09 Jan 2020

Over here at Year13, we go on and on about how the ATAR isn't the be-all and end-all and if you want to go to uni there are other ways to get in. In fact, we advocate for discovering your passion and figuring out what you need to pursue your passion. We believe this so much that we created the Post-School Plan as a way to align passion with career and pathways to you.

But if you're heading into uni, pathway programs are probably one of the best of those ways to get in.

Just because you got a mystery mark, missed the cut off for your course, didn’t qualify for an ATAR or simply didn’t finish high school, it doesn’t mean you can't go to uni. If you're keen to learn and have a passion, there's no reason you should be denied the opportunity to get yourself educated.

So, how do pathways work?

Pathway providers specialise in offering students an alternative route into university should they not meet the direct entry criteria, like an ATAR. In other words, while everyone else uses their ATAR to get in through the front door of uni, you can sneak around the back and let yourself in. So, you might start on a different path, but the end result will be the same!

Pathway programs teach you the foundational stuff you need to know to succeed in a uni degree, often providing additional support while you study in a much smaller learning environment.

How do pathways differ to first year uni?

Nearly all pathway providers offer ’diploma programs’, which in most cases is the same as doing the first year of an undergraduate degree. However, there are some minor differences such as; entry not being determined by your ATAR, you will be taught skills to better equip you for independent learning and the lectures and classes are much smaller, therefore, your learning experience will be far more hands on.

The pathway into UTS

If you are looking at studying a UTS degree, UTS Insearch is the pathway provider for the University of Technology Sydney. In other words, if you didn’t get the ATAR needed for your desired UTS degree, UTS Insearch is another way in. It offers diplomas, which in most cases will take you straight into second year of a UTS degree. So, you're not losing any time and can still graduate at the same time as your mates!

The diplomas are all designed in collaboration with each UTS faculty which means you’re getting the same university standards from the get-go and will be undertaking the same course subjects as first year UTS students.  There are six study areas on offer including business, communication, design & architecture, engineering, it and science.

The learning environment is also super supportive. They have a range of tailored support options on offer including access to academic advisors, weekly learning assistance sessions, peer mentors and regular study skills workshops to ensure you’re getting the best learning experience.

What are their entry requirements?

UTS Insearch don’t look at your ATAR (bless) Instead entry criteria is based on your HSC subject average using your top four non-VET subject results (including English). This is perfect for those of us who did really well in some subjects, but not so well in others. It's basically acknowledging that the ATAR is not always the best indicator of who would make a great student at uni.

So, are pathway programs any less valuable?

Nope. In fact, if you happen to find yourself looking for an alternative way into university and/ or are in need of some additional support while you adjust to the first year out of high school - we reckon a pathway is your best option. You may find it gives you just the leg up you need to go on to succeed at university and into your career.

Eventually, you’ll end up at graduation with a degree in hand, potentially without any lost time. 

Want to suss out more on UTS Insearch?

If you're interested in checking out the UTS Insearch program, jump over here to have a look at their site. If you want to know a little more or if you have any questions about your ATAR, Year13's very own CEO Will Stubley was a guest on UTS Insearch's recent podcast panel You Are Not Defined By Your ATAR. 

So good luck on your journey – whichever pathway you take.