Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) - Senior
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a senior secondary certificate based on vocationally orientated applied learning principles. At Senior level, knowledge and employability skills development leads to a high level of interpersonal skills, independent action and achievement of tasks that require decision-making and leadership.
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry Skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
Thinking about studying at Swinburne? Classes are still on!
We’ll just be teaching remotely for a while. Chat to us to discuss your options.
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry Skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
Thinking about studying at Swinburne? Classes are still on!
We’ll just be teaching remotely for a while. Chat to us to discuss your options.
Want to know more? Chat one-on-one with program coordinators, discover which pathway leads you towards the most exciting future and get help on how to apply online. Register your interest for the February 2021 intake now!
Interested? Register now!
Introducing Swintopia. Launching 12 August.
It's everything you need to know about Swinburne, plus robots! Register for early access.
Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Croydon (February, July)
Wantirna (February, July) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
Swinburne Young Mums launch skincare microbusiness
The Swinburne Young Mums program has taken an exciting leap, empowering young mothers to launch microbusiness, Mummafly – a range of handmade, natural skincare products – as part of their studies.
Year 11 and 12 at Swinburne
Our Year 11 and 12 students share what it's like studying VCE, VET and VCAL at Swinburne.
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a senior secondary certificate based on vocationally orientated applied learning principles. At Senior level, knowledge and employability skills development leads to a high level of interpersonal skills, independent action and achievement of tasks that require decision-making and leadership.
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
The VCAL programs at Swinburne University of Technology promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to: elected government; the rule of law; equal rights for all before the law; freedom of religion; freedom of speech and association; the values of openness and tolerance.
VCAL is delivered under the authority of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and follows the policies and procedures outlined in the ‘VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2019’. VCAL information for students and parents can also be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website.
VCAL is delivered under the authority of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and follows the policies and procedures outlined in the ‘VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2019’. VCAL information for students and parents can also be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website.
Results and certificates
VCAL results and certificates, where students have met all eligibility criteria, are issued directly by the VCAA. Results and certificates are sent once only, in late December, by the VCAA to Swinburne University of Technology for distribution to students. The University sends results and certificates to the student postal address on the enrolment record.
Course structure
The Senior VCAL course is made up of units from five compulsory strands:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Work-Related Skills
- Personal Development Skills
- Industry Skills (Industry options at Swinburne may include units from one of the following vocational certificates)
Industry Skills options
Trade options:
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Electrotechnology
- Engineering
- Horticulture
- Landscaping
- Plumbing
Non-trade options:
- Allied Health
- Business
- Community Services
- Design Fundamentals
- Information and Digital Media (Games Focus)
- Laboratory Skills
- Media
- Retail
Note: Not all Industry Skills options are available at all campuses, and offerings are subject to timetable and availability.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities.
Career opportunities
Successful completion of the Senior VCAL will provide students with skills that are important for life, work and further study as well as a VCAL Certificate and/or Statement of Attainment. The VCAL program is designed to develop and extend pathways for students from school to further education, training and work.
Graduates of Senior level VCAL may apply directly for selection into Certificate II through to diploma courses, apprenticeship and traineeship programs. Students may also pathway into employment.
Swinburne VCE/VCAL statistics
The following statistics are sourced from Swinburne Student Management System, VCAA (VASS database) and 2019 On Track Survey.
Participation rate
VCAL (Intermediate) 66 students
VCAL (Senior) 58 students
VCE 80 students
Unit completion rate
VCAL (Intermediate): 70.5%
VCAL (Senior): 88.5%
VCE: 89.9%
Destinations of students
Data shown is for 2018. 2019 data will be available in May 2020.
Further TAFE or VET courses: 36%
University: 0%
Apprenticeship or traineeship: 36%
Employment: 7%
Looking for work: 21%
Deferred: 0%
Not in Labour force, employment or training: 0%
University: 0%
Apprenticeship or traineeship: 36%
Employment: 7%
Looking for work: 21%
Deferred: 0%
Not in Labour force, employment or training: 0%
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) - SeniorEstimated course fees for 2020* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $10,770 | $2,100 | $420 |
Please note: Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,070.
Entry requirements
- 16 - 19 years of age
- Left school or leaving school
- Completed Year 11 VCAL or VCE. Equivalent qualifications or experience will be considered
- Committed and interested in obtaining a senior secondary qualification and completing a vocational course
How to apply
Contact us for information about applying for VCAL.
Find out more
Register your interest
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: vcal@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059