Our vision is to provide access to an extensive range of learning opportunities that meet the needs of our students in a changing global education environment. The College achieves this by providing an environment that is student-focused, supportive, and embodies high ethical standards.
At Curtin College , you will find a passionate community of staff dedicated to making your student experience rewarding and enjoyable. The College offers access to courses and support programs designed to provide you with qualifications and skills that will prepare you for success in your chosen discipline at the University.
The success of Curtin College students and their graduation from Curtin University demonstrate how much our students' benefit from the teaching model, learning support, pastoral care, campus facilities and student experience provided at the College.
We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
How will I be taught?
Students at the College are exposed to a variety of teaching methods designed to promote a stimulating learning experience. Lecturers provide students with a framework for each unit being studied, and ensure they acquire the relevant knowledge and skills for the chosen course. Students are expected to take notes summarising key points and ask any questions they may have regarding complicated issues raised during the lecture. Lecture groups average between 30 and 50 students, with some often much smaller. Students are given the opportunity to study all units in further detail through tutorials and seminars. Students apply their knowledge and develop practical skills in group and individual project work as well as in laboratory sessions. Curtin College tutors have access to the latest technology and facilities to support their teaching and students benefit from interactive classrooms, as well as full computing and internet facilities.
How are tutorials and seminars taught?
Tutorials and seminars typically involve small groups of students and a member of the teaching staff discussing important and relevant topics often covered in the lectures. These sessions are designed to complement the preceding lectures and provide a workshop ensuring students receive dedicated attention from the highly skilled lecturers. The smaller class sizes at Curtin College ensure lecturers are able to get to know students' personal study needs. Students will normally have more contact hours with teaching staff than in equivalent undergraduate classes. A major feature of a tutorial or seminar is the opportunity students have to contribute positively to these discussions by way of individual or group presentations. The small group teaching applies specifically to Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Program and Tertiary Access Program units, and to Diploma units for the programs taught in Curtin College classrooms. Every effort is made to ensure students succeed, however students are expected to undertake private study as well. Six to eight hours may be required for additional study per week, per unit.
How will I be assessed?
Methods of assessment differ across courses and units. Students can expect a combination of written examinations, assignments, essays and presentations. Participation in seminars and tutorials is also taken into consideration. Coursework may include group projects and practical work. At the beginning of each unit, students are given an outline that includes due dates for the completion of assignments. Students who fail to meet these submission deadlines may be penalised even though the work was completed. Attending all classes is essential in order to be successful at Curtin College .
Can I get Credit for Recognised Learning?
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) enables students to complete specified Certificate or Diploma courses in a shorter time than normal. CRL is usually based on successful completion of equivalent modules or units of study at another institution. Applications for credits should include unit outlines (syllabus) and certified copies of any academic transcripts. Curtin College also recognises the skills and knowledge students may have gained from life experiences, work experience and any training provided through previous employment. Requests for CRL should be made at the time of application and prior to arrival in Australia to ensure that correct visas are issued. Approval of CRL after the student visa has been granted may require the College to report the change of course duration under Section 19 of the ESOS Act. The granting of a Curtin College Diploma is contingent on students having studied a minimum of 50% of the course at the College.
How do I progress to Curtin University with exemptions?
Curtin College Diploma graduates who have met minimum academic requirements are able to articulate with advanced standing to relevant courses at Curtin University. Students must pass all units (200 credits) in their diploma to progress to year two of the Curtin degree. If this does not occur as a consequence of failures, progression may not be allowed. This may lead to students extending their study period and/or changing to an alternative program of study to complete their Curtin College diploma. Each study program has progression requirements in which students must achieve a minimum specified course average in order to progress to the next course in their packaged offer. Failure to meet these progression rules will require individual academic counselling. Some courses may have additional progression requirements during the diploma that need to be met in order to advance to the Curtin degree.