Interested in further study, but struggling with work-life balance? New online study options are making further study more flexible for local government professionals.
From 2019, the Centre for Local Government, based at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, will be providing online study options across its specialist postgraduate programs, in addition to its flexible block-mode of study.
Associate Professor Bligh Grant, coordinator of the university’s local government courses, said, “For many local government professionals, especially in regional and remote areas with limited physical access to university campuses, further study can be challenging.
“These new online study options will enable local government professionals to better balance education and career development with work and life commitments, as well as helping to advance the sector.”
I found the program very respectful to the fact that we are all working full-time and lead busy lives."
The recent People Matter for Local Government survey of 1,500 local government professionals in New South Wales indicated that 95 percent of local government employees are enthusiastic about looking for better ways to perform their job, and two-thirds have a strong desire to advance their careers in the sector.
The research also identified improved opportunities for career advancement and learning and development programs among the top three motivational factors.
Founded in 1991, the UTS Centre for Local Government is the only university unit in Australia, and one of a few worldwide, that designs and presents courses that are tailor-made to the needs of local government, including Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate and Masters degrees in Local Government, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Development Assessment.
Core subjects focus on local government principles and practices, the organisation, management and governance of local government, leadership, and research in the local government context, including comparative local governance. A range of elective subjects cover a variety of contemporary sector issues, topics and the skills needed to address them.
Students can also undertake a Master of Applied Policy with a major in local government.
The program also welcomes those working in the sector who may not have previously completed an undergraduate degree, with courses also open to applicants with equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience in the sector. Commencing Masters students are also invited to apply for the Institute’s $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarship.
"My experience through the Masters Program has been really rewarding as it provided an opportunity for me to expand my learning of all things local government.
“Learning alongside fellow students who come from all levels of local government, and learning from expert lecturers and guest speakers all from the sector made this a worthwhile experience," says Paul Tracey, Curator of Wollongong City Council's Botanic Gardens, who completed a Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management before studying a Master of Local Government.
"I appreciated that the workload in this program was challenging however very achievable. I found the program very respectful to the fact that we are all working full time and lead busy lives," Tracey says.
For Daniel Denford, studying the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership has provided him with valuable insights into his work at the City of Sydney.
"The course has given me knowledge and tools that I have brought back to workplace and directly applied. I have used the course as a cornerstone of my professional development and I hope to continue to develop my skills as I continue my studies," Denford says.
Applications for postgraduate study for the 2019 Autumn study session are currently open until 14 February. To learn more visit our Postgraduate Study site, bring your questions to our upcoming Postgraduate Information Evening in January, or contact us at ippg.postgraduate@uts.edu.au or +61 2 9514 7884.