Information for parents

Is Flinders the right choice for your son or daughter?

Choosing a university is a big step. You need to be sure that your daughter or son is entering an environment that will both stimulate and support them, that will help shape their future and provide them with the tools they need to successfully build a career and a full and rewarding life.

Our approach

Flinders uses a variety of approaches to teaching and learning and is recognised for the quality of our teaching.

Our teaching staff put great emphasis on producing graduates who are ready to step into the workplace. In any year around one-third of our students undertake work experience or practicum placements as part of their study program. Students find this direct industry experience invaluable. Employers understand the benefits and appreciate the involvement.

In a recent survey, 90% of those asked described our graduates as good to excellent. Rated particularly highly was the way our students think and how quickly they contribute to an organisation.

How the university works

Teaching and research at Flinders is carried out in 19 individual schools and departments. For administrative purposes, all schools and departments are a part of one of 4 faculties.

• Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Faculty of Social Sciences.

However, this does not influence how a student is treated. Most policies and procedures apply across the university.

Some courses are taught by just one school or department, while others are offered jointly by 2 or more, or involve input from many. This means that some students, particularly those in generalist courses, may select topics offered by a number of different areas of the university. However, a single Course Coordinator is appointed to ensure things run smoothly, and students also have access to Course Counsellors .

The university decides what courses it will teach, how many students it will admit each year according to Federal funding and the specific entry requirements. However, the admission process is administered by the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC).

Our services

At Flinders we aim to ensure our students succeed. We have a strong reputation for supporting students and provide a wide range of services to assist students.

The Student Learning Centre provides study support and skills development to help students reach their highest potential. Study skills support includes EXCELerate, a wide-ranging academic skills development program for first year students.

The Careers and Employer Liaison Centre offers a range of programs that complement our students' studies and assist them to find the job of their choice. The Centre provides careers advice, mentoring, vacation and graduate employment, and a range of additional programs to assist students further develop the skills that employers seek in graduates.

The Library offers many electronic services including free internet access, and contains more than one million books and periodicals.

All students have access to a comprehensive range of other student support services including:

• Start Smart – our transition and orientation to university program
• a health and counselling service
• an accommodation service
• student loans and financial assistance
• child care.

Travelling to Flinders

You don't need a car to get to Flinders because regular buses from the city and surrounding suburbs come right to the university - the bus stop is in the middle of the campus.

Other routes service the adjacent Flinders Medical Centre (students can walk or catch the free Loop Bus between the Medical Centre and the university). Passengers can also travel to Marion Shopping Centre or Blackwood Railway Station from a number of suburbs then transfer to a university bus.

For further information see Location and getting to Flinders .

Campus security

Flinders is renowned as a safe and friendly campus but we do not take things for granted. The university has a full-time Security Service , and Hot Line phones with direct access to security personnel are located around the campus. An Escort Service is available for students who need to get to a car park or on-campus residence after-dark in circumstances where no alternative means of secure transport is available.

For further information see Security.