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Fast-tracking futures for Northern business professionals

The University of Tasmania is progressing its commitment to offer regionally distinctive, accessible education in the State’s North.

Capitalising on the strengths of Launceston as a thriving entrepreneurial centre, from this year an accelerated Bachelor of Business is being exclusively offered.

The development means students interested in undertaking the degree can now complete the course in two years if they elect to study in Launceston.

Each year will be split into three study periods, with students seeking more flexibility having up to seven years to undertake the accelerated bachelor part-time.

The course has been developed by the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics (TSBE) in partnership with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.

It will be delivered in the heart of the city, at the Enterprize innovation hub.

Course Coordinator Associate Professor Stuart Crispin said the design of the unique degree meant students would be entering the workforce faster.

“As part of the University’s Northern Transformation, TSBE has been developing initiatives to encourage participation in learning with the accelerated Bachelor of Business a key pillar of this project,” Associate Professor Crispin said.

“This is an exciting opportunity that leverages the expertise of our local business sector and is a testament to the reputation of Launceston as an entrepreneurial capital.

“This distinctive offering for Launceston incorporates a number of added benefits so that students learn in an environment that closely replicates the workplace.

“The intensive schedule focuses on work-integrated learning opportunities to help ensure students are job-ready and connected to local industry upon graduation.

“They will gain extensive industry exposure through guest lecturers, industry mentors, networking events, internships, and opportunities for a study exchange overseas.

“Ultimately through our work in the course offerings space, we’re hoping to attract more students to the North, while encouraging them to remain in the region to forge their professional futures.”

Mr Neil Grose, Launceston Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer, said the accelerated degree was a positive development for the North.

“The Launceston Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes the University of Tasmania’s new accelerated business degree offering,” Mr Grose said.

“This degree will allow students to complete a normal three-year degree in two years and will involve a significant amount of workplace mentoring with Launceston businesses, enabling students who graduate to be work and career ready.

“The Launceston Chamber of Commerce sees this initiative as a great move forward for the University and the Launceston business community.”

Casey Farrell, General Manager of Enterprize, said the startup hub was excited to be hosting the delivery of the accelerated business degree.

“One of the key areas of focus for our project is to expand the field of early-stage businesses in Tasmania. This new program, with a strong cohort of entrepreneurial lecturers and close ties with Launceston’s commercial sector, will help to drive that agenda,” Mr Farrell said.

“With this two-year degree, a hungry, engaged business community and construction of Macquarie House due for completion this year, Launceston is truly providing a wealth of opportunity for new businesses.”

Students undertaking the accelerated degree have the option to major in Accounting, Management or Marketing.

The University’s historic Bachelor of Business will continue to be offered in Burnie and Hobart.

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