research or placement and coursework components. Honours degrees generally prepare you for masters by research or doctoral degree. Image by shock on Adobe Stock.
Postgraduate study
Postgraduate studies by coursework: Generally any study done after the completion of a bachelor degree. Occasionally, with extensive industry experience, you might be eligible to undertake a postgraduate program without a bachelor degree. Different levels of postgraduate programs are available, such as: graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters.
Research degrees: Research degrees are master and doctoral degrees across many disciplines. These programs are comprehensive research conducted independently under the guidance of an expert academic supervisor. You can conduct research as a thesis model or project model, depending on the discipline of study. Masters by research degrees are two years of full-time work, and PhDs are four years of full-time work.
Research: Research and innovation are central to university culture, addressing national and global challenges through collaboration with industry, government, and other institutions. Universities employ dedicated research staff, such as research students, assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and senior fellows. Many lecturers also engage in research alongside their teaching duties.
Recognised prior learning
Recognised prior learning (also known as credit) is the recognition of previous study or learning that can be counted towards a current program.
This can reduce the number of units (courses) needed to complete your program, which means the length and cost of your studies are reduced and you don't need to spend time learning things you already know. Image by Monkey Business on Adobe Stock.
