QTAC Information Sheet

Previous Page Return to Previous Page

Preparatory Courses

Bridging and preparatory courses are designed to provide people with both the background knowledge and the opportunity to achieve a score sufficient to gain entry to tertiary studies.  The variety of bridging and preparatory courses is extensive and you may choose to study full-time, part-time or through distance education.

The following brief descriptions of a number of popular bridging courses outline the content and provide contacts for the reader to obtain further information.

Before undertaking any bridging program you should check with the admissions office of the institution you later wish to attend as to whether the course is acceptable for entry.

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.

Ph: 1800 074 074.

Website: www.bond.edu.au/bondcollege/

CQUniversity

Skills for Tertiary Education Preparation (STEPS)

STEPS is offered on campus at Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, and Rockhampton over 13 weeks full-time (accelerated) or 26 weeks (extended/flex) part-time. The program is also offered by distance education (external) on a part-time basis over 26 weeks. STEPS helps adults prepare for university entrance. It fosters in students the personal and academic skills necessary for progression to undergraduate study. The courses studied are Language and Learning, Tertiary Preparation Skills, Transition Mathematics 1, and Computing for Academic Assignment Writing.

Ph: (07) 4150 7149.
Website: http://steps.cqu.edu.au/

Women into Science and Technology (WIST)

WIST is a self-paced course studied from home. The course is designed to encourage and support women to study and pursue a career in the non-traditional science and technology disciplines. Subjects available are Introchem, Introphysics, Introbiol, Transition Mathematics I & II, Communication Pathways into University, Introductory Computing Skills, and Introducing the Internet. The combination of subjects studied will depend on each student’s goals and educational background.

Ph: (07) 4930 9341.

Website: http://wist.cqu.edu.au/

LIFT Program

The Lift Program is designed for people who are not eligible to gain entry to university. It gives direct entry into a range of selected courses in undergraduate programs at CQUniversity once students successfully complete the relevant competency assessment. These bridging courses can be studied by distance education and take between 8-24 weeks to complete depending on the pathway negotiated and the student’s level of general academic suitability.

Ph: (07) 4923 2825.

Website: http://content.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?site=448

James Cook University

Humanities Tertiary Access Courses (HuTAC)

HuTAC provides an alternative pathway into undergraduate studies in humanities and related fields such as psychology, law and education. The course is six months full-time (or one year part-time) and is offered on campus in Townsville and Cairns.

Ph: Townsville (07) 4781 4676; Cairns (07) 4042 1046.

Website: http://www.jcu.edu.au/future/entry/pathways/index.htm

Bridging Courses

Many health science and science courses have Queensland Year 12 Chemistry and/or Maths B prerequisites. A range of bridging subjects is available at the Cairns and Townsville campuses to assist applicants with meeting these prerequisites.

Ph: Townsville (07) 4781 6823; Cairns (07) 4042 1330.

Website: http://www.jcu.edu.au/future/entry/pathways/index.htm

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.

Ph: 1800 300 064.

Website: http://www.jcu.edu.au/future/entry/pathways/index.htm

Learning Network Queensland - UNILEARN

UNILEARN courses are self-paced and offered in external mode with flexible commencing and completion dates. Tutorial support is provided by email, fax and phone. The courses available include Academic Literacy Skills, Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Mathematics, Physics, Senior Mathematics, Statistics (currently under review), and Successful Study Skills.

Ph: 1800 177 189.

Website: www.unilearn.net.au

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

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 to qualify 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 mornings 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.

Ph: (07) 3138 9350.

Website: www.cpe.qut.edu.au.

Southern Cross University

Preparing for Success Program

The Success Program can be studied full-time or part-time, on campus or by distance education. Students are required to study three units including two core academic skills units along with an elective unit. The two core units are: Academic Study Skills and Introduction to University Studies. Students will also choose one of the following, depending on their area of interest: Preparing for Study in Arts, Preparing for Study in Business or Preparing for Study in Sciences.

Website: www.scu.edu.au/learningassistance

TAFE Queensland

Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation

The course can be studied over one year full-time or two to four years part-time. The course is offered on campus or via distance education. It offers Year 12 comparable subjects for adult learners wishing to enter tertiary study. The full course consists of the core subject Language and Learning Skills and four elective subjects. The electives vary depending on the institute offering the course. Some electives are Accounting, Australian Society, Legal Studies, Literature, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Applied and Pure Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Human Movement Studies, Information Processing Technology, and Computing for Academic Purposes. Students may complete the entire certificate or opt for partial completion depending on their goals.
Ph: 1300 308 233 or for further information contact your local TAFE institute.

University of New England (UNE)

UNE Pathways Enabling Course

The UNE Pathways Enabling Course is a fully online part-time course over two semesters. It is designed for people who do not otherwise 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 able to be credited towards an undergraduate degree. Completion of the UNE Pathways Enabling Course provides the basis for admission to most undergraduate courses at UNE.

Website: http://www.une.edu.au/courses/2009/courses/ENABLE

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP)

The program is offered via distance education. Study packages are sent by mail at the beginning of semester. 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 a chance to enter tertiary study.

Ph: 1800 269 500.

Website: http://www.usq.edu.au/futurestudents/mature/tpp.htm

University of the Sunshine Coast

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is designed to provide students with an alternative pathway to tertiary study at USC. Applicants are required to undertake the subjects Academic Skills for Success and Computer Literacy plus two additional subjects from the following: Bioscience; Mathematics; Statistics; Introduction to Aboriginal Societies; or Contemporary Australia.

Ph: (07) 5430 2890.

Email: information@usc.edu.au

Other Bridging and Preparatory Courses

A number of bridging courses are available through private institutions.  Before undertaking any of these programs, you should check with the institution you later wish to attend regarding their admission policies for bridging programs.


Top of Page Top of Page