Hume council is pleased with the success of the Multiversity, video-conferencing-based program in its first year, and hopes community interest will translate into increased enrolments next year.
More than 50 people enrolled for the initial courses offered through the project this year.
The joint education initiative of the council, Kangan Institute, and Deakin and Victorian universities was launched in January as part of the council’s ‘Learning Together 2030’ strategy to improve education opportunities in Hume.
The project allows residents to study a range of undergraduate and diploma courses from satellite sites in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury.
This year, Deakin University offered two courses in conjunction with Kangan Institute – an associate degree of arts, business and science, studied alongside a Kangan diploma; and a bachelor of applied science (psychology). Victoria University offered the diploma of business (enterprise).
Exiting year 12 students and mature-age students can now choose from more than 10 courses that will be offered next year.
Marea Ekladious, Hume’s learning community department manager, said video conferencing was set up across the satellite sites so that students did not have to travel long distances to the universities.
Information sessions will be held this month and in January for residents contemplating study next year. The next session is on December 10 at Hume Global Learning Centre in Craigieburn.
