QTAC Information Sheet

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 Foundation program is structured to provide students with the appropriate preparation depending on their chosen undergraduate degree. All students will undertake two University core subjects and will receive credit when they transfer into their chosen degree. Intakes are in January, May and September each year.

For further information, please contact Bond College Admissions, telephone 1800 074 074 or (07) 5595 1024 or email enquiries@bondcollege.edu.au.

CQUniversity

Skills for Tertiary Education Preparation (STEPS)

STEPS is offered on-campus at Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton over 12 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time. The program is also offered by distance education in a part-time mode over 24 weeks. STEPS affords adults an opportunity to prepare for university entrance. It fosters in students the personal and academic skills for progression to undergraduate study. The courses studied are Language and Learning, Tertiary Preparation Skills, Transition Mathematics and Computing for Academic Assignment Writing.

For further information contact the Head of STEPS, telephone (07) 4150 7067 or 1300 360 444, or visit the website www.steps.cqu.edu.au.

Women into Science and Technology (WIST)

WIST is a self-paced course which is 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. The course is open to women of all ages and educational backgrounds.

Enrolments are accepted all year round. Subjects available are Introchem, Introphysics, Introbiol, Transition Mathematics I & II, Communication Pathways into University, Introductory Computing Skills, and Introducing the Internet.

For further information contact the WIST Coordinator, telephone (07) 4930 9341 or visit the website www.wist.cqu.edu.au.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Entry Program

The Tertiary Entry Program is offered over one year full-time or two years part-time on campus at Rockhampton and Bundaberg, or externally. The program assists students to develop the skills and knowledge they will require to be successful in degree and diploma courses at the university. The program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 18 years of age in the first year of study, and who have basic literacy and numeracy skills. Subject to available places, non-indigenous people can apply.

For further information contact the Tertiary Entry Program Coordinator, telephone (07) 4930 9250 or visit the website www.cqu.edu.au/nullooyumbah.

James Cook University

Tertiary Access Courses

The School of Indigenous Australian Studies at James Cook University provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the opportunity to access tertiary level study through the Humanities Tertiary Access Course (HuTAC) and the Sciences Tertiary Access Course (SciTAC*). Non-indigenous students are also welcome to apply.

HuTAC prepares students for entry to courses in humanities and related fields such as psychology, law and education. The course is one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) and is offered both internally and externally in Townsville and Cairns.

SciTAC* prepares students for entry to courses in the health sciences (including medicine and nursing), sciences (including marine biology and biomedical sciences) and engineering. SciTAC is offered on campus at Townsville only.

* This course is offered on the condition that there are adequate student enrolment numbers.

For further information contact James Cook University, telephone (07) 4781 4676, or visit www.jcu.edu.au/studying/indigenous.

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. Students in Queensland have access to some 40 Learning Centres throughout the state. Assessment is available at many locations nationwide and overseas.

The UNILEARN courses available include Academic Literacy Skills, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Introductory and Senior), Statistics and Successful Study Skills. Successful completion of UNILEARN courses can assist students to gain entry to tertiary study in Queensland and other states.

For further information contact the UNILEARN Coordinator at Learning Network Queensland, telephone 1800 177 189, or visit www.unilearn.net.au.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Pre-Tertiary Bridging Courses

Bridging courses are available in Chemistry, Mathematics B and Physics. All QUT bridging courses take the equivalent of one semester to complete. Some bridging courses are available over the summer semester. The Physics Bridging course is taught online and can be started at any time.

The courses give students a clear understanding of the concepts and principles required as a foundation for tertiary study. They are designed for students who need to satisfy one or more subject prerequisites or assumed knowledge to qualify for entry to their desired course at QUT. Successful completion may also satisfy subject prerequisites for many other tertiary institutions.

For further information contact Continuing Professional Education Unit, telephone (07) 3138 2915, or www.cpe.qut.edu.au.

Southern Cross University

Foundation Program

The Foundation Program is conducted on campus at Lismore over one year full-time. The course is specifically designed for indigenous Australians who have fallen short of the necessary level of preparedness to succeed at tertiary level. The course provides students with academic study techniques related to their targeted course of study including time management strategies, research and presentation skills, computing skills and academic writing skills. It offers the student six core units with pathway options to concurrently enrol in electives from a targeted course at Southern Cross University. Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, 18 years of age or over, and exhibit a commitment and motivations towards achieving their educational goal.

For further information contact the College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, telephone (02) 6620 3955 or Freecall: 1800 816 676, or visit www.scu.edu.au/gnibi.

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 another unit designed to prepare students for courses in the Faculty of their choice. 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 and Preparing for Study in Sciences.

All enquiries about the PSP should be directed to the Learning Assistance Unit, telephone (02) 6620 3386 or email learningassistance@scu.edu.au.

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 at various TAFE institutes throughout Queensland (as well as at some private providers), and is also available via distance education through TAFE Open Learning. The course 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 available vary depending on the institute offering the course. Students may complete the entire certificate or opt for partial completion depending on their goals. Please note that some tertiary institutions will not accept partial completion of the certificate as a basis for entry. Entry requirements and procedures are specific to the institute offering the course. Generally, applicants must be 18 years of age or over, or turning 18 during the first year of the course. An interview may be required.

For further information contact your local TAFE institute.

University of New England (UNE)

TRACKS

The course can be studied either on campus over six months full-time or by distance education over one year. This program is designed to assist students with the development of study skills and with the transition to mainstream university courses. The course is open to all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. There are no age or educational entry requirements, however applicants must attend a selection interview.

For further information contact the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, telephone (02) 6773 3034, or visit www.une.edu.au/oorala.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ)

Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP)

The USQ Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is offered via distance education. It provides the opportunity for people to enhance their chances of gaining a tertiary place and to prepare for successful tertiary study. Applicants must be 18 years of age in the year of enrolment.

The program comprises of a core curriculum of modules dealing with self-development, communication skills and mathematics.

Direct undergraduate entry to USQ is dependent upon successful completion of all courses recommended for entry to a particular academic program.

For further information contact the Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU), telephone (07) 4631 2557 or Freecall: 1800 269 500, or visit www.usq.edu.au/tpp.

Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program

This program includes studies in Literacy, Numeracy, Computers and Indigenous Studies. Successful applicants of this program will gain entry in undergraduate courses at USQ.

The program is open to indigenous people who are 17 years of age or over. An application form and formal interview are required prior to entry to this program.

For further information contact the Kumbari/Ngurpai Lag Higher Education, telephone (07) 4631 2133, or email: knl@usq.edu.au

University of the Sunshine Coast

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is designed to provide students with an alternative entry pathway into tertiary study at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Students can study full-time (four subjects over one semester) or part-time (two courses per semester for two semesters). Students must be 17 by 31 December in the year prior to enrolment.

Students 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.

For further information contact the University of the Sunshine Coast's Student Administration, telephone (07) 5430 2890, or visit www.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.

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