HCT to introduce new job-focused courses

The three-year Applied Diploma courses in Engineering and Education have been designed to fully incorporate HCT’s learning by doing philosophy to ensure graduates are work-ready. They will also allow Applied Diploma students to move in to a Bachelor of Applied Science course, if desired.

The Applied Diploma structure will be a one-year Foundation Program and two years concentrated on the course discipline, which will have a strong learning by doing, job-oriented focus. The new qualifications will also facilitate the articulation into the HCT’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. That is, the Applied Diploma students can develop credits to enter into HCT BAS degree courses.

Dr. Phil Quirke, HCT Director of Academic Affairs, said the focus of the Applied Diplomas will definitely be on the ‘Applied’ nature, in response to employers’ demands. “They are very much targeted to employment for the students, which means they are marketplace-oriented, industry-focused, practical and hands-on,” he said.

The new look qualifications will also enhance student retention from the Foundations Program in the higher education system, by providing more opportunities for students.