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About The College
Our modular learning will help you reach your potential, no matter your starting point or ATAR.
With courses aligned to high growth industries, you will have the flexibility and support to craft your future. Whether you aspire to pursue further study or land the job of your dreams, Western sets you on a path to success.
The benefits
One course-specific subject a time without slowing down
Classes three days a week for three hours each day*
Personalised support through a dedicated success coach
Workshop style classes and real world assessments, instead of exams
* Some courses have additional practical classes.
No lectures. No exams. Study one course-specific subject at a time.
Traditionally, most post-secondary education courses involve studying four subjects at the same time, similar to secondary school. They also have 'final exams' after classes have completed.
With modular learning at The College at Western, instead of doing four subjects at once with lectures and tutorials, you study one course specific subject at a time in smaller workshop style classes. Each class runs for four weeks, before moving onto the next subject. This gives you more time to focus, without slowing you down. In addition, there are no exams or lectures, and all study and assessments for courses specific subjects are completed within four weeks.
Preparation learning is simultaneously conducted online, providing support relating to the subject that you are studying.
TRADITIONAL MODEL - ONE SEMESTER
"My college experience has been amazing, it’s made me realise what I can achieve, it’s given me the support to reach my potential."
Eillan, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice
"The Learning is engaging, and it’s aligned with jobs needed in the future."
Christopher, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice
"What I love the most is the interactive learning experience, there’s no exam stress of big lectures."
Susan, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice
Modular Learning
Timetables for busy lives.
With morning, afternoon and evening options for most courses and learning content accessible online before classes, you can flex your study around your life commitments.
Our modular learning course timetables have been designed for busy lives. Typically, a timetable for a modular learning course will include classes:
- three days of the week
- for three hours each day
Note, some courses have additional practical classes.
Example Full-time timetables*
Morning session
Early afternoon session
Late afternoon session
Evening session
Note: The timetables above are only examples for illustration purposes. Class days and times will vary and not all options may be available for all courses. Some subjects will have additional practical class requirements.
Personalised support for your success.
As part of our modular learning model, you will be assigned a dedicated Student Success Coach. Student Success Coaches provide personalised one-to-one support and guidance and will be with you throughout your study journey at The College.
Your Student Success Coach will support you with:
- your career and study goals – including identifying career options and next steps.
- transitioning to the second year of a Bachelor degree at Western – including supporting you to enrol and arrange your timetable.
- making connections with your peers and the wider University community, including joining clubs and societies.
- developing helpful study habits and strategies – including time management and organisational techniques.
- accessing other specialist support services if needed, including counselling and welfare support.
Adriana Glackin
Team Leader, Student Success Coaching
Qualifications: Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: By providing support, guidance, and tailoring strategies for academic success. Success Coaches play a role in fostering academic success, motivation, and resilience for students throughout their studies.
Why I love being a Success Coach: I enjoy guiding and supporting students throughout their academic journey – seeing them achieve their goals is extremely rewarding.
#1 tip for success: Engage in class and ask questions, other students probably have the same questions.
What helped me at university? Attending classes, time management strategies, connections with my peers and not being afraid to ask questions!
Career history: Student Engagement in Higher Education, Student Career Support, Policy & Procedure Development, Conflict Resolution, Student Events, Compliance
Tyree Barnette
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Continuing students doing the Undergraduate Preparation Program (Nursing/Health Science) - Liverpool campus
Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: Engaging with your success coach early in your university journey can help ensure that you’re prepared, informed, confident, and able to be pro-active about your decisions going forward!
Why I love being a Success Coach: There is a great reward in helping others develop and tell their professional stories. I love seeing students grow into their confidence and best selves while at uni.
#1 tip for success: There are no dumb questions. If you’re thinking about it, it’s also unclear to someone else. If you can’t locate the answer yourself first, ask the question.
What helped me at university? Having discipline – figure out your study plan that also leaves time for the things and the people that you love is key.
Career history: University Leadership Program Advisor, Career and Student Employment Advisor, Student Wellbeing Administrator, University Student recruiter
Jacob Boulous
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Creative Industries and Communication, Diploma in Social Sciences - Kingswood campus
Diploma in Education Studies - Parramatta City campus
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy, Minor in Psychological Science.
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: It's so important to get support! Having someone back you up can help you have a clear picture of where you are at, take action and succeed in anything you do!
Why I love being a Success Coach: I love getting to know my students and watching them grow and transform!
