Open Universities Australia: History, Alumni, Courses offered

HISTORY OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA

Open Universities Australia (OUA) is an organization that facilitates online higher education and distance learning in Australia. It allows students to access a wide range of courses and qualifications offered by various universities across the country. Here’s a short history of Open Universities Australia:

1. Establishment: Open Universities Australia was established in 1993 as a government initiative to increase access to higher education for adult learners and students who faced barriers in attending traditional universities. The founding members of OUA were the University of South Australia, Curtin University, Griffith University, Swinburne University of Technology, and the University of Southern Queensland.
2. Online Learning Platform: In the early years, Open Universities Australia primarily focused on developing an efficient online learning platform that would enable students to study remotely, eliminating the need to attend physical campuses.
3. Expanding Partnerships: Over the years, OUA expanded its partnership network, collaborating with more Australian universities to offer a broader range of courses and degrees. This allowed them to provide students with a diverse selection of subjects and qualifications.
4. Evolution of Technology: As technology advanced, OUA continuously updated its online learning platform to enhance the learning experience for students. They incorporated interactive tools, multimedia resources, and virtual classrooms to foster a more engaging learning environment.
5. Flexibility and Accessibility: One of the core principles of Open Universities Australia is to offer flexibility and accessibility to education. The platform allows students to study at their own pace, balancing their studies with work and personal commitments.
6. Recognition and Accreditation: Courses offered through OUA are recognized and accredited by participating Australian universities, ensuring that students receive quality education and credible qualifications.
7. Changing Landscape: Over the years, the higher education landscape in Australia has evolved, with traditional universities also offering online and distance learning options. However, Open Universities Australia continues to play a crucial role in providing a dedicated platform for distance education.

NOTABLE ALUMNI OF OUA

• Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia
• Anthony Chisholm, Senator for Queensland
• Dinesh Palipana OAM, former Commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
• Katrina Carroll, first female commissioner of the Queensland Police Service
• Silma Ihram, a pioneer for Muslim education in Australia
• Dr Harris Eyre, neuroscientist
• Richard Harris OAM, anaesthetist and Tham Luang rescue cave dive
• Dr Sue Meek AO, former Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science
• Nicole Webster, Chief Scientist for the Australian Antarctic Division
• Phillip Gwynne, author of Deadly, Unna?

These are just a few of the many notable alumni of Open Universities Australia. OUA has produced a wide range of successful individuals in a variety of fields, and its alumni continue to make significant contributions to Australia and the world.

COURSES OFFERED AT OUA

• Undergraduate Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts

    • English
    • History
    • Philosophy
    • Sociology

  • Bachelor of Business

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Marketing
    • Human Resources

  • Bachelor of Education

    • Primary Education
    • Secondary Education
    • Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Laws

• Postgraduate Degrees

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Education
  • Master of Laws (LLM)
  • Master of Arts
  • Master of Business
  • Master of Education (Primary)
  • Master of Education (Secondary)
  • Master of Laws (International Law)
  • Master of Laws (Criminal Law)

• Graduate Certificates

  • Graduate Certificate in Business
  • Graduate Certificate in Education
  • Graduate Certificate in Leadership
  • Graduate Certificate in Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
  • Graduate Certificate in Public Speaking

• Short Courses

  • Introduction to Digital Marketing
  • Excel for Business
  • Public Speaking
  • Project Management
  • Leadership
  • Communication for Leaders
  • Managing People
  • Financial Planning
  • Marketing for Non-Profits

This is just a small sample of the many courses offered by OUA. For a complete list of courses, please visit the OUA website.

TUITION AND FEES FOR OPEN UNIVERSITIES AUSTRALIA

Tuition and fees for OUA vary depending on the course and level of study. For example, the tuition fee for a Bachelor of Arts degree is AUD$10,500 per year, while the tuition fee for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is AUD$25,500 per year.

In addition to tuition, students also need to pay for other fees, such as:

• Course materials: This includes textbooks, workbooks, and other course materials.
• Assessment: This includes fees for submitting assignments, sitting exams, and using the OUA’s online assessment system.
• Technology: This includes fees for using the OUA’s online learning platform and other technology resources.

The total cost of studying at OUA can vary depending on the course, level of study, and individual circumstances. However, the average cost of studying at OUA is AUD$20,000 per year.

There are a number of scholarships and financial aid options available to students at OUA. These can help to reduce the cost of studying, or even make it free. For more information on scholarships and financial aid, please visit the OUA website.

Here is a table of tuition and fees for some of the most popular courses offered by OUA:

Please note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of studying at OUA may vary. For more accurate information, please visit the OUA website.

For more information, visit their website.

ALSO READ: https://www.open.edu.au/your-studies/financial-options/feesUniversity of Manitoba

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