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Preparatory Courses
Bridging and preparatory courses aim to prepare students for successful tertiary study. These courses may satisfy subject prerequisites and students may be allocated a selection rank sufficient to gain entry to tertiary study. Additionally, on successful completion of some bridging and preparatory courses, students can gain direct entry to selected undergraduate courses. The bridging and preparatory courses available are extensive and can be studied full-time, part-time or through distance education.
It is essential to check with the institution you wish to study at to see whether the bridging or preparatory course you choose will help you to gain entry.
The following brief descriptions of a number of popular bridging courses outline the content and provide contacts to obtain further information.
Australian Maritime College
Pre-Tertiary Bridging Courses
Pre-tertiary bridging courses are available in mathematics, physics and chemistry. These courses are designed to satisfy subject prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
UniStart
UniStart aims to develop essential skills in critical thinking, critical reading and academic writing. These are required for independent learning and success at a university level.
University Preparation Program
University Preparation Program provides an alternative entry pathway for mature-age students. This program prepares mature-age students with the necessary and academic skills to successfully complete university study.
Thinking and Writing at University
This program develops and assesses those thinking and literacy skills that are essential to study at a university level. There is a focus on tertiary literacy (the level of literacy required to operate effectively at a tertiary level), critical analysis (higher order thinking skills such as interpretation, analysis, inference, synthesis, and evaluation), and information literacy (the ability to collect and evaluate information from appropriate sources).
See www.futurestudents.utas.edu.au or phone 1300 363 864.
Bond University
University Foundation Program
The Bond College Foundation Program is structured to provide students with the appropriate preparation depending on their chosen undergraduate degree. Students undertake two University core subjects and receive credit when they transfer into their chosen degree. See www.bond.edu.au/bondcollege/ or phone 1800 074 074.
CQUniversity
Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)
STEPS provides an alternative entry pathway for mature-age students. It equips students with the personal and academic skills necessary to successfully study at the university level. The program covers academic communication, mathematics, sciences, computing, independent learning skills, study skills, and library/online information literacy skills. Offering one core and 11 elective courses, STEPS can be customised to suit individual student needs and to satisfy prerequisite or assumed knowledge requirements. The program is available internally or via distance education. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time in Terms 1, 2 or 3, dependent on course availability. On successful completion of STEPS, students are eligible to apply to CQUniversity’s undergraduate programs through the standard CQUniversity direct entry process. See www.steps.cqu.edu.au or phone 132 786.
Griffith University
Science, Environment, Engineering & Technology Bridging and Short Courses
Bridging courses prepare people for university study and meet prerequisites for entry into university programs. Short courses are refreshers for people with limited prior study or those who have had a break from study. Courses are held on campus at Nathan and the Gold Coast. See www.griffith.edu.au/science-environment-engineering-technology/programs-courses/bridging-courses.
Continuing Education Certificates
Continuing Education Certificates comprise four first year level courses over two semesters across a range of study areas. On completion a boosted admission rank applies so the higher the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved, the higher the admission rank awarded. Continuing Education Certificates can be undertaken at all campuses. See www.griffith.edu.au/pathways/alternative-entry/continuing-education-certificate-programs.
James Cook University (JCU)
Tertiary Access Courses (TAC)
TAC provides an alternative pathway into undergraduate studies. The course is six months full-time (or one year part-time) and is offered on campus in Townsville and Cairns.
Bridging Courses
Many health science and science courses require Queensland Year 12 Chemistry and/or Maths B. A range of bridging subjects is available at the Cairns and Townsville campuses to assist applicants with meeting these prerequisites.
UniPrep
UniPrep is a course designed to assist people who are considering enrolling at JCU but feel they need to acquire knowledge of the skills and resources relating to university study beforehand. The course allows prospective students to experience university life in a friendly and supportive environment.
See www.jcu.edu.au and select Alternative Pathways or phone 1800 246 446.
Learning Network Queensland
Unilearn
UNILEARN courses are tutorial supported, self-paced courses offered in an external mode with flexible commencement and completion dates for domestic and international students. UNILEARN courses can help improve your ranking. Courses are offered in a distance (correspondence style) or online format. Both styles provide tutorial support via email, fax and phone. Online courses also have discussion forums. The courses available include: Academic Literacy Skills; Senior English; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Introductory Mathematics; Senior Mathematics; and Introduction to Economics. In addition, UNILEARN offers courses to help students improve study skills, organisation skills, and basic research and writing skills. These courses are Successful Study Skills (SSS) and Get Prepared to Study Online (GPSO) (non-award self-paced with no tutorial support). Final grades are provided for all courses except SSS and GPSO. For more information and a list of universities that accept UNILEARN courses as prerequisites, see www.UNILEARN.net.au or phone (07) 3307 4768.
