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Perth is a great city for an education; some even refer to it as the “Education City” in Australia. With five well regarded universities to choose from partnered with the fabulous weather and natural environment, it’s no wonder people choose to study in Perth. But what if you want to further your education and just want do a short course, but university is just not for you? Don’t worry. There are lots of opportunities to study in Perth and do a short course without having to attend one of the universities in Perth.
Here are some possible short courses to consider if you are studying in Perth:
TAFE Courses
For those seeking a fast track to a career, there are several TAFE colleges in the Perth area: Central Institute of Technology, Polytechnic West, Challenger Institute of Technology and West Coast Institute of Training. Each college has several campuses around the city, making it easy to attend classes. TAFE colleges offer everything from certificate courses to diploma programmes to apprenticeships in topics ranging from IT to business to creative arts and more. One of the most attractive elements of attending a TAFE college is that the classes are practical in their learning objectives, so what you study directly relates to the career path you are pursuing. Most programmes are also set up so those who have prior experience don’t have to start at the very beginning with those just venturing into the field.
UWA Extension Courses
Another great way to expand your education in business or just for yourself is through Extension Courses at the University of Western Australia (UWA). They offer classes and events that focus on everything from improving computer skills to appreciating wine to learning to play piano. The classes are open to everyone and might meet for just a few hours one day or they may extend over several weeks.
My favourite thing about these types of classes is the fact that you can sample a range of topics without investing months of your time and money while meeting like-minded individuals at the same time. UWA Extension also offers online and in person professional development courses in dentistry and real estate.
One popular course offered as part of the UWA Extension Course is the "Becoming a Blogger for Fun and Profit" course which is taught by Amanda Kendle. If you would like to get started with blogging, this is the course to take. In just 8 hours, you'll learn how blogs work, how to create your own blog, how to write interesting blog posts, and much more.
Aspect College Perth
Photo Credit: Flickr/Kaplan International Colleges
Studying English
Perth is also a popular destination for students from abroad wanting to take short courses in English at the various English schools and colleges around the city. Many of these students are also studying for the International English Learning Testing System, also known as the IELTS. The IELTS is used by many of the universities in Perth (such as the University of Western Australia, Curtin, Murdoch and Edith Cowan University), to assess the English ability of foreign students.
Professional Fitness Instructor
If you love fitness and want to make it a career, there are lots of places to study in Perth to start you on your way. You can study to become a gym instructor, personal trainer, group fitness instructor and/or aqua fitness instructor. Programmes are offered on a full and part time basis and can run anywhere from a few weeks to a year. In Perth, you can choose from the Australian Institute of Fitness, Australian Institute of Person Trainers, West Australian Fitness Academy and the YMCA Perth. Some gyms have preferences between the programmes or offer their own training regimes. If you have your heart set on working a particular place, talk to them about what they look for in new hires before you invest in a programme.
Holistic Medicine and Massage
More and more people are looking to holistic practices and medicine to supplement or replace traditional health practices. If you are interested in training in naturopathy, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, massage or Ayurveda, the Australian Institute of Holistic Medicine or Paramount College of Natural Medicine both have courses and degree programmes that lead to varying degrees of expertise. If you’re interested in just massage therapy, there are several study options in Perth that last as short as a weekend to as long as a year with companies like Discover Massage Australia, Brandon Raynor’s School of Natural Therapies or Australian College of Massage.
Yoga and Pilates Training
Yoga and Pilates practitioners are growing in number every year and in response more people are training to become instructors. Most programs recommend prospective instructors be regular practitioners for at least two years or more. Certifications in yoga or Pilates require anywhere from 200 hours to over 650 hours of training and assistant teaching. The Geenwood Yoga Academy, 8 limbs, The Yoga Space, YogaWest (previously then West Australian School of Yoga) and Tamara Yoga all offer yoga teacher training. For Pilates, there is The Perth Pilates Studio, LIVe Pilates and Pilates Fitness Institute of WA. If you want to really make a go of it, you’ll want to choose a more intensive programme; however, if you’re just looking to deepen your personal practice, a basic 200 hour course would be sufficient.
Further education is found in more than just universities. There are lots of places to study in Perth to expand your career and personal interests.
Do you have any advice or ideas for people seeking short course options in Perth outside of universities?
Please share your comments below.
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Thanks for mentioning my blogging course! It sells out every time - the next one is July but it's already sold out and has a waiting list. Lots of Perth people wanting to blog!
