La Trobe University and Chisholm Institute join forces on Berwick courses

However, Federation University has said it will not affect their takeover of Monash University’s Berwick site, which will happen partially next year and fully by 2018.

Deputy vice-chancellor (academic) Professor Andy Smith said the competition was “not a bad thing”.

“Chisolm and La Trobe have had a partnership for some time and we welcome that,” Professor Smith said.

“FedUni is experiencing strong enquiries for our courses at Berwick next year. We also have a good relationship with Chisholm and look forward to future discussions.”

La Trobe University and Chisholm Institute will join forces to offer degrees to three of Chisholm’s south east Melbourne campuses, including Berwick, Dandenong and Frankston.

From next year, students will be able to study bachelor degrees in accounting, information technology, healthcare (nursing foundation), early learning and community services. Students will also be able to study a Master’s of Business Administration via Chisholm.

La Trobe University vice-chancellor Professor John Dewar said the partnership “teamed Chisholm’s extensive campus network, industry relationships and 35,000 students with one of Australia’s leading teaching and research universities”.

Chisholm Institute’s chief executive officer Maria Peters said they would now “have the opportunity to undertake meaningful higher education programs backed by one of Australia’s leading universities”.

From next year, Federation University will offer 15 courses from the Berwick campus, including business, commerce, community and human services, education, environmental and conservation science, information technology, nursing and veterinary and wildlife science.

In 2018, it will also offer social science, health science, science and arts (criminal justice).