What are pathways?

Pathways allow you to progress through qualification levels towards a degree. You’ll start with a certificate or diploma which, once successfully completed, help you to meet the entry criteria for a related bachelor degree.

Depending on how closely your completed study matches your destination degree, you may also receive academic credit that allows you to complete your degree sooner.

What are my pathway options?

Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose a pathway to a degree that’s right for you.

A TAFE qualification can equip you with the skills you need to enter your chosen field. At Swinburne, you can also use your completed TAFE studies – such as a diploma, advanced diploma or some certificates – to meet the entry requirements of a bachelor degree.

In many cases, your completed TAFE studies will also give you academic credit that can take time off the duration of your bachelor degree. The exact amount of academic credit you receive will depend on how closely your TAFE studies match your destination degree.

To view all your options from a TAFE diploma or certificate to a Swinburne degree, explore the Pathway Planner.

Did you miss the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or prefer smaller class sizes with a more supportive style of learning? UniLink is a great way to start your university studies. 

These 8-month diplomas are designed to seamlessly transition you into a range of related bachelor degrees. Once you successfully complete your UniLink diploma, you are guaranteed a place in one of the aligned degrees. 

Depending on your completed diploma and the major you choose for your degree, you may also receive academic credit of up to one year, reducing the time required to complete your degree. 

To explore bachelor degrees and see which UniLink diploma will get you there, try our UniLink Pathway Planner

If you have not met the maths requirement to enter your chosen degree, MathsLink is a great option.  MathsLink Further and MathsLink Methods are six-week bridging programs for students who require VCE Units 3 and 4 of Further Mathematics or Mathematical Methods. Completing MathsLink allows you to meet the maths prerequisite for bachelor degrees in science, aviation, information and communication technology, and engineering.

  • TAFE pathways to a degree

    Start with a Swinburne diploma or advanced diploma and use your completed studies to gain entry into a bachelor degree. Use the Pathway Planner to map your pathway options.

  • International student Thao (Bachelor of Computer Science)

    UniLink pathways

    Ready to plot a path into your dream degree? Try the UniLink Pathway Planner to explore UniLink diplomas in your study area, and see which bachelor degrees they can lead to. 

Find the best pathway for you

Pathway planner

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Plan your pathway

Credit calculator

You may be eligible to receive credit for previous study.

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One-on-one appointment

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Frequently asked questions

Pathway programs are definitely part of Swinburne. In fact, you’ll be studying on the same campus, with access to the same facilities, services and events as your degree peers – making you a part of our Swinburne community.

We try to make pathway programs as accessible as possible so entry requirements may be less specific compared to traditional degree qualifications. Entry requirements are clearly listed on all our course webpages.

There are pathway options available in most study areas, however some degrees have more specialised entry requirements. You can check if there’s a pathway to your chosen course by using our pathway planner.

A UniLink diploma does not add any additional time (or cost) to your study plan. After your UniLink diploma, you’ll merge into the related bachelor degree, with academic credit of up to one year.

Yes. And for some people, it’s even better as you get more contact hours, smaller class sizes, and more one-on-one time with your teachers in your pathway course. You’ll also be studying with a mix of local, international and mature age students, giving you a true uni experience from day one.

Successful completion of a pathway guarantees you entry into a related Swinburne bachelor degree. Our handy pathway planner can help you figure that out ahead of time.

Our UniLink pathways are designed to provide a smooth and seamless connection from your diploma to a related bachelor degree.

Pathways are a great way to test the waters while you’re figuring out the right course or your future career. The class sizes are smaller so you get more support, there are more contact hours with teachers and the flexible intake allows you to schedule your study around your life. Plus, once you graduate from a TAFE certificate or diploma, you’ll be ready to work in your chosen industry sooner than your degree peers!

The great thing about completing a pathway program is that it’s shorter than a degree. So, if you’ve decided a degree is no longer your thing, or you’re ready to get out there and work in your chosen field, you can. You can always come back and study your degree at a later date or give other courses a go (remember to check how many credits you can get by using our credit calculator).

If you’ve completed a TAFE diploma or advanced diploma, you’re guaranteed entry into a relevant Swinburne bachelor degree. Or, if you’ve completed other studies outside of Swinburne, you could receive credit towards a degree with us. Learn more about transferring to Swinburne from another institution.

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