Students should always keep in mind their end goal when choosing between associate degrees or advanced diplomas, according to new report released by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER).

 

The Associate degree or advanced diploma? A case study report examines the different pathways to gaining an engineering qualification, either through a higher education degree or vocational education and training advanced diploma.

 

The case study examines how tuition fees and articulation arrangements impact on the choice of course.

If students are looking for immediate entry to the labour market after a shorter course of study, the VET advanced diploma is the cheaper option.

 

However, an associate degree is the more attractive option for students who want to go on to a four-year degree because it will provide more credit towards that qualification, and thus get the graduate into the labour market more quickly.

 

The case study also points out that government funding in respect of an associate degree is considerably more generous than the funding for a VET advanced diploma. This is likely to affect the offerings of providers who can offer both, such as the dual sector universities.

 

“The differences in credit arrangements and funding regimes are likely to impact on how advanced diplomas fare relative to associate degrees, especially in a labour market in which the trend is toward longer qualifications,” said NCVER Managing Director, Dr Tom Karmel.

 

Copies of Associate degree or advanced diploma? A case study are available fromwww.ncver.edu.au/publications/2523.html