Education Support

• Name of the programme: Education Support
• Level of the programme: Undergraduate Diploma
• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or equivalent part-time study options available
• Delivery mode: On-campus, with some online components
• Campus: Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne or other campuses as applicable
• Description:
  The Education Support program at Swinburne University of Technology is designed to prepare students for a meaningful career in educational assistance and support roles within school environments. This comprehensive diploma program provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to assist teachers and contribute to the effective delivery of education to diverse student populations. Throughout the course, students will engage in a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience, gaining insights into pedagogical principles, child development, and inclusive education practices. The curriculum covers essential areas such as communication skills, behaviour management, classroom support techniques, and the use of educational technologies. Students will also have opportunities to participate in work placements in real classroom settings, allowing them to apply their learning in a practical context and develop confidence in their professional abilities. The program is suitable for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in educational support roles, including teacher aides, learning support assistants, and other education-related positions. Graduates from this program will have the necessary skills to work effectively in diverse educational environments, supporting teachers and enhancing student outcomes. The Education Support diploma also provides a pathway to further studies in education or related fields, opening doors to a range of career opportunities within the education sector.
• Career outcomes: Teacher aide, education support worker, learning support assistant, educational assistant, support staff in schools.

The Bachelor of Education Support at Swinburne University of Technology is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in supporting educational environments, particularly focusing on assisting primary and secondary school students with diverse learning needs. This comprehensive program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enable graduates to effectively contribute to inclusive education settings. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including child development, special needs education, inclusive teaching strategies, classroom management, assessment and reporting, and educational psychology. The program emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment to enable all students to reach their full potential.

Students will undertake hands-on placements in schools, providing real-world experience in diverse educational settings. These practical components are integrated into the curriculum to enhance understanding of classroom dynamics and the role of support staff in complementing teachers’ efforts. The program is structured to develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and culturally responsive practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of modern education environments.

Moreover, the Bachelor of Education Support at Swinburne is designed to reflect current educational policies and practices, preparing students to work effectively with students who have disabilities, learning difficulties, or other developmental needs. Graduates will have the competency to assist teachers in implementing individual education plans and supporting student wellbeing. The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of ethical practice, professionalism, and ongoing professional development.

Students can expect a dynamic learning experience that includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical placements, all facilitated by experienced educators and support staff. The program’s flexible delivery options allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for employment in various educational settings, including mainstream and special education schools, support agencies, and community organizations. This program aims to produce compassionate, skilled, and adaptable education support professionals ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners and their families.

The Bachelor of Education (Education Support) at Swinburne University of Technology is designed to prepare students for a career in supporting students with diverse learning needs within various educational settings. The program emphasizes foundational knowledge in education theories, inclusive practices, and specialized support strategies to enable graduates to effectively assist teachers and students across diverse contexts. The curriculum includes core units in child development, learning frameworks, curriculum design, and instructional methods, as well as practical placements to develop hands-on experience in real-world environments. Students are expected to complete a specified number of coursework units, which typically cover topics such as educational psychology, inclusive education, and communication skills. Additionally, the program incorporates a capstone project that synthesizes learning and demonstrates practical application in education support roles. To graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) specified by the university, complete all required coursework units with satisfactory results, and fulfill the practical placement hours as mandated. Admission prerequisites generally include the completion of secondary education with relevant academic achievements, and in some cases, an interview or aptitude assessment may be required. The program also encourages engagement with community and school-based initiatives to reinforce learning. Graduates of this program are qualified to work in a variety of educational settings, supporting students with disabilities, language barriers, or other special needs, and are equipped to pursue further studies in related fields such as special education or pedagogy. The program is structured to foster both theoretical understanding and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the diverse challenges of educational support work.

The Bachelor of Education Support at Swinburne University of Technology offers various financial options to assist students in funding their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government-funded financial assistance such as FEE-HELP, a loan scheme that helps eligible students pay for their tuition fees. FEE-HELP is a common financial support option for undergraduate students at Swinburne, allowing students to defer their tuition fees and repay the loan through the Australian taxation system once their income reaches a specified threshold. To be eligible, students typically need to meet citizenship or residency requirements, and they must enroll in a Commonwealth supported place or full fee-paying place, depending on the scheme's applicability.

International students seeking to study the Education Support program need to budget for tuition fees payable upfront or under a tuition payment plan, as international students are generally ineligible for government assistance schemes like FEE-HELP. Swinburne offers various payment options to international students, including upfront payments, installment plans, or scholarships. Additionally, students can explore external funding sources such as scholarships, bursaries, and grants provided by government bodies, private organizations, or the university itself. Swinburne periodically offers scholarships specific to Education programs, which can significantly offset tuition costs and support students financially during their studies.

Apart from tuition fees, students should consider additional costs such as textbooks, learning materials, equipment, and living expenses. The university provides detailed information on estimated costs on its website, and students are encouraged to create a comprehensive budget plan. Financial aid counseling is available for students who require personalized advice, and information sessions are regularly held to guide prospective and current students through their financial options. For students who require flexible arrangements, Swinburne also offers payment plans that allow installment payments over the semester or year, making budgeting more manageable.

Furthermore, part-time work opportunities may be available on or near campus, enabling students to gain income while studying. International students are permitted to work a specified number of hours per week during their course, which can help offset living costs. It is advisable for students to explore external sources of funding, including government grants and private scholarships, to enhance their financial resources during their academic journey.

Overall, the Swinburne University of Technology aims to support its students financially through a combination of government schemes, university scholarships, flexible payment options, and external funding opportunities. Students are encouraged to consult the university’s financial aid office and scholarship portal for the most current opportunities and detailed eligibility criteria. Preparing a financial plan before commencing studies is highly recommended to ensure all expenses are adequately covered, and students can focus on successfully completing their Education Support degree.

This program provides comprehensive training in education support, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist teachers in primary and secondary schools. The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills in classroom management, student support, curriculum assistance, and educational planning. Students learn about inclusive education practices, behavior management strategies, and the effective use of educational technology. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through fieldwork placements, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real classroom settings under the supervision of experienced educators. This approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to support diverse learners, including those with special needs, and to contribute positively to the educational environment. Core subjects include child development, educational psychology, and communication skills, all tailored to foster a nurturing learning atmosphere. The program also covers important aspects of educational policies and legislation to ensure compliance and promote best practices in schools. Graduates can pursue careers as education aides, learning support officers, or in other educational assistance roles within primary and secondary school settings. The program is designed with flexibility, offering both on-campus and online study options to accommodate students' diverse needs and schedules. Upon completion, students receive a qualification that positions them for employment in a competitive job market and prepares them for ongoing professional development. The program’s alignment with current educational standards and practices ensures that graduates are industry-ready and capable of making meaningful contributions to the educational sector.