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ACS Distance Education

 

AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS


SCHOOL INFORMATION

The School The School's Staff
How Our Courses Work Recognition
When You Complete A Course Work Experience & Projects
Common Questions & Answers


THE SCHOOL



Established in 1979, ACS has educated thousands of full and part-time students, many of whom have gone onto successful employment, both in industry or in their own businesses. Others have used their courses to develop a hobby, or simply broaden their general education. We currently have over 3000 students enrolled from Australia and around the world. The school employs staff in 3 states of Australia, plus the U.K., U.S.A and New Zealand. As such our courses and service have a truly global focus. Courses have been developed with strong industry input from around the world and are continually updated on the basis of surveys undertaken by both current students and graduates every month of the year.

The school holds high the ideals of practical education, emphasising in all courses those things which are relevant to "real life". Courses offered cater for hobby interest through to formal training in industry and the professions.

MORE THAN A SCHOOL

The school and its tutors have always been active in industry. We believe strongly that maintaining an awareness of current information and trends enables us to keep our course notes and services to students up to date and relevant. When you study with this school you are learning from people who are doing what you are studying on a daily basis.

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STAFF



A key philosophy of the school, since its establishment, has been that tutors should not only be tertiary qualified, but also actively working in the industry. This allows the student to gain the benefits of the tutors "professional" experiences and up-to-date knowledge of their industry. All tutors:
  1. Hold a tertiary qualification (diploma or degree).
  2. Have a minimum of 5 years of industry experience.
  3. Hold an appropriate training skills qualification.
  4. Are still working in industry (at least part time).
We endeavour to employ tutors who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their respective fields. Current tutorial staff include former presidents and secretaries from professional associations, managers and department heads from a variety of organisations & successful owner operators of a wide variety of businesses.

THE PRINCIPAL

John L. Mason Dip.Hort.Sc., Sup'n Cert., MAIH, ARAIPR, MACHPER, MASA
Mr Mason has had almost 30 years experience in the fields of Horticulture, Recreation, Education and Journalism.
He has held positions ranging from Director of Parks and Recreation (City of Essendon) to magazine editor.
John has lectured in TAFE colleges and is a well respected member of many professional associations. He is the author of over thirty books and of hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles.
Rosemary Brown

