Associate Degree
This course values the critical role that Education Support workers play in enabling learners to overcome their barriers to learning success. As a distinctive profession in its own right, Education Support is critical to the provision of educational access and equity, particularly for children and adults who may have distinct learning difficulties, lack confidence or motivation in learning, or who might otherwise be disengaged or marginalised from conventional educational systems or practices.
The course is informed by core theoretical knowledge and evidence-based practice in learning support. It is underpinned by a strong research-practice nexus and is guided by our Faculty's commitment to social justice as a core value for the work that educators and education support workers do. By experiencing a curriculum that values access and equity, and embeds inclusive education practices as well as attention to social and emotional learning, our students come to recognise that positive relationships with self, others, cultures and place are critical to learning success.
By working with partners to provide work-integrated learning opportunities, we guide and mentor our students to embark on personally and professionally fulfilling learning pathways as they develop:
We engage with students at all stages of their journey toward becoming confident education support workers capable of making a real difference to people's lives.
Domestic Applicants
We recommend students enrolling in this course undertake at least one day of paid or volunteer work in a classroom setting. If you are providing home schooling we recommend that you are registered with the Home Education Advisory Council to provide home schooling.
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2023, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 51.4. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your study plan and subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Domestic Applicants with Higher education study
Completed University Preparation Program or equivalent or;
Successful completion of 1 (12.5 credit point) undergraduate unit of study
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
= Certificate III or equivalent in any discipline
Domestic applicants with work and life experience
Statement of personal competencies (includes work and life experience)
Special Consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course.
This course is not available to international applicants. International students may consider the following alternative courses:
Graduates will be highly sought in education careers and in particular in classroom settings as Integration Aides, Teacher Assistants, and School Support Officers. Graduates will also be highly sought after in the industry training sector, and will be suited to communication-based jobs, public relations and other sectors that value graduates with well-developed problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills.
The Associate Degree in Education Support requires the completion of 200 credit points comprising:
It is strongly recommended that you complete EDU106 Academic Literacies in your first semester of study. This unit introduces you to the expectations of university study and assists you to develop the skills you need to engage successfully with higher education.
If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here. Your course planner gives you a visual representation of your course and will help you plan which units to enrol in and when.
For course planners from previous years, refer to the handbook entry for that year.
Students may receive credit for up to 200 points for completed equivalent units from the 42B Associate Degree Education Support course into the 43B BEd (Primary), and/or 43J BEd (HPE) courses. Note no credit is available for the Units:
EES160 - Foundations of Literacy Support {12.5 credit points)
EES161 - The Role of Education Support {12.5 credit points)
EES162 - Foundations of Numeracy Support (12.5 credit points)
EES163 - Education Support in Practice {12.5 credit points)