The º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ (º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ) is pushing ahead with its tertiary harmonisation agenda through a strengthened and expanded partnership agreement with TAFE Queensland.
º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten and Acting General Manager for TAFE Queensland’s Brisbane region, Shayne Ostwald, today announced the expansion of the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ creative course offerings to be delivered at TAFE Queensland.
Partners since 2015, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and TAFE Queensland have worked together to deliver a suite of Creative Industries programs, including Digital Design, and the Built Environment. Under the expanded agreement more creative undergraduate degrees will be added to the offering, and there are plans to expand the partnership in years to come across the full breadth of Queensland and develop side-by-side innovative education offerings that serve industry and workforce needs.
Through the partnership, TAFE Queensland diploma holders commence their º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ studies in their second year, and advanced diploma holders enter as third year students – reducing study time and course fees.
“This partnership has already supported robust vocational training to higher education pathways for hundreds of TAFE Queensland students. Under this expanded agreement, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is making it easier for these graduates to progress into a bachelor's program.” Professor Shorten said.
“Saving them not just time but money. Students are expected to save around $14,500 for every year they take off their degree. This is a significant saving in the midst of our current cost-of-living crisis. It also means that those who want to study don’t have to choose between following their study aspirations and leaving the place they call home, because an outstanding º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ qualification is within reach without having to leave sunny Queensland.
“This partnership is a great model of tertiary harmonisation in action, with a stable and well-grounded track record. At º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, we are in the business of equipping our students to enter the workforce, to facilitate career changes with ease and making access to higher education simpler and affordable.
“Recognising prior learning and previous work experience is the key to achieving these goals. Whether a tradie looking to expand their business, or a designer looking to upskill, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is here to help make these dreams and aspirations a reality,” he said
TAFE Queensland Acting General Manager for the Brisbane region, Shayne Ostwald, said the renewed agreement reflects a decade-long partnership with the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality education pathways and opportunities for students.
“This agreement builds on 10 years of collaboration between º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and TAFE Queensland, creating stronger, clearer pathways for students to move between vocational education and higher education,” Mr Ostwald said.
“Together, we have delivered degree programs across the Creative Industries, Digital Design, Fashion, Music and the Built Environment to almost 1,000 students in our Brisbane region alone - combining º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s academic excellence with TAFE Queensland’s hands-on, industry-focused training model.
“By aligning our programs and recognising previous qualifications, we are expanding access to degree-level education, strengthening learning opportunities and delivering career-ready graduates to support Queensland’s growing creative economy.
“The expansion of this partnership, beginning with new delivery on the Gold Coast, reflects our shared ambition to broaden access across regions and continue building a future-focused tertiary education model that responds to industry and community needs,” he said.
The Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) commenced at the start of first semester in January this year. A Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design Specialisation) and a Bachelor of Design (Game Development) are planned for commencement in 2027.
Student with Down syndrome breaks down barriers graduating with a º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Bachelor’s degree from TAFE Queensland
Walking across the graduation stage this week, Rory O’Chee proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, marking the end of seven years of study for the Brisbane-based student with Down syndrome.
“I’m not sure how to feel. Right now, all I can say is I have done it. My overall experience from yesterday was mixed feelings of happiness and excitement. Overall, a great day has happened, and my milestone is complete.
“Photography is my world. I am just living the dream,” he said.
The fine art landscape photographer earned his Cert IV from TAFE Queensland while in high school, completed his Advanced Diploma after graduating high school and then enrolled in º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Visual Arts – delivered at TAFE Queensland’s Coomera Creative campus.
“My experience was nothing short of a challenge. However my university ensured I was surrounded by helpful people – pushing me to be my best. Sometimes I think I enjoyed it a little too much because I grew a strong love for weekly study sessions and attending classes.
“When I was struggling, I almost felt like giving up but I never did because I wanted to see how far I could go and push myself. The support of my mentors and teachers allowed me to thrive,” Mr O’Chee said.
Congratulating Mr O’Chee on his graduation, Professor Shorten said that his success story highlights the benefits of equitable access to higher education.
“No one forgets the day they graduate and that will be no different for Rory. His journey proves to us all what can be achieved when institutions like º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and TAFE Queensland work together to uplift students and help them achieve their dreams. I’m sure this will not be the last we hear of Rory’s success,” said Professor Shorten.
“º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is committed to growing Australia’s creative industries here in Queensland and supporting students to successfully navigate the vocational training and higher education systems to achieve their study outcomes and career aspirations.
“There are many pathways to graduation and a fulfilling and meaningful career, but it all starts with breaking down barriers and providing opportunities to access higher education,” he said.