TUTORS

Allan Booke BA, Dip. Broad. Journ., Dip. New Media Design, MBA
Originally based in Toronto, Canada, Allan has worked in the Film and Television industry and has over 5 years experience in Graphic Design, Web Design and Project Management.
Allan is currently completing his MBA at Bond University.
Mark Berman
Rosemary Brown B.Business
15 years experience in the stock market, internbational trading and small business.
5 years with ACS, in our Melbourne office administration, and as a tutor and course writer.
Alison Bundock Ass.Dip.Hort, B.A., Grad.Dip.Hort.
Alison's formal studies were at the University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury); University of New England (Armidale) and VCAH Burnley, in Victoria.
Over 20 years, she has worked as a writer, editor and horticulturist.
She worked for ACS in the late 80's as a tutor and writer both on courses and gardening magazines in the Melbourne office. During the 90's she lived and worked in both New South Wales and Tasmania, in a range of positions ranging from editor for Kangaroo Press, to Technical writer for Australian Paper Mills.
She rejoined ACS in 2000, upon moving to far north New South Wales; working as a writer on both courses and the monthly gardening magazine Your Backyard.
Alison Bundock
Stephen Cavenagh B.IT., Dip. Screen, Dip. Film TV
Stephen is a Senior Web Site Developer with extensive experience in the information technology industry in the design and development of complex e-commerce web sites. He also has 10 years experience working in Film and Television. He has worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the commercial networks in the news, current affairs and documentary fields.
Naomi Christian B.Sc.(Hons)
Naomi has 11 years of experience covering horticulture, botany, ecotourism and journalism. She worked for almost three years as a regular contributor to Your Backyard, the Australian gardening magazine. Naomi coordinated and contributed to the upgraded edition of Sustainable Agriculture (published Landlinks Press, Aug. 2003).
Naomi was awarded a Churchill fellowship in 1999 to work on a publication of illustrated flora of Norfolk Island; and is known to be a leading expert on that subject.
Naomi Christian
Gavin Cole B.Sc., Psych.Cert., Cert.Garden Design, MACA
Gavin has over 18 years of industry experience in Psychology, Landscaping, Publishing /and Education. He was operations manager for a highly reputable British Landscape firm (The Chelsea Gardener) before starting up his own firm. He spent the best part of three years working in our Gold Coast office, partly as a writer for Your Backyard (gardening magazine), and partly as a tutor in both psychology and horticulture. Gavin is now based in the UK, working with ACS and pursuing studies toward a Masters Degree in Psychology.
Gavin Cole
Peter Douglas Dip Animal Husbandry
Peter has over 40 years of experience in Agriculture and resources management. He is a former lecturer with the University of Queensland (Gatton), and manager of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
He also established and managed the wildlife park for Dreamworld, one of Australia's largest theme parks. Peter has both wide ranging experience in farming and wildlife management, and continues to apply that knowledge both through his work with ACS, and helping his adult children who have pursued careers of their own in similar areas.
Peter Douglas
Lisa Flower B.A. (Marketing & Journalism)
From the early to mid 1990's Lisa worked mostly in marketing. In 1994 she was the public relations officer for the America's Cup Trials at the Southport Yacht Club.
Lisa graduated with her degree from Griffith University in 1998. Since then she has worked as an editor, manager of an on line education business and in education.
Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Adv.Dip.Hort.
20 years of experience in horticulture, business and journalism.
Adriana has written regularly for a range of publications (including Australia's national Grass Roots Magazine) since the early 1980's.
She operated a commercial display herb garden in her previous home, hosting visits regularly for all types of groups. She is developing a similar venture at her new property and continues to be actively involved in writing, tourism and practical gardening; in addition to her work for ACS.
Adriana
Shane Holborn Ass.Dip.Hort; Dip.Perm.Design.
With 23 years experience in horticulture and permaculture; Shane offers our students a wealth of practical and down to earth experience. He was one of the first people to become involved in Permaculture (in the late 1970's).
For more than a decade he managed and developed the grounds of Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, the National Trust Owned wildlife park and tourist attraction on the Gold Coast. In the late 90's he established a commercial mushroom farm, built it into a thriving enterprise and then sold it; moving on to take charge of landscaping a new 8 lane freeway development between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Shane continues to pursue a variety of roles, largely as a consultant, in addition to his work with ACS as a tutor and course counsellor.
Shane
Bob James Dip.Animal Husb, B.App.Sc., Grad.Dip.Mgt, PDC
40 years experience in industry, having held a wide variety of senior positions in both government and private enterprise.
Bob's experience and knowledge is diverse, encompassing fields of Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Management, Business and professional writing.

Bob James
Mark James B.App.Sc (Hort), Dip.App.Sc.(Hort)
Over a decade of experience in horticulture, journalism and business.
Mark has worked for ACS as a tutor and writer for 4 years. He operates his own garden consulting and maintenance business; and is regularly commissioned to undertake writing projects for both ACS and other in areas of business, education and horticulture.
Tracey Jones - Academic Officer & Tutor (U.K.)
B.Sc. (Hons) (Psychology), M.Soc.Sc (social work), DipSW (social work), PGCE (Education), PGD (Learning Disability Studies).
Tracey has around 15 years experience within the psychology and social work field, particularly working with people with learning disabilities. She is also qualified as a teacher and now teaches psychology and social work related subjects.
She is a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work. Tracey has also written a text book on Psychology and has had several short stories published.
Tracey Jones
Janey Maple Higher National Diploma Business
20 years experience in various positions ranging from Office Administrator (Research Machines) to Customer Service Officer (British Airways).
Janey coordinates the ACS Administration in the UK as well as tutoring Business and Management courses.

