Universities in Australia: Edith Cowan University [ECU]

University Overview

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is an innovative university which prides itself on being relevant to the real world. ECU graduates are sought after by employers, as they are considered highly effective within their industries and are ready for the modern global environment. This is due to ECU's unique approach to education and focus on the right balance of practical and theoretical learning.
ECU is located in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia, which is well known as a friendly, safe, and cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean climate.
ECU is a modern, innovative university, well known for its award winning facilities. All campuses are wireless and offer state of the art facilities and equipment. Many of the facilities including the Libraries and e-Labs are open 24 hours.
ECU delivers more than 400 courses, providing a pathway to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary careers. ECU Study Areas include: Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science; Business; Communications & Arts; Engineering & Technology; Exercise, Biomedical & Health Sciences; Law & Justice; Nursing; Psychology & Social Science; Security & Computing; Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management; Teacher Education; Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA); and Urban & Regional Planning.
ECU offers courses that are relevant and practical, and often the only ones of their kind in Western Australia or Australia. Such courses include Performing Arts, through the famous Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Aviation, Motorsports, Game Design, Photomedia, and Mechatronics.

Undergraduate

ECU undergraduate courses are grouped together into 12 broad study areas, making it easier for students to find disciplines and major subjects. The 12 areas of study include biology and environmental sciences, business, communications and arts, computing and security, engineering and technology, exercise and health sciences, law and justice, medical and paramedical sciences, nursing and midwifery, psychology and social science, teacher education and western Australian academy of performing arts. The minimum admission requirements for our undergraduate courses can include the indicative ATAR (TER) and English competency.

Postgraduate

There are two ways graduate students can study for a postgraduate qualification at ECU - by coursework or by research. The majority of postgrad coursework disciplines offer Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters level courses. Study areas include environmental sciences business, arts, health sciences, law, medical sciences, nursing, psychology and social science and teacher education. The university also offers the flexibility and convenience of part-time and online study options.
Support services for postgraduate students are also provided by the university. This includes fully-accredited childcare centres on-campus and sport centres which offer short-term crèches during semesters. Learning advisers and academic skills and career counsellors are also in place to help students. ECU's graduate research school also provides loads of support to students who wish to apply for a research degree.

Study Online

Study online programs at ECU are delivered via a virtual learning environment called Blackboard. Lecturers will use our 'Blackboard' system to teach online units. All units have a site on Blackboard where external students can access unit plans and materials, as well as the lecturer's contact details. Blackboard also features a discussion board, wiki, blogs, journals and ePortfolios.
The university also posts materials for students including printed information and CD ROMs. Student e-mail accounts are used for most correspondence, for instance exam information or unit updates from course coordinators and tutors.
At ECU off-campus students can study degrees, diplomas, certificates and even doctorates online. Some courses are ideal for distance study as they are completely online. Others, like engineering or paramedicine for example, have practical, hands-on units that require students to spend some time on-campus and/or on an industry-specific placement.

International Students

The Edith Cowan University has an exceptional support service plan for overseas students. Before they leave home, students are advised to gain access to the pre-departure guide available at the university website. The university offers arrival reception and transfer to accommodation, booking of temporary accommodation and will even assist students with finding housing. Accommodation options include on campus and rental accommodations and homestay.
After students are settled, they will be attending orientation programs and social events to meet other students and learn more about ECU. Academic support such as peer mentoring and guidance services are also available. Aside from this, international students may ask for assistance from learning advisors who will help them throughout their study. ECU has a wide range of international student scholarships rewarded to eligible students.

Tuition Fees

Edith Cowan University tuition fees vary depending on student status and the course being undertaken. International students are generally required to pay the full fee for undergraduate study while both local and undergraduate students can be required to pay the full fee for postgraduate study.
The average annual undergraduate tuition fee for ECU is AUD$24,240
The average annual postgraduate tuition fee for ECU is AUD$22,370
Check with the University directly for the cost of study of the courses in which you have an interest.

Scholarships

ECU offers a range of scholarships to assist students while they study in the university. The university has available scholarships for students who are studying undergraduate, honours and postgraduate and higher degree by research programs. To increase a student's opportunity of gaining a scholarship, ECU also provides access to information about external scholarships and awards.
Aside from all these, students can search for a scholarship by looking for a criteria group that relates to them. These criteria form the main part of the eligibility requirements for a scholarship. Examples of scholarships by criteria include financial hardship scholarships, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander student scholarships, rural student support scholarships, academic scholarships and international student scholarships.

University Life

University life at ECU balances academics and student life. For students who would love to make new friends and have fun, ECU sporting clubs are available for. All clubs have teams to suit all ranges of ability, from social standard to the pros. There are also a range of team sports that students can participate in. Depending on their interests, students may also choose from other clubs and societies.
Campus life at ECU is also very exciting. The university is like a mini town, with all the shops, cafes, taverns, places to live and a lot of places to study.Throughout the year various social activities and bands are organized at the taverns by the Student Guild.
Support services such as orientations, accommodation assistance, guidance and counselling, scholarships and career counselling are also in place. For students who wish to experience studying abroad, ECU can also arrange this.

Student Reviews

ECU student reviews reveal how much students love the fun and challenging classroom discussions that are provided to them by lecturers and tutors. Students add that teachers always make sure that each student interacts and gains as much experience and knowledge during class.
One of the best parts of ECU according to the majority of students is its great and modern facilities. Students also appreciate having access to the computer labs 24 hours a day by simply using an access card. Many students have a high regard for the spacious lounge areas as well as the library which they say provides a relaxed atmosphere for studying.