The Curtin Information Systems Student Experience program, only available at Curtin University of Technology, is a unique initiative for Year 12 Computing and Information Technology students.

• How does it work?
• How will I benefit?
• What about the traineeships?
• What will my commitment be?
• How does this give me a headstart at Uni?
• What are the entrance requirements?
• What awards and opportunities are available?
• Apply Online
• Further Enquiries

How does it work?

You will basically complete  a university study unit customised for the Curtin Information Systems Experience.  The unit comprises the central elements of the introductory Business Information Systems unit, Business Information Systems 100, however, includes additional material designed to enhance your practical knowledge of Information Systems and business in general.  

The unit will improve your ability to think critically, work productively in a team environment and communicate effectively. The program will include guest lectures and presentations by ICT Industry companies

The program places a real emphasis on practical learning. Where possible we immerse you in real business situations, for example, in 2008 students visited IKEA and Bunnings and learnt directly from logistics staff on the challenges and opportunities of their day to day work.

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How will I benefit?

 By the completion of the program you will have:

• A deeper conceptual understanding of Information Systems principles and their application in the business environment 
• The opportunity to complete a 'real life'  industry-based case study 
• The opportunity to receive awards for outstanding achievement
• The ability to network with professionals from the Information Systems profession and industry 
• First hand experience of University life
• A chance to meet people from other schools you may be at Uni with the following year 

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What will my commitment be?

We understand that it’s an incredibly busy year for you and you need to know what you’re signing up for.  You will need to attend a weekly three hour evening seminar and complete a mid-semester test, final examination and an industry based case study. 

How does this give me a headstart at Uni?

If you go through all the usual steps and gain acceptance into Curtin Uni  it will basically mean you will already have a unit under your belt. Although you will be required to enrol in Business Information Systems 100 unit and incur the associated HECS liability, you won’t actually have to attend any Business Systems 100 classes or complete any associated assesments for the uni.

The grade previously achieved in the Curtin Information Systems Experience will be held over and recorded at the end of the semester in which the student enrols. Please be aware too that you  will incur no HECS debt or be charged fees while you are in the program.

Successful completion of the Curtin Information Systems Experience does not guarantee admission to Curtin University of Technology. (you will still need to get that TER!)

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What awards and opportunities are available?

As well as the personal and educational benefits of the program, there are also a number of prizes that everyone in the program has a chance to achieve:

The Jim Ellis Medal (Top Student Award)

This will be presented to the student attaining the highest mark in the program. Jim Ellis has worked in the ICT industry for nearly 30 years. He has been honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his services to the ICT sector in Australia.

Jim has been a Chairman of the WA Branch of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), and a Fellow and Honorary Life Member of the Society. He is also a Member of the British Computer Society, a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council (UK), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. He is also on the WA Branch Executive of the AIIA (Australian Information Industries Association). Jim founded the WA IT & Telecommunications Awards (WAITTA) and was Chairman from its inception in 1991 until stepping down in March 2003 to take on the role of inaugural Chairman of the WA Chapter of the ACS Foundation.

The Information Systems Student Experience School Award

This shield is awarded to the best performing School in this program.

ACS Foundation Award

This award is granted to a student showing the most potential in their IT studies.

All awards will be announced at the Information Systems Student Experience Prizegiving Ceremony to be held in May 2010.
All students and schools in the program will be presented with an Award for Participation Certificate.

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What are the entrance requirements?

You will need to be in Year 12 currently and have at least a ‘B’ mark in Year 11 Applied Information Technology, Computing or Computer Science.  You must possess the maturity and self discipline required to flourish within an academically challenging environment. 

Your teacher will be responsible for determining whether you are eligible for the program.

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Apply

Applications for the 2010 program are now open, and will close on 19 February 2010 

You can apply for the 2010  Information Systems Student Experience online. You will need to have a one page CV handy in either MS Word or PDF format. 

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Further Enquiries

 If you would like some more information please view our brochure.

Download Information Systems Student Experience Brochure

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