Janey
David Mason Dip.Comp.Prog., AACS
15 years experience in the I.T. industry.
David has held major positions over the years such as Head Technical Support Analyst for Pacific Access (Yellow & White Pages) Queensland, software and hardware technician for Data#3, S.T.O. and programmer for Coles Myer Ltd, head technician for Corporate Clones (Melbourne) and primary web developer for QLDNET, Technet 2000 and Acenet.
David now manages both the ACS I.T. Department, and his own very successful Web Site Development business.
David Mason
Dr. Lynette Morgan B. Hort. Tech., Ph.D. in Horticultural Science
Dr Morgan has a broad expertise in horticulture and crop production, and a keen appreciation of the global scene. She travels widely as a partner in Suntec Horticultural Consultants, and has clients in central America, the USA, Caribbean, South East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Toby Pierpoint B.Ed.(Media)
25 years experience in photography as a freelance photographer, lecturer, video producer and more. Toby helped develop our first photography courses in 1981, and continues his involvement, having helped revise and update our Digital Photography course only this year.
Geoff Potter B.A. (Psychol), M.Psych.
Geoff has around 15 years experience in psychology, counselling, business and education. He is a recognised expert in Disability Counselling, and highly knowledgeable in broader areas of psychology.
Geoff currently devotes half of his time to his own consulting business, and his remaining efforts to his work with ACS.
Geoff Potter
Trevor Prestwich Dip.Photog; Adv.Cert.Training
Over 25 years experience in photography, with the defence forces, Agfa, and as a freelance photographer.
Trevor
Lyn Quirk M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Lyn has 25 years of experience in the Fitness, Health and Leisure Industries. She has a string of qualifications that are far too long to list here; being qualified and registered to teach, coach or instruct a wide range of different sports and other skills.
Lyn established and managed Health clubs at three major five star resorts on Queensland's Gold Coast, including the Marriot. She was a department head for a large government vocational college (TAFE), and has conducted her own aquafitness business for many years.
Lyn has amongst her other commitments worked as a tutor for ACS for almost 10 years, and over that time, participated in the development or upgrading of most courses in her fields of expertise.
Lyn Quirk
Peter Sherry Dip.Ed., Supn Cert, Cert.Mgt, Prof.Awd.Design, Cert.Hort.
Peter commenced his working life as a gardening apprentice at Victoria's Government House in the early 1970's. Following 5 days a week of training over 4 years, he moved through various positions with both government and private enterprises gaining experience in Turf Management, Arboriculture, Nursery, and Landscaping.
Throughout the 1980's and 90's he has worked in both education and horticulture. Today he conducts his own consulting business in landscape design and garden care, in addition to his work with ACS.
Peter Sherry
Tim Stewart B.LMC.
Tim has formal qualifications in a number of complementary areas and experience in the certified organic industry, ecological restoration, and amenity horticulture. He has ten years experience in bush regeneration, working with the National Trust of Australia and other contractors. He has held jobs in landscaping and garden maintenance, as well as on organic market gardens and in organic produce distribution. In 2002 Tim completed an hono8urs thesis on certified organic vegetable production. He currently manages his own certified organic market garden on the NSW North Coast.
Tim Stewart
Max Tay M.Sc.(IT), MBA, IDPM Dip, Dip.Commerc.Mgt, MACS, AMBCS, MMIM
Originally from Malaysia, now based in Melbourne Australia, Max has a strong background in I.T. and Management, both in industry and education.
Tosca Zraikat B.A. (Writing); B.Teaching
Over 35 years of industry experience in writing, education, management and welfare.
Tosca is currently Management Committee president of the Migrant Centre on the Gold Coast, and is completing the finals stages of a Masters Degree; while also working as a tutor and writer for ACS.
Tosca Zraikat
Dr. Mark L. Berman
Dr.Berman is a psychological consultant who operates out of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Prior to that he was on the faculty of The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Washington for a number of years.
He has been a member of the American Psychological Association for thirty-two years, and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology for nearly twenty-six years.
Dr. Berman has served as a Contributing Editor to Educational Technology, as a Field Reader for the U.S. Office of Education, and as a Manuscript Reviewer for Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, as well as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
His professional interests and experiences are widespreead, and include comprehensive psychotherapy, evaluations of persons from ages four through ninety, and personal energy management. His fifth book is due for publication this coming Spring, and he has more than sixty articles, invited chapters, etc.
Mark Berman

OFFICE STAFF

Leonie Mason - Administration Director
Shelley Mason - Administration Manager
Melissa Denton - Administration/Student Services
Sandy Plaza - Administration/Student Services
Joanna Livingston - Administration/Student Services
Nicole Pearce - Administration/Student Services
Peter de Warren Dip. IT - IT Department (Web Development)
Admin Staff

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HOW OUR COURSES WORK



LOTS OF SUPPORT!

