ABSTRACT
Since its foundation in the mid-1970s, Deakin University has been at the forefront of distance education provision in Australia. Initially the introduction of distance education sought to redress the lack of opportunities Australians living outside the state capitals had to gain qualifications, but over time it has evolved and enabled many students to participate in university studies who due to caring, financial, or employment responsibilities or having a disability are excluded from educational institutions that have attendance requirements. The demand for high-quality educational experiences from students who might not otherwise be able to access higher education continues, and this chapter provides an overview of Deakin University’s off-campus provision over the past four decades and explores why this programme remains as relevant now as it did when it commenced.
