Ask the expert: Bridging gives a leg up

My girlfriend, who is 28, is only now realising she needs to study to develop herself further. She is not very well educated and wants to try to get a degree. What is there in the way of evening school for adults that will help someone to prepare for a university education?

It really depends on what career direction she wants to pursue.

She may need some initial career counselling (from a local university, polytechnic or private counsellor) to sort out her options.

Once she has decided on a goal, she can approach the university, polytechnic or other educational institution she might want to attend, and ask them what bridging courses may be required to prepare her for entry.

Specific advice on the pathway to her chosen degree would be best, as she needs something that takes into account both degree requirements and her existing preparation and skills.

Since she is over 20, she may be able to gain entrance to "open entry" degree programmes, without further preparation. If the programme is not open entry, she can find out what certificates or diplomas may allow her to gain the pre-requisite skills and knowledge and demonstrate her ability to perform academically.

Most universities have bridging programmes to assist mature students who want to enter university. These are designed to ensure that students who have been out of the educational environment for an extended period have the study skills and foundation knowledge to study independently at tertiary levels.

She should definitely consider these programmes if she is entering university after years away from school. Bridging programmes greatly increase skills, confidence and the chance of academic success. Polytechnics also offer a range of courses at certificate and diploma levels that provide well-structured learning pathways into degrees.

Many of these programmes are flexible, and available part-time, evenings and weekends.

For additional resources for both careers and educational options, including bridging courses, she may want to try the Government careers web-site.

* Your career questions answered by Dr Marie Wilson, an associate professor of management at the University of Auckland Business School and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business.