Often the problem with correspondence study is that you feel you are on your own,and have limited access to resources, to ask questions and obtain assignment feedback.
ACS provides the highest level of support possible. Students can:
  • Talk directly with tutors by phone.
  • Fax or email questions and quickly receive a phone call, email or fax back.
  • Access additional notes whenever needed from an educational data base of more than 350,000 pages.
  • Borrow videos (free if you pick them up, a small handling charge via mail in Australia).
  • Visit our office to use the library or make an appointment with a tutor.
  • Use the mail order bookshop to get a wide range of excellent books.
  • A unique 'students only' website that includes a chatroom, forums, student directory, assignment submissions and more

WHAT YOU GET AS A STUDENT

  • All necessary course notes and required reading materials
  • Free Tuition
  • Assignments marked
  • Questions answered
  • Careers and business advice
  • Access to our Resource Libraries
  • Newsletters
  • Bookshop & Workshop discounts
  • Video Library membership
  • Free listing on our internet web site directory, upon request
  • Access to the 'students only' website that includes a chatroom, forums, student directory, assignment submissions and more

NOTE: Your course is a comprehensive learning program involving all of those things above. You're not buying glossy books! Notes come mainly from our exclusive computer files, printed on a laser printer and bound into booklets.

RECOGNITION FOR PRIOR STUDY OR WORK EXPERIENCE

If you have already learnt things which are taught in a course, either through previous study or work experience, you may be able to obtain credit towards your chosen course, eliminating the need to repeat material, and thereby reducing the time taken to complete your course.

Credit can be obtained by completing a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form BEFORE commencing your course.
  • To apply for RPL, contact the school for an application form. Complete the form and submit it together with photocopied documentation.
  • A nominal fee of $100.00 incl. GST is charged for Certificate courses or $150.00 incl. GST for Diploma courses, to make a standard RPL assessment. A higher fee may apply for more complex submissions involving large exemptions. The RPL fee will be deducted from the total cost of your course, plus discounts for any exempted studies, upon enrolment. However, if you complete an RPL and choose NOT to enrol in a course, this fee is non-refundable.
Click here for more info on RPL

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Short courses (ie: Any course below 150hrs duration) - Anyone can enrol, there are no formal pre-requisites, though year 10 or equivilent is preferable in most instances
  • Certificates & Advanced Certificates - See each course, usually Year 10, 11 or equivalent, or mature age
  • Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas - Year 12 or Mature age.

COURSES ARE CONTINUALLY UPDATED

  • We're always learning new things, from conferences, magazines and journals, internet searches, colleagues and of course student's assignments.
  • Staff at the school are continually researching and writing new books, magazine articles and video scripts
  • This gathered information is used to update course notes.
  • We offer you more up to date information than you are likely to get from many other schools.
  • We encourage feedback from students through newsletter questionaires, and contact with tutors.

COURSE DURATION

  • There are no set starting dates. Start when you want at any time of the year.
  • We allow students to work at their own pace. There are no deadlines for assignments (Austudy students will have a set time frame as dictated by Austudy Guidelines).
  • Cancellation of a registration will only occur if you haven't contacted us for over 6 months
  • See schedule of fees for estimated hours of study for each course.
  • Extensions and deferments may be requested if needed. Please contact the school for more details.
  • If your studies are supported by someone else (eg. Government or Employer), they may require you to finish within a specified period. In such cases check with the supporting agency before enrolling.

WHEN CAN I START?

As our courses run via correspondence, students can start when they wish; at any time of the year.

CHOOSING & ENROLLING IN YOUR COURSE

The task of choosing a course can be daunting.
  1. The courses menu lists courses according to subject area. Look through the subject area/s that interest/s you and choose the particular course/s that most appeal/s to you. The fees for each course are listed at the base of each course (see point below).
  2. If you need further information then fax, phone, write, visit or email the school for further advice or information.
  3. Select your course, and fill in the enrolment form and forward it to the school with the appropriate fee.
  4. When a new enrolment is received at the school, the course notes are printed, compiled, bound, and along with any other relevant texts, posted to you. (This normally takes 1 to 2 weeks).
  5. When you receive your course package, commence work at your own pace:
    -The subject guide shows you what to do.
    -If you have difficulty with any parts of your course then please contact the school for help. Guidance and further information are provided as needed.
    -As you complete written & practical assignments, submit your work to the school for comment. Your tutor provides guidance where needed, and the work is returned to you to keep.

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FORMAL RECOGNITION

ACS is recognised through the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC). All certificates, advanced certificates, associate diplomas, diplomas & advanced diplomas are accredited through IARC.
IARC is an international education recognition system with participating colleges and universities spread across four continents.For more information on IARC, visit www.iarcedu.com. Various other forms of recognition and accreditation have been established in relation to selected courses.
Affiliations & Memberships:
  • International Accreditation and Recognition Council
  • Australian Council of Private Education & Training
  • Gold Coast Education Network
  • Institute of Horticulture (U.K.) Careers Advisory Bureau
  • Nursery Industry Association of Australia
  • National Ecology and Environment Foundation (India)
  • Warnborough University
  • PACIFICA School of Horticulture (USA)
  • ACS Distance Education (U.K.)

