Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions about studying online
What is the difference between online and on campus education? The most significant difference is flexibility. Students do not have to turn up to a specific location at a set time to learn. Instead, equipped with a computer and Internet access, students can study anywhere and anytime. Students still need to follow a module schedule and meet assessment deadlines. What is the difference between online and distance education? Both distance and online education provide flexibility in where and when a student studies. However, online offers additional opportunities for interaction with email, discussion boards and chat rooms enabling student to communicate and respond to their tutor and peers thereby enhancing the learning experience. Students receive a module schedule outlining the overall module structure and specifying the weekly module lesson notes and student requirements such as reading lists and assessment deadlines. Students are required to communicate with their tutor and fellow students, follow the module schedule submit assessments on time. Will my qualification be the same as if I studied on campus? Yes, the module and its credential are exactly the same. ACAP does not differentiate between programs offered on campus, by distance or online. Can I study on-campus for part of the program? Yes. ACAP students can study on campus (if in Sydney or Brisbane, Australia), by distance (using paper based materials) or online. Students can enrol in any mode of study or a combination (mixed mode). For instance you can enrol in two modules, one on-campus, the other online. Yes, all modules can be undertaken as a single module or as part of a program. If I do one or more modules online can I then proceed to complete the whole credential? Yes. Students who enrol in only one or two modules and later decide they would like to undertake a qualification may need to provide additional information at the time of changing their study program. Easy-to-follow instructions are located in each module explaining when assessments are due and how to submit them via e-mail to your tutor. Is my qualification a hard-copy document? Yes, your qualification will be the same as traditional hard copy qualifications. Can I travel to Australia to receive my qualification? Yes, students have the choice of attending graduation (at either Sydney or Brisbane, Australia) or receiving their qualification in the mail. Do I have access to counselling support? Yes. Students can access the Counselling and Support Unit throughout their study. The Unit also provides information about essay writing and career planning. Can I defer my studies? For how long? You don't have to enrol in a module each term. Your module load is determined by you each term. However, once you have enrolled in a module you cannot defer that module. Are my fees refundable if I wish to withdraw from the module? Students who withdraw from their study at ACAP on or before the relevant Census Date, will receive a full refund of their tuition fees. Students who choose to withdraw will be charged a Withdrawal Fee of $250. Refer to the information regarding Census Dates for 2008. International students who withdraw or defer from a Module no less than 2 weeks prior to the commencement of Term, will receive a refund of their tuition fees less a 20% Withdrawal/Deferral Fee. International students who withdraw or defer less than two weeks prior to the commencing of the Term receive no refund. Do I need to purchase other material not provided online? Yes, students are required to purchase the recommended textbook(s) for the modules they are undertaking. Can anyone enrol in an online module? Students are required to have a good command of written and spoken English. Applicants whose secondary and/or tertiary education was undertaken in a language other than English will need to provide the results of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination. Minimum English language proficiency requirements for entry into an ACAP program are an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of 550. How many modules should I undertake at any one time? Students can undertake between one and four modules each term. Full-time students undertake four modules per term. Part-time students usually undertake an average of two modules per term. Students can change their study load from term to term according to their needs. Assessments, not exams, are used by ACAP. Assessments have a balanced combination of theoretical and practical elements. Students are assessed using a variety of methods including self-critiques, essays, journals, and module-specific projects. Can I receive a hard copy of the module content? ACAP courses are studied completely online and therefore hard copies of module content are not provided. Can students request on extension to complete assessments? Yes, students can request permission from their tutor for an extension. When can I access my online study materials? Students can access the online module material on the first day of the term. Is the module/qualification accredited? Yes, the college offers a range of accredited courses and modules. The College is a registered Higher Education Provider offering accredited courses in NSW and QLD. In the field of vocational education and training, the College is a Registered Training Organisation and offers a number of nationally accredited courses and Training Packages. To view the full range of courses offered through ACAP, please visit the following websites: NSW Higher Education: www.highered.nsw.gov.au QLD Higher Education: www.education.qld.gov.au/office/higher-education For Nationally accredited vocational courses: www.ntis.gov.au International Students can visit the following website for CRICOS registered courses: http://cricos.dest.gov.au. |
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The College's flexibility made study more accessible to me. Due to changes in my life, I recently undertook modules Online. I have been impressed with the amount of communication I have with my educator. I have also gained close friendships with other students, enabling me to share my experience and therefore I have not felt alone in my learning.
Fiona McQuade
Graduate Diploma of Counselling |
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