Welcome - Oceania Polytechnic Institute Of Education

Studying at OPIE

SPECIALISED EDUCATION

All courses offered by OPIE are within the fields of art, built environment, design, architecture and design. The faculty fully understands the industry requirements of all study areas within the courses offered and has decades of experience in the delivery of such courses.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Teaching staff at OPIE are selected for their ability to transmit knowledge coherently and ensure it is then applied by students and extended creatively. Learning becomes a dialogue between the student and the teacher encouraging fertile questioning and enthusiasm for each topic.

As a student, you will develop courage to face challenges and think laterally by applying yourself in each project. All teaching staff are highly qualified academics and professionals with local and international teaching experience in many Universities and Tertiary Institutions.

All staff are currently involved in practice as specialists in their profession. Chosen for their inspiring personalities, their high academic and professional qualifications, teaching staff have a confident grasp of their material, are approachable and eager to assist students.

SMALL CLASSES AND INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION TO STUDENTS

At OPIE we believe that individual student attention is imperative for a broad understanding of concepts and development of skills. Teaching staff-to-student ratios are maintained unusually low, (class groups often containing up to only fifteen students), allowing coursework to be conducted in an environment which is friendly, making it easier for you to ask questions and attain all the help that you require. The creative studio sessions encourage innovation and participation in group projects and discussions, teaching principles essential to success in your profession and creating an environment similar to that of a real practice.

ACCREDITED COURSES

All courses offered by OPIE are Accredited in Victoria and/or are Nationally Recognized courses leading to an award within the Australian Qualifications Framework. You can be sure therefore that you are receiving the highest quality in education to begin or extend your career.

STUDENT WELFARE AND PROTECTION

OPIE has many provisions in place to protect your interests and welfare. These are reflected in the Polytechnic's Code of Conduct, Quality Control, Grievance Procedures, and Refund Policies. OPIE is also a member of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET), which provides Tuition Assurance for the protection of your education and fees. OPIE always welcomes students to voice their concerns either with their staff, who are always very helpful, or with their student representative. Counselling and Medical services are also available.

Grievance Procedures - Academic Matters

Grievance Procedures - Non-Academic Matters

OPIE CULTURE

OPIE is a small but educationally intensive institution where the specialised nature of the courses offered means that all students enrolled are studying within a similar field. Experienced staff will guide you every step of the way assisting you to accumulate the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career. There is a high level of comradeship amongst students through all year levels as everyone faces a deep volume of work and similar challenges. Informal, interactive design discussions are sometimes initiated by a lecturer where all students can participate and allow design ideas, debates, knowledge and views to be interchanged through all year levels. The small staff-to-student ratios allow teachers and students to know each other well. Staff are flexible in their availability for consultation with no maximum number of consultation hours. Consultations are arranged with students individually at mutually suitable times when required. Overall, the yearly social events, the shared common room with staff, and small class sizes creates a family like atmosphere where all students are important and are included in the life of the school.

TEACHING METHODS

At OPIE, all subjects are studied vigorously, with a fertile and relevant merge of theory, experimentation and practice. Tuition incorporates lecture time followed by direct application of learned concepts during studio workshop sessions. Classes are structured to ensure that you receive individual attention and assistance. All courses take into account advancements in technology and their impact upon the creative process, with application of CAD as a crucial component. Teaching alternates between theoretical and practical problems, sometimes with tightly-stated conditions imposed by the lecturer and sometimes with no conditions except for the rules implied by the problem itself. At all times however, you will be taught the basic disciplines, the application of principles, and how to effectively analyse facts and abstract issues. There is also an emphasis on practice and experimentation, assisting you to develop creativity and become proficient in the use of current technology and tools. The philosophy behind the studio workshops, apart from the provision of a fertile and productive atmosphere, is that of Confucius: I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.

OPIE FACILITIES

The Campus

OPIE is located in the heart of the central business district of Melbourne. Currently two whole floors, a tea/coffee common room, three lecture rooms, three large studios with individual workstations, an exhibition space for student works, as well as a specialized reference library and a computer lab. Only a step out the door, students have on hand all the facilities the city has to offer, including restaurants, parks, stationary shops, accommodation, recreation centres, business centres, galleries, and more. Also every mode of public transport is available and the free Melbourne City Circle tram stops right outside the door.

Work Stations

Whilst studying at OPIE you will have your own workstation, work light and drawing board. These remain the property of OPIE but are available for you to use free of charge for the duration of your course. Some storage in the form of filling drawers will also be provided.

Computer Facilities

You will receive access to computer facilities with internet and email. Computers used as part of the course will include word processing, spreadsheet creation, two-dimensional and three-dimensional CAD modelling. Plotting and printing of drawings and documents incur small costs and individual accounts will be provided for use of these services.

Library

OPIE has a reference library which specialises within the fields of the courses offered. You may access the library freely and an assigned librarian will be available to assist you in your research.

On-Line Catalogue

 


Common Room

This is the place to catch up with students, make yourself a tea or coffee or bring your own lunch and use the kitchen facilities to warm it up. The common room and kitchen, is managed by students. It offers a little space for relaxation during your busy studies.

Services

Scholarship Program

OPIE offers a scholarship program to full-time Australian students. There are two categories for scholarship applications.


Academic Excellence

Where a student demonstrates outstanding achievement at secondary school (VCE) level in an extracurricular activity related to the course.


Disadvantaged Students

Who in the opinion of the OPIE Academic Council demonstrate a high standard of suitability to the industry, but lack the necessary financial needs to undertake the course.


A specific number of scholarships will be issued each year. If you are considering applying for a scholarship, you should contact OPIE after you have received an Offer for course entry.

Orientation Program

The orientation program at OPIE commences one week before classes. It is designed to provide you with useful information and incorporates a free luncheon with a great opportunity for you to meet other new students as well as students from higher year levels. It is a casual gathering, but well packed with information and things to do. It includes a familiarization tour around the CBD as well as an orientation including a 2 hour seminar on how to use the State Library. You will have the opportunity to meet teaching staff and ask as many questions as you like. Some of the information covered during the orientation week includes:

Counselling & Medical Assistance

OPIE places an emphasis on counselling services for students. You are invited to talk to the counsellor if you feel you have personal or study problem and are ensured confidentiality. OPIE also has a nominated Medical Officer situated very close to the school available to students in need of medical assistance.

Airport Pick-up

If required, OPIE may arrange for you to be collected from the airport and transported to your accommodation. You should advise the OPIE a minimum two weeks in advance if this service is required. A transportation fee applies.

Accommodation Assistance

OPIE can offer assistance and advice including the most suitable accommodation that you require. Once enrolled you may request accommodation information. If you require, you may employ our accommodation officer to organise your stay. In such a case, accommodation will be arranged for you prior to your arrival. If you require this service you will need to notify OPIE with your enrolment. Charges may apply.