WIDER RECOGNITION

Recognition of the school involves more than just being formally accredited with the appropriate authorities. The most important things must be:
  1. People in the industry know of the school and it's courses.
  2. The school has a good reputation and it's graduates get jobs.
After maintaining high standards for over 23 years, this school has seen great success in all of these respects. The school has developed a credible identity, with courses being supported by employeres, industry publications, and professional groups. Graduates find their studies help them gain employment, and increased success in their careers. Many of our students have been sponsored to do courses, or had course costs subsidised by employers.

QUALITY GUARANTEED

This school maintains a quality control system to comply with the IARC Accreditation.

THE FUTURE

Our priority is international recognition.
With rapid globalisation of world economies, we firmly believe that, in the future, qualifications must be both relevant and recognised on not only a national basis, but also internationally.

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WHEN YOU COMPLETE A COURSE


LETTER OF COMPLETION

At the completion of any course, the school will, on request issue you with an official "letter of completion" acknowledging your satisfactory completion of all assignments.

STATEMENT OF ATTAINMENT

To formally complete all course assignments, then sit and pass the required examinations. You can arrange to sit your exam close to your home, with someone such as a police officer, minister of religion, J.P. or college lecturer acting as a supervisor.

CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS

Your official certificate or diploma is awarded when you successfully complete all course requirements. The official document is yours to display. As a graduate, you are also entitled to use an appropriate abbreviation of your qualification after your name.

ASSESSMENT

All assignments and exams are assessed as either 'Competent' or 'Not Yet Competent'. This system is a requirement for accredited vocational courses. Tutors will also write comments and advice on your work.

NO HECS!

Thats right! Our courses are not burdened with future HECS payments. Note: Graduates from other Australian institutions may have payments for their studies extracted from their income after they graduated. ACS students pay all of their course fees up front, so they do not have to pay HECS fees.

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

Check out www.thecareersguide.com for job seeking and career tips.

The following services are provided free to students of our school.
- Professional advice on finding work in your area of study.
- References are provided on request to support job applications.
- We will review and comment on job applications on request.
- Assistance in writing a C.V. or Resume to support job applications.
- Advice on where to promote your new business.
- Referrals to employers, when approached.
- On your request, a free listing on our student internet directory.
- We will promote you or your business for free!
- Careers Guides are available through the bookshop.

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WORK EXPERIENCE & WORKPLACE PROJECTS


WHAT IS APPROVED WORK EXPERIENCE

Credits may be achieved through a recognition of prior learning assessment which determines that you have developed appropriate skills through experience in industry. Such credit must be based on a fully documented, formal submission. The following situations are generally approved:
  1. Work under the direction of a qualified person.
  2. Under the direction of a long term member of an appropriate professional association.
  3. Work which you can be refereed by a qualified or well recognized professional.

WORKPLACE PROJECTS

A workplace project may involve developing and undertaking a research project in liason with a tutor. A typical project will involve a series of communications (by phone, fax, email or in person), interspersed with periods of work and preparation of written reports.

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COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


Q. If I do a shorter course first can I get credits towards a certificate or diploma later?
A. Yes. We will assess previous studies to give you appropriate credits. Doing it this way will probably take a little longer and cost more in fees though.

Q. When can I start my course?
A. Anytime of the year

Q. Can I pay in instalments?
A. Yes, however full payment up front is the cheapest option.
All courses can be paid in two instalments, some can be paid in three or more. (Please refer to fee schedule on enrolment form for more information)


Q. Do we get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do we get a discount if we enrol in a second course.
A. Yes, you may claim a 5% fee discount when you enrol in a second course.
(This does not apply however to the second stage or part of the same certificate or diploma.)


Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while?
(eg. Get sick, go on holidays, have a baby).
A. Apply for an extension. It's OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Do I need any extra books?
A. You are supplied with all "essential" references. Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. Tutors will advise you what to buy if you decide you would like to get any extra books.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. Write, fax, >email or phone the school. Leave a message if your tutor isn't available and they will phone, write or fax back; whatever suits you.

