Academic English for Professionals / English Training in Australia / Study English / Study in Melbourne
4 tips to help you choose the right diploma program in Australia!
Australia’s education sector offers countless options for both international and local students, with countless different courses and diploma programs available.
There’s just one question: which one is best for you?
With so many choices, it can be quite overwhelming when the time comes to choose your course.
That’s why we’re here to help!
Do you feel like you are in the middle of a crossroads? Unsure what pathway is right for you? Read on to learn which diploma program might be right for you!
1) Do you want hands-on learning and work?
If so, a diploma program in Australia might be just what you need!
Most university courses focus on theory-based learning, whereas diploma programs feature a mix of both theory and practical learning.
It makes sense, since most certificate or diploma-level jobs involve a lot of practical, hands-on work!
For example, if you are planning on taking a patisserie course in Melbourne, you may learn:
- How to plan and cost menus
- Cooking techniques and practices
- Safe work and food handling practices
- Advanced baking techniques
Academia’s diploma and certificate programs take this even further, incorporating work placements in real-world workplaces in many of our courses to turn you into the most well-rounded graduate possible.
If this sounds appealing to you, then a diploma program might be the right fit for you!
2) What skills do you already have and what else do you want to learn?
And we aren’t just talking about your previous work skills, either – are there personality traits you possess, or “soft” skills that you excel at?
We’re asking this because certain jobs are more suited for certain personality types or skills.
If you possess these skills, then following one of these pathways might be just the right choice for you!
Start by listing some of the skills that you already have, as well as the ones that you want to develop further.
Once you’ve done that, start digging into what specific career paths require of you in terms of skills and traits.
Say for example that you:
- Are good at resolving disputes
- Are patient and caring
- Have excellent interpersonal skills
- Have great physical stamina
These are all skills that are crucial to succeeding in a childcare career.
So naturally, anyone who possesses each of these skills (plus a love for children, of course) is a great candidate for a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care!
By taking a look at your skills and traits and comparing them to what certain pathways require, you can narrow down your options and choose the best diploma program for you.
3) What about the course content?
For you to understand what to expect upon enrolling in a course, you need to understand the course content and what you will learn.
Doing this will give you an idea of the sorts of training, requirements, tutorials, workshops and work placements expected of you before finishing the course.
And by extension, you’ll learn whether the course is right for you!
We know, it sounds pretty basic. However, you’d be surprised by how many students seem to overlook this altogether, or only do surface-level research.
To ensure you make the right decision, go into depth – look at:
- Specific subjects
- Workshop content
- Electives
- Ratio of classroom to hands-on learning
- Any placement that is a part of your course
Academia’s friendly course advisors are available throughout the day to help students like yourself understand what our courses in Melbourne and Brisbane involve.
4) What are your career prospects?
And finally, you need to know that your diploma or certificate will help you land your dream job in the future – that’s why you’re studying, after all!
Once you’ve decided on the diploma program that you want to take, the next thing that you need to do is look at what sort of career prospects await you once you finish.
That means going beyond the listings on your favourite job-seeking website; you’ll also want to look at:
- Industry demand
- Growth potential
- Risk from automation or offshoring
- Immediate industry outlook
- Sensitivity to economic downturn
By taking a look at the industry as a whole, you can be confident that your studies will help lead you to a fruitful and fulfilling career!
Find the right diploma program today
Study in Melbourne or Brisbane with Academia!
Your future begins by not only choosing the right diploma program, but the right learning institution, too.
So you’ve chosen a diploma that interests you, and which lines up perfectly with your goals. Now the only thing left is to decide where you’re going to study.
Academia offers a range of different pathways for students, including recent year 12 graduates, international students, and mature age students looking to make a career change.
Our institution offers certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas across a diverse range of departments, including:
And as a medium-sized institution, we’re able to offer students like you a level of support and personal involvement you won’t find at a larger institution!
Start planning for your future today – contact our friendly team now:
