The Associate Degree in Australian higher
Education: A critical review

Associate Degrees originated in the "no-man's land" between VET and Higher Education, and have tended to be overlooked (if not dismissed contemptuously) by mainstream higher education providers. This is unfortunate as while there are few Australian universities that offer Associate Degrees the award has achieved legitimacy through the Australian Qualifications Framework, and has become increasingly popular among private providers as an award in its own right, as well as offering an alternative pathway to advanced standing in Bachelor's programs.

The paper analyses the nature, function and structure of Associate Degrees across Australian higher education, noting the features that distinguish these awards from Advanced Diplomas and Bachelor's Degrees; the manner in which the award has evolved from 2000 to 2005; and the need that these courses are meeting. The paper also proposes a system of classification for Associate Degrees (extendable to other awards) and examines the assessment of these courses for quality, and their niche in the "post-Nelson" era. Associate Degrees have been championed by the private higher education sector, and it is suggested that these awards are reaching the point where they will present considerable challenge to the mainstream institutions, particularly in the international student market.