27 August 2004 Lincoln Certificate and Diploma Programmes Offer Flexible Path to Jobs and Promotion

"Qualifications have never been more important for winning jobs and gaining promotion – just ask around among your mates and family. You'll find the ones getting on are the ones with a certificate, diploma or degree behind them."

That's a message Lincoln University's Academic Programme Director for Professional Studies, Richard Stevens, delivers constantly to school leavers and school groups he speaks to up and down the country.

Richard encourages his young audience to "add value" to their lives with a tertiary qualification.

Regular national and Lincoln University surveys show that the majority of graduates are in employment soon after capping and that on average their starting salaries are a cut above that of non-graduates.

"They've put in the hard yards of study and the pay scales in most industries reward them for that."

If you think that universities offer only degrees and therefore they're not for you because you haven't got the time, money or academic preparation, then you seriously need to read this! These days, universities offer all sorts of qualification options in a range of study areas and with varying programme durations, entry requirements and course costs.

While Lincoln University offers around 30 different degrees, it also offers close to 60 other qualifications in the categories of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate certificates, and undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate diplomas.

The teaching, content and subject level of the university certificates and diplomas are consistent with nationally set industry and educational standards and are all well recognised qualifications both nationally and internationally.

The certificate and diploma qualifications offered at Lincoln University are –

Undergraduate Certificates – one year qualifications designed to "bridge" students into a Lincoln University degree or diploma. Available in Commerce, English for Academic Purposes, Foundation Studies and Natural Resources.

Undergraduate Diplomas – these are one-year qualifications that can also lead on to an advanced diploma or degree study. Available in Agriculture (leading to the advanced Diploma in Farm Management), Applied Computing, Applied Science, Commerce, Horticulture (leading to the advanced Diploma in Horticultural Management), Maori Studies, Natural Resources, Organic Husbandry and Social Science.

Graduate & Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas – these are half or one year qualifications that are ideal for graduates wishing to demonstrate higher levels of professional development or achievement, or as qualifications for branching out into new career directions.

What's the most appropriate choice for your needs?

"The best starting point," says Richard Stevens, "is to get together with a course adviser at Lincoln University, or the University's careers manager, and do a personal 'audit' of what you want to do and where you want to go in terms of employment then let us help you to develop a qualifications pathway.

"In keeping with the principle of offering flexible study options, students are able to study towards certificates and diplomas either on campus or part-time off campus through the University's Regional Education Programme."

For more information contact Richard Stevens, Lincoln University, phone 3252811 ext. 8434 or visit: www.lincoln.ac.nz