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Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) ~ Doing the HSC in TAFE

Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)   

TPC basics

The Certificate III in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) is TAFE NSW’s HSC equivalent course. Successful completion of TPC provides an opportunity for students to enter courses and employment where an HSC or equivalent qualification is required. The TPC aims to help students develop confidence and competence in a range of skills appropriate for further study and employment.

Who is the TPC for?

The TPC is appropriate if you:

    • are considering applying for alternative entry to university or other further study
    • want an HSC equivalent qualification for employment purposes 
    • want to improve your general education

It is also appropriate if you:

    • have not studied for some time
    • need to develop effective study and research skills

TPC units of study

To qualify for the TPC you must pass 10 one-semester units of study. Two units are the compulsory core modules, Language and Learning Skills (LALS) A and B. You must study at least one Australian English language rich module and one quantitative module. You must include three modules from Group B, including LALS B. Group A modules are studied before Group B modules.

You can study vocational modules as part of the TPC. Vocational units in TPC are made up of accredited modules from specific TAFE NSW courses. If you complete the selected vocational modules you can gain credit transfer within relevant TAFE NSW courses.

Each TPC unit of study requires an average of four hours class attendance per week. You must ensure that the modules you study will prepare you appropriately for entry to your chosen course or employment. Whilst most universities have removed pre-requisites for entry to specific degree courses most tertiary science courses need a background in Mathematics and Chemistry and/or Physics, with passes at a suitable level to enable successful study.

Entry requirements

If you apply to study TPC you will be required to sit for literacy and numeracy tests to assess your skills levels. Your skills need to be equivalent to skills expected at NSW School Certificate or TAFE Certificate in General and Vocational Education (CGVE) level for you to study the TPC successfully.

Attendance

Full time
    • One year course
    • weekly attendance
    • 20 hours (usually dayclasses)

Part time
    • Two year course
    • weekly attendance
    • 8-12 hours (day and/or evening classes may be available)

You can study the modules of your choice at one or more campuses, depending on the range of modules offered and the times they are available.

Assessment

To qualify for TPC you must pass 10 one-semester units of study. Two units are the compulsory core modules, Language and Learning Skills (LALS) A and B. Two other Group B modules (not including vocational units) must be included. If you pass the 10 units in TPC you will be eligible to receive the scaled Tertiary Entrance Score (TES). The TES is calculated from the awarded mark in LALS B and the best two awarded marks from the remaining Group B modules studied. Students can study, if they wish, only three Group B modules, including LALS B.

Note: UAC use the TAFE calculated TES to assist universities in making offers of undergraduate places to TPC graduates.

TPC information sessions

Most campuses offering TPC hold information sessions each year during January or early February for Semester 1, or June for Semester 2. Some campuses also offer information sessions in December for next year's enrolments. It is important that you contact the campus of your choice to find out the dates and times of information sessions. Attendance at one of these sessions may be a necessary part of the enrolment process.

Acceptance of the TPC

TPC is accepted by universities and tertiary institutions for entry to most courses. Students apply through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for university entry. The course is also accepted for diploma level courses in TAFE NSW. It is also recognised by the NSW Public Service, the Australian Defence Forces, and the NSW Police Service. However you are strongly advised to check with these Services that your proposed program is acceptable for entry.

Note: Completion of TPC does not guarantee entry into all tertiary institutions or courses. You should contact the relevant tertiary institution/s to ensure you are eligible for entry into the course and institution of your choice.

Embedded courses in TPC

It is possible to study TPC modules and complete a number of embedded courses, instead of the full course. Students with this level of outcome may be able to access further study, either in TAFE or through special admissions into university.

• Introduction to Tertiary Preparation - five Group A modules, including LALS A
• Preparation for Tertiary Study - at least one Group A and Group B, studied sequentially, eg LALS A and B, Multicultural Australia and Historical Studies
• Vocational Preparation - 8 TPC modules including two vocational units and two Group B modules, including LALS B

You may only need the combination of modules in the embedded courses above to prepare for further study. You will be advised by the TPC Coordinator or TAFE counsellor at the campus of your choice about the appropriate course for your needs.

Bridging courses in Mathematics & Science

If you already have an HSC or equivalent qualification without the level of assumed knowledge in Mathematics or Science required for further tertiary study you may complete the Certificate in Preparatory Mathematics and Science or the Statement of Attainment in Preparatory Mathematics and Science. These bridging courses also contain TPC modules. If you need intensive preparation in Mathematics and Science then you would enrol in the Certificate in Preparatory Mathematics and Science. 

If you need less preparatory study in Mathematics and Science then you should enrol in the Statement of Attainment in Preparatory Mathematics and Science. If you need to demonstrate a high degree of competence in both Mathematics and Science (particularly Chemistry/Physics) you may need to study more than 200 hours of preparatory modules. You enrol only in the TPC modules you need for TAFE or university entry.

Statements of Attainment in Environmental Studies & Statistics

Students are able to study two prescribed TPC modules to complete these statements. 

Contact the TPC Coordinator at the TAFE campus where you want to study for more information about the TPC and its embedded courses, including information about what is taught in different modules. 

We advise you to make an appointment with a TAFE Counsellor if you want to discuss your career goals, and the available and appropriate TPC educational options, before deciding which modules to choose. 
 

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