Q. How long does a shorter course (ie. 80-120hrs) take to complete?
A. Commonly no more than one year. Some students finish in less than 6 months.

Q. How long does a certificate take to complete?
A. Commonly around 6-9 months, if studying full time; or around two years if studying part time. With dedication, part time students can complete a certificate in one year.

Q. Do you offer Degrees?
A. Courses are written to and delivered at a standard that is equal to or higher than degrees offered by some institutions; however, being largely applied or vocationally oriented studies, these cannot be called degrees. Our diploma graduates however have been highly competitive with degree graduates in the workplace.

Q. How does recognition of the school compare with other colleges?
A. We are internationally recognised by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC). In addition, in many respects we are more widely recognised, due to the fact that we have been established and trained students for so long, through all states, and many overseas countries. (Most other colleges tend to operate only in one state or region, and may be poorly recognised outside that area). Close involvement with industry has seen many employers sponsor staff through our courses, and many graduates develop strong careers as leaders in their respective industries.

Q. WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF THIS SCHOOL?
Here are just a few of the many unsolicited comments we receive every year:
"Having completed the Advanced Hydroponics Course I have since gone on to open my own successful hydroponics retail shop, now in it's third year of trading."
Ted, Sydney, NSW.

"Thanks for the tips you gave me on the journalist job....I was given the job of writing an article....the experience was great, and at least I will be published for the first time."
Gavin, VIC, studying Journalism.

"My time with ACS has been extremely beneficial....and I would recommend the school to anyone seeking to study by Distant Education."
Victor , QLD, studying Adv.Certificate Applied Management (Horses)

"I complement you on the quality of the course. It has helped me immensely, already, in my job with the local council's parks & gardens department."
Lester , QLD, studying Certificate in Horticulture-Landscaping.

"...it is very informative and worthwhile. I am glad I started the course. Of the many available from different schools, this offers the best value for money."
Sonia, QLD , studying Human Biology.

"This course was one of the best."
Rhonda, NSW , studying Garden Centre Management.

"Clients...that have completed courses with The Australian Correspondence Schools that we have spoken to, have all been extremely happy. Leanne & myself are more than happy with the assistance we receive and the prompt attention."
Dynamic Workforce Solutions, Sydney, NSW.

"I wanted to study herbs but I could not find a course at my closest TAFE, and travelling to Adelaide each day was not practical. The Australian Correspondence School offered the best option - study at home, at my own pace and still tutor contact when I needed it. I was undecided in the facet of herbs that I wanted to specialise in - that was until I completed an assignment to produce three herbal products. My tutor tested my products and encouraged me to set up a small business making and distributing a range of natural herbal cosmetic and household products. His guidance has helped me establish an interesting and profitable business from my studies."
Catherine, SA, studying Certificate in Applied Management.

Q. How do your diplomas compare with other Australian colleges, such as TAFE?
A. In the past, accredited diplomas involved well over 2000 hours of study, however, under the governments new Australian Qualifications Framework, many TAFE diplomas can be completed in much less time. We believe that the time you spend studying is important to the quality and long term recognition of a qualification. As such, we are maintaining old standards and distinguishing our graduates from those undertaking diplomas in this new system. Short qualifications from other Colleges may in the long term prove meaningless.

Q. How do I do workshops if I reside outside Australia?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops; alternative arrangements can be made in your country; however there may be additional expense. We can appoint an appropriately qualified person anywhere to work through curriculum documentation supplied by us, to satisfy the requirements set down in a course.


WHY PEOPLE PREFER TO EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES
"We aim to develop a stronger theoretical foundation than many other vocational colleges; but at the same time more interaction with the real world than what is often found at universities. In this way; we view our role as providing a level of training that is between university and vocational(ie.Polytechnic, TAFE or Community College). This approach puts graduates in a better position to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing world than either traditional university or vocational education."
"Our courses are different to the standard courses run by the vast majority of universities and colleges. This gives our graduates a different mix of knowledge and skills: and that makes them more competitive than graduates from standard courses such as Australia's Training Packages."
"We do not depend on public funding (unlike most colleges and universities); so the quality of our service does not deteriorate when government funding comes under pressure."
"We maintain uncompromising standards of service and student support which are increasingly being degraded in many other colleges"
Testimonials
"...it is very informative and worthwile. I am glad I started the course. Of the many available from different schools, this offers the best value for money."
- Sonia, QLD, Australia, studying Human Biology
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