Bachelor Degree - TAFE vs Uni
There are so many opportunities to further your education that it can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re returning to study after a long time.
The world of work is changing faster than ever. If you’re looking to make a career change or take the next step in your existing one, it pays to never stop learning.
On one hand, there are your classic TAFE qualifications that help you build practical, job ready skills. On the other hand, a university degree will hone your research and problem-solving skills in your chosen discipline.
When it comes to the all-important job interview, employers are increasingly looking for experienced candidates who can think outside the box. People with a balance of practical skills and problem-solving skills have the competitive edge in the job market. Doing a skills-based degree at Melbourne Polytechnic gives you the best of both worlds.
The differences between a degree at Melbourne Polytechnic and a traditional uni
When you think of uni, you probably imagine yourself sitting in a big lecture hall, taking notes while a professor talks and you have to pick out the gold and decipher what’s happening. Melbourne Polytechnic degrees are very different to that. Traditional universities mainly focus on theory, research and critical thinking skills. While you might have the opportunity to do one or two practical units, these aren’t the focus at your typical uni.
A skills-based degree develops your practical skills and theoretical knowledge at the same time. You get practical industry experience through the whole degree rather than just one work placement. This blend of skills gives you a competitive advantage because you can jump straight into the next phase of your career and apply that knowledge immediately.
Connecting with industry
If you study at a university, you learn from research professionals. They have a deep understanding of the theory of their field but they don’t always teach practical experience.
At Melbourne Polytechnic, you learn from experts who also have extensive, on-the-job experience and in most cases continue to be heavily connected to their discipline. You get to build up a rapport with your teachers and they can help you make important connections and build networks to people in industry.
A personal approach to learning
If you don’t like the thought of getting lost in a sea of faces at a big university, you get a more personal learning experience when you do a degree at Melbourne Polytechnic.
Unlike traditional unis that often have lectures of 1000 or more students, we keep classes small and personal at Melbourne Polytechnic. You can expect to have the same 20 people in your class the whole way through your degree. That way, everyone knows your name and your teachers get to know your learning style very quickly, paying attention to detail to get you through successfully. This also means you get to build up strong, professional relationships with your teachers and peers that will last well into your working life.
Everyone is welcome
Let’s be honest: If you’ve had a long break from study, you might feel a bit nervous that you won’t fit in at uni.
The majority of our students are like you -- people who are returning to study. Whether you’re young or young at heart, we bring you a friendly and supportive learning environment. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 81.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers practical degrees that help you get ahead in a range of fascinating and growing fields.