James Cook University (JCU)

Postal address for enquiries:
Student Enquiry Centre
James Cook University
Townsville QLD 4811

Telephone: (National) (07) 4781 5255; (Freecall) 1800 246 446; (International) +61 7 4781 5255

Facsimile: (07) 4781 4644

Email:  EnquiriesTownsville@jcu.edu.au; EnquiriesCairns@jcu.edu.au
Website: www.jcu.edu.au

James Cook University (JCU) is the second oldest university in Queensland and a high-ranking teaching and research institution. The University’s main campuses are located in Cairns and Townsville, close to two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics. The University’s distinctive character is linked to its location in the tropics and many courses include tropical, rural and remote perspectives. Study centres are also located in Mackay, Mount Isa and