This course builds on the knowledge acquired in previous courses within the program by focusing on the practical skills needed by migration agents to conduct an effective and successful migration practice. These skills include information retrieval, research, consultancy, advocacy, communication and personal and professional development.  It aims to equip you with the skills needed to work as a registered migration agent in professional practice contexts.

 Primary Course Content

• Strategies for providing effective migration advice to clients
• Consultancy advocacy and communication skills
• Nature of accountable professional conduct
• Communication strategies
• Professional and ethical responsibilities in offering migration agent services
• Effective strategies for personal and professional development
• Effective migration practice with a focus on file management and financial relationships

On completing this course students should be able to:

• Formulate and implement appropriate strategies to effectively advise clients and address their issues 
• Demonstrate consultancy, advocacy and communication skills required to deal effectively with clients' issues 
• Plan, organise and facilitate professional and effective migration services 
• Demonstrate an understanding of standards applicable to the financial relationships established with clients 
• Discriminate between ethical and unethical practices in offering migration advice and advocacy 
• Construct a personal and professional development plan

This course uses a mixture of assessment tasks (written assignments, participation, and case studies) to test competencies.

There is also a compulsory live assessment piece conducted online.

This is an online course, and students are expected to devote approximately 10 - 15 hours per week reading, participating, researching and studying. We provide online course materials, study resources, discussion forums, and online live class meetings that make this program highly flexible for domestic and international students. Subject to student demand in each teaching session, we also offer opportunities to meet teachers and fellow students face to face in small Sydney classes. It is not compulsory to attend these classes but students who do, find they add significant value.

This course does not assume you have knowledge of Australian Law or legal research skills.  However if you have a background in a legal area or have previously studied law, you will be able to use this to assist in your study of migration and immigration law.

LAWS8167 - Australian Migration Law and MARA
LAWS8168 - Australia's Visa System

Student must have successfully completed LAWS8167 and LAWS8168 to enrol in this course.

Students are expected to conduct extensive online research and wide reading during their study. Prior to the start of the course students should familiarise themselves with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), ComLaw and Austlii websites.

Migration legislation changes so frequently that we do not recommend textbooks which can quickly become out of date. We author and provide online written course materials that are updated each teaching session, to reflect the most recent changes in migration law. We also provide reading guides, additional resources, self-help quizzes, and guidance about how to access legislation.

This course makes extensive use of online technology for accessing resources, activities and assessment.  It is in your best interests to ensure you have a secure computer, preferably at home, where you can access all on-line information without restriction or difficulty.

If you intend using IT supplied by your employer, please be aware that you are likely to experience difficulties accessing key on-line resources due to firewall and security restrictions.

The computer you intend to use should meet the following minimum specifications:

Hardware

• CD ROM/ DVD Player
• Sound Card and speakers
• Video Card
• Modem
• Broadband (dial-up access is not recommended) access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Printer

Software

• Firefox is the recommended web browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download)
• Real Player (Free download)
• Microsoft Word

WATTLE relies heavily on the use of "pop ups". You will need to disable "pop up blockers" for WATTLE on your internet browser and or Firewall/Anti virus software and toolbars.