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  2. Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Associate degrees are undergraduate qualifications delivered by universities, technical colleges, and high-end Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). They are ideal for paraprofessionals, highly skilled workers, and people with a low ATAR score wanting to enrol in higher education. Associate degrees are very focused on practical skills and often include a professional practice unit or work placement. Even better, you can complete your studies and receive your qualification in just two years.

Associate Degree Courses

There are 3 Associate Degree courses available.

Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design
On Campus
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Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)
On Campus
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Associate Degree in Applied Science
On Campus
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COURSE DETAILS
Associate Degree in Business
On Campus
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COURSE DETAILS
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Associate Degree?

In Australia, an Associate Degree is an AQF Level 6 qualification. According to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) criteria scale, the Associate Degree sits between a Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree and is equal to an Advanced Diploma.

The Associate Degree is considered a higher education course so it’s covered by the Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). This means you can apply for a low-interest HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan to pay your course tuition fees.

Written by Courses.com.au Team

What is the difference between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree?

There are four key differences between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree: entry, duration, AQF ranking, and course content.

1. Entry: an Associate Degree has much lower admissions criteria than a Bachelor’s Degree. Many Associate Degrees accept students with an ATAR of 50 or less, while most Bachelor’s Degrees require an ATAR of at least 60-75.

2. Duration: studying full-time, an Associate Degree takes 2 years to complete, while a Bachelor’s Degree takes 3-4 years.

3. AQF Ranking: an Associate Degree (AQF level 6) is lower on the AQF rankings than a Bachelor’s Degree (AQF level 7).

4. Course Content: an Associate Degree is more hands-on and skills-focused than a Bachelor’s Degree. There is usually a lot more theory and academic writing required in a Bachelor’s Degree.

While not an official difference, an Associate Degree is usually much cheaper than a Bachelor’s Degree.

Written by Courses.com.au Team

How long is an Associate Degree?

Associate Degrees can be completed in 2 years if you are studying full-time, and 4 years when studying part-time.

Written by Courses.com.au Team

What comes after an Associate Degree?

After you graduate you can enter the workforce as a paraprofessional or highly skilled worker. Alternately, you can enrol in a Bachelor’s Degree at university. Most Associate Degrees articulate into a related Bachelor’s program and you will receive academic credit for the subjects you have already completed.

Written by Courses.com.au Team

What job can I get with an Associate Degree?

Associate Degrees support a wide range of occupations, industries, and employment sectors including business, engineering, Information Technology, justice, health, hospitality, communications and media. Once you graduate you’ll be ready for entry-level and paraprofessional roles, however, if you are already working, an Associate Degree can help you level-up to team leader, supervisor, or departmental manager.

Written by Courses.com.au Team

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