2007 Media Releases
Friday 30 November, 2007
La Trobe to Offer All Four Years of Bachelor of Education at Mildura
La Trobe University will offer applicants commencing in 2008 the opportunity to undertake all four years of the Bachelor of Education (P-6 stream) at the Mildura campus. This exciting new development will enable students to undertake their whole course in Mildura, eliminating the need to relocate outside the region for any part of the course.
Announcing the new initiative today, the Dean for Faculty of Education, Professor Lorraine Ling, said:
‘The offering of additional years at this campus provides greater access to higher education for mature age students from the Sunraysia region, who previously may have found it impossible to commit to a course involving two years away from their home campus.’
Given the hardship in the region caused by drought and climatic factors, the University considered it appropriate to provide the opportunity for school leavers, mature-age students and people wanting a career change to complete a high quality teacher education program in the Mildura region.
“This development opens a range of learning possibilities. It also reflects La Trobe University’s commitment to regional education, and the value it places on providing students with greater opportunities to access higher education,” Professor Ling said.
Students undertaking the degree from 2008 will be exposed to a range of learning options from face-to-face classes and school-based projects to on-line units, including the option of enrolling in units based at another university.
Professor Ling said the new arrangements had also been implemented in response to a 2006 study by the Teacher Supply and Demand Reference Group, commissioned by the Department of Education and Training, highlighting the difficulties providing teacher staffing in Victoria’s northern and western regions.
“The requirement for students to move to Bendigo for two years of the course was effectively contributing to the critical skill shortage in the region,” she said.
The announcement also coincides with the release of national rankings by the Graduate Careers Australia (GCA), rating the Bachelor of Education at La Trobe University as one of the top undergraduate education courses in Victoria.
“This outstanding result reflects the contribution and commitment of teaching staff at Bendigo and Mildura campuses, as well as those involved in administrative and support services,” Professor Ling said.
“Students considering the Bachelor of Education for 2008 can be assured that they are applying for one of the top ranked education courses in this state.”
Students wishing to apply for the Bachelor of Education in 2008 should apply through VTAC at www.vtac.edu.au or by late direct application to the Mildura campus of La Trobe University. Late direct applications will close at the end of January 2008.
For further details relating to the course see:
www.latrobe.edu.au/education or telephone (03) 5051 4005 or (03) 5051 4009.
Media Contact:
Kent Farrell, Executive Director, Mildura campus.
T: 5051 4019 E: k.farrell@latrobe.edu.au
Prospective students:
Anne Mansell T 03 5051 4009 E: a.mansell@latrobe.edu
Weblinks:
www.latrobe.edu.au/education