Queensland Institute of Business and Technology (QIBT)
Certificate IV in University Foundation Studies & Pre-tertiary Bridging courses
QIBT offers a university foundation program, which provides a bridge between secondary school and undergraduate studies. The Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Program prepares students for entry to university level programs in the commerce, design, information technology, hotel management, engineering, biosciences, health care, health sciences, and media and communication fields. Pre-tertiary bridging courses are also available in Mathematics B, Chemistry and Physics. These courses are designed to satisfy subject prerequisites to qualify for entry to tertiary courses. Applicants must apply directly to QIBT. See www.qibt.qld.edu.au.
Queensland University of Technology
Pre-Tertiary Bridging Courses
Pre-Tertiary Bridging Courses are available in Chemistry, Mathematics B and Physics. These courses are designed to satisfy one or more subject prerequisites or assumed knowledge for entry to tertiary courses. The Chemistry course is held at the Gardens Point campus. Students attend classes one night a week for 13 weeks. Alternatively, a summer program is held three afternoons a week for six weeks. The Mathematics B course is held at the Gardens Point campus. Students attend classes two nights a week for 14 weeks. Alternatively, a summer program is held three nights a week for six weeks or three days for four weeks. The Physics course is taught online and can be started at any time. See www.qut.edu.au/assumed-knowledge.
Southern Cross University
Preparing for Success Program (PSP)
This course provides an alternative entry pathway into the University. It is a 12 week program designed to teach the practical essay writing, researching and analytical skills needed to pursue academic studies successfully. The course is fee free. The program can be studied full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance education. See www.scu.edu.au/preparingforsuccess.
TAFE Queensland, Southbank Institute of Technology and some private providers
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation
39260QLD Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation is designed to provide access to tertiary institutions for adult learners, independent of the senior secondary school system. The longer-term objective is to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for successful tertiary study. On successful completion of this course, learners will have the skills and knowledge to perform in a tertiary situation. Persons entering this course must be at least 18 years of age or must turn 18 during the first year of the course. Admission of applicants under this age only occurs in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Institute Director (or delegate) or Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Training Organisation.
The University of Queensland (UQ)
Tertiary Preparation Program (UQ College)
The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) provides an alternative pathway to school leavers and adult learners to gain the necessary academic skills and knowledge to engage in successful tertiary study. The TPP is a 28 week program that is studied over two trimester periods. There are two intakes per year, in January and May. Students may choose to complete the entire program or undertake individual subjects. The full TPP consists of: two core subjects - Academic English for University Studies plus ONE of Pre-University Mathematics A or Pre-University Mathematics B; and three elective subjects. The TPP is offered on campus at UQ’s Ipswich Campus. See www.uqcollege.edu.au or phone (07) 3381 1141.
University of New England (UNE)
UNE Pathways Enabling Course
The UNE Pathways Enabling Course is an online part-time course over two trimesters. It is designed for people who do not have the educational background for admission to tertiary study. It consists of two foundation units that provide the basic skills and knowledge required for successful first year university study plus two faculty-based units. The latter may be credited towards an undergraduate degree. Completion of this course provides the basis for admission to most undergraduate courses at UNE. See www.une.edu.au/courses/2012/courses/ENABLE.
University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
Tertiary Preparation Program
The program is offered on campus or via distance education. The program enhances students’ chances of gaining a tertiary place and prepares them for successful tertiary study. It caters for a range of groups including past school leavers who need to update or improve their ranking to qualify for tertiary entrance, and other adults who may not have completed secondary school and are seeking to enter tertiary study. See www.usq.edu.au, Email: study@usq.edu.au or phone 1800 269 500.
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is designed to provide students, who do not have the necessary background for entry to university, with an alternative pathway to tertiary study at USC. Applicants completing the TPP program undertake the course Academic Skills for Success plus three additional courses chosen from: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Literacy; Mathematics; Statistics; Introduction to Aboriginal Societies; Contemporary Australia; An Introduction to Working within the Community; or Business Study Skills. Courses within the program are also available to people who already have the required selection rank for entry to university but who want to upgrade study skills or complete specific prerequisite requirements in preparation for the commencement of an undergraduate degree. Apply for this course through QTAC. See QTAC’s online Course Search or the QTAC Guide. See also www.usc.edu.au/tpp, Email: information@usc.edu.au or phone (07) 5430 2890.
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