#1 tip for success: Slow everything down, clear your mind and take one step at a time!
What helped me at university? Having fun, making friends, getting involved and fully embracing what was in front of me. The right attitude totally transformed my whole university experience!
Career history: I have worked as a study skills and mindset seminar presenter. I have spent over three years in student servicing and student engagement. Finally, I have experience as a private life coach. Happy to use all my skills and experience to help you out in any way I can!
Becki Cox
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Education Studies, Diploma in Business - Bankstown City campus
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts Pathway to Teaching Primary/Creative writing.
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: I understand that university can be incredibly overwhelming, with classes, social life, family responsibilities, and work all competing for your time and energy. It's completely normal to feel stressed or lost amidst it all. That’s why we have Success Coaches here for you. We’re here to listen and support you, helping you take a moment to breathe and regain your focus. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone - we’re here to help you stay on track and work towards your goals.
Why I love being a Success Coach: I love helping students achieve their goals. Regardless of the challenges they encounter, it's incredibly rewarding to see them overcome these obstacles and take the next step in their journey, whether that leads to further academic pursuits or entry into the workforce.
#1 tip for success: Ask questions of your tutors and peers, hang out with the high achievers from class. Time Management don’t put off assessments till the last minute.
What helped me at university? Building friendships with the high achievers in class was important to me. I approached university like it was my full-time job, dedicating my weekdays to studying and getting involved in campus activities. This left my weekends free for casual work, spending time with friends, and finishing any assessments I hadn’t completed during the week.
Career history: Student Services Hub, Customer Support, Veterinary Nurse and Practise Manager.
Caitlin Shaw
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Building Design and Construction – Kingswood campus
Qualifications: Bachelor of Psychology and Diploma of Counselling
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: It can be overwhelming when trying to juggle study, work, and daily life. Success Coaches are a warm light to guide you throughout your academic journey by fostering engagement, success, and motivation every step of the way.
Why I love being a Success Coach: I love supporting students whilst creating a sense of community among them. It is important to stay connected and being a constant support is a beautiful role.
#1 tip for success: Work out which study method works best for you - once you do this it will be easier to navigate and stay on top of your course work.
What helped me at university? Attending classes in-person! Face-to-face learning helps to create connections with fellow peers and academics. Additionally, organisational skills and prioritisation.
Career history: Student Wellbeing in Higher Education, Student Support, Student Engagement, Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mentoring
Bronwyn Senn
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Health Science - Campbelltown campus
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: Success Coaches are important because we are here to provide personalised support, help students set and achieve academic and career goals, develop strong study habits, and connect with the university community. Our goal is to empower and supportstudents throughout their academic journey.
Why I love being a Success Coach: I love being a Success Coach because it allows me to directly contribute to students' growth and success. I believe the transformative power of higher education, and find it fulfilling to support students through challenges and assist them to discover their potential.
#1 tip for success: My #1 tip for success is to ask for help when you need it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, peers, support services, and your success coach – asking for help is a key part of learning and growth!
What helped me at university: At university, the most helpful thing for me was having a support system in place – whether it was family, teachers, or peers. Being open to seeking help when needed and staying proactive with my studies made a significant difference in my experience. I also found that balancing my academic responsibilities with personal interests and activities kept me grounded and motivated.
Career history: Since 2016, I have taught at WSU The College, where I’ve had the privilege of getting to know students and following their academic journeys. Currently, I am studying a Master of Counselling and will soon be pursuing a Doctorate in Creative Arts. I’m also a passionate writer, and my love for learning drives me to help others succeed in their academic journey. I believe in the power of education and the importance of supporting students every step of the way.
Keri Veckranges
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Social Science - Bankstown City campus
Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: Success Coaches play a vital role in your journey by offering personalised support to navigate academic challenges, build confidence, and refine study strategies. With the right guidance and encouragement, you can stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and reach your full potential.
Why I love being a Success Coach: I love being a Success Coach because it allows me to empower students and witness their growth firsthand. Helping you overcome obstacles, develop your skills, and achieve your goals is incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy creating a supportive environment where you feel heard, valued, and confident in their abilities.
#1 tip for success: My number one tip for success is to stay curious and proactive. Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom; engage with your studies, seek mentorship, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow. Success is not just about hard work; it’s about developing a mindset that embraces challenges and lifelong learning.
What helped me at university? Resilience and adaptability helped me stay motivated by turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Embracing change, seeking feedback, and adjusting my approach allowed me to overcome setbacks, stay focused, and develop problem solving skills that were crucial to my success.
Career history: My experience as a Teacher at The College provides me with firsthand knowledge in mentoring and guiding students through academic transitions, helping them build confidence, develop study strategies, and navigate university life. This has given me a strong foundation to support and empower students, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed for success.
Howra Al Samt
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Science - Campbelltown campus
Continuing students doing the Undergraduate Preparation Program (Nursing/Health Science) - Campbelltown campus
Qualifications: Bachelor of Medical Science, Diploma in Health Support at Western Sydney University.
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: I recognise that each student's journey is unique, and having a coach to provide personalised support and guidance is essential to enhancing their overall experience and helping them achieve their full potential.
Why I love being a Success Coach: It allows me to help you unlock your true potential and achieve your goals. There's something incredibly rewarding about guiding people through challenges, celebrating their achievements, and seeing them grow in confidence and capability.
#1 tip for success: Asking questions! – Not being afraid to explore.
What helped me at university? Having the confidence to engage with my academics and peers when was trying to understand a topic.
Career history: Student Services Hub Officer, Western Success Advisor, Academic – School of Science.
Josh Binney
Student Success Coach
Cohorts and Campus: Diploma in Engineering Studies, Diploma of Information and Communications Technology - Kingswood campus
Qualification: Masters of Secondary Education / Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in English Text & Writing). Bachelor of Counselling/Psychological Science (Currently Studying)
Why I think Success Coaches are important for your student journey: University is a big place with lots on offer! I remember my early university experience and how hard it was to navigate all the systems and opportunities on offer. Being your Success Coach means I can help guide you to the right places to not only get the help and support you need but I can help you engage with the full university experience so you can participate in campus life as much as possible.
Why I love being a Success Coach: Everyone has the potential to achieve to their potential but sometimes we all need a helping hand. With a background in education, I have always enjoyed helping others achieve to their potential and supporting them to excel. Even if you don't need help, I look forward to getting to know you!
#1 tip for success: Your university workload can feel enormous but to make things easier on yourself map out all of the tasks you need to complete and create daily to-do lists of the tasks you need to complete them. I live my life by planners and to-do lists! If you prioritise things appropriately you will be able to manage your workload with greater ease.
What helped me at university? Asking questions is the key to success both at university and in the workforce. Ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of the content you are studying will allow you to critically assess it from multiple perspectives and provide you the flexibility to apply your learning to a range of contexts in and out of the classroom environment.
Career history: English & History Teacher, Head Teacher Wellbeing.
- “Success Coaches are there when you need help. Mine has been there for me through my highs and lows. It's really nice to know that someone's got my back.” - Meliza
- “Success Coaches are really there for you; they don't make you feel ashamed when you ask questions.” - Natalie
- “[Success Coaches] are always on your side no matter what and will make the course enjoyable and fulfilling.” - Reagan
- “Something that I know my friends wish they had is the access to a dedicated student success coach. For me the one-on-one guidance to map out my path has been so helpful.” – Lana
Gain two qualifications in the time of one.
Studying a Diploma with The College at Western means you have two choices – you can graduate with a Diploma in 12 months and be job-ready, or graduate and transition into the second year of one of the multiple Bachelor degree options at Western to achieve two qualifications in the time of one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about modular learning.
Instead of attending lectures and tutorials and completing four subjects at the same time, our Modular Learning Model means you have more time to focus, by only completing one course-specific subject at a time, over four weeks, in smaller workshop style classes. There are no exams and no lectures.
No, you do not need an ATAR to study a Diploma or Undergraduate Preparation Program at The College at Western. Modular learning courses are open access to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are aged 17 years or over.
Instead of attending a lecture and completing exams as is the case in traditional learning, in modular mode you will be engaged in active learning – this may involve analysing case studies, developing solutions to real-world problems or engaging in collaborative problem solving. All study and assessments for course-specific subjects are completed within four weeks.
No. In modular mode you will complete a Diploma in 12 months (full-time study). Modular learning has been designed to provide greater focus to your learning and more flexibility to allow study to fit more easily into your life.
In modular learning, you will be assigned a dedicated Student Success Coach. Your Student Success Coach will provide you one-to-one guidance and support based on your individual strengths and study and career aspirations. Student Success Coaches provide support and referral to other specialist services.
We’ve re-imagined the way our courses are delivered using research on the best ways for students to learn. Our modular learning will help you reach your potential, no matter your starting point or ATAR.