Media releases

Federation University Australia has launched four new degrees at its Berwick Campus to help tackle the skills shortage in health and education fuelled by a population boom in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and growing suburban fringe.

Cardinia Shire is the sixth fastest growing local government area in Australia, according to the Australian Government’s Centre for Population, while the population in the growing suburbs of Cranbourne South, Cranbourne East, Beaconsfield, Officer, Bunyip and Garfield and expected to double by 2036.

This population boom and increasing number of young families has led to the development of new schools, health and sports facilities and other new industries in the region, creating a shortage of skilled local workers.

Federation University has worked closely with employers to develop new degrees in secondary education, sport, and business that will give Federation graduates the skills employers in the south-east need to tackle the skills shortage.

The new courses include industry experience to ensure students are job-ready and connected with local employers throughout their studies, with flexible study options to suit both students and employers.

The Bachelor of Secondary Education provides students with a deep knowledge of two specialist teaching areas combined with valuable classroom experience.

The Bachelor of Secondary Education (Health and Physical Education Teaching) will continue Federation University’s long-standing reputation for producing highly skilled, passionate and resilient health and physical education teachers.

The Bachelor of Sport, Physical and Outdoor Education prepares students for either a career in community sport and recreation or in outdoor education or health and physical education teaching.

The Bachelor of Cognitive Enterprise is a new business degree that equips students with the skills and knowledge to use disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.  This degree, co-designed with IBM, has been created in response to future industry needs.

The new degrees will start in 2022.

Quotes attributable to Head of Berwick Campus Kathy Racunica 

“As the university in Melbourne’s outer south-east, we are focussed on meeting the needs of our region while also enabling students to study close to home and go on to develop careers in their local community.”

“Digital and technological changes are impacting the way we work across all sectors and professions. The new degrees offered at Berwick are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful across their evolving professions.”

“The Bachelor of Cognitive Enterprise will offer students real-world experience in a global tech company and obtain digital certifications embedded in their degree. We are also excited to announce that all students accepted into the Bachelor of Cognitive Enterprise (Professional Practice) will automatically be awarded a scholarship worth approximately $42,000.”

Quotes attributable to Dean of School of Education Claire McLachlan

“We know there is a shortage of teachers and skilled workers in the region. Our degrees are a great opportunity for students to study locally and contribute to their community.”

“An estimated 20 per cent of our growing population is 14 years of age or younger, pointing to a high need for secondary school teachers and specialists in health and physical education. These new degrees will certainly help fill the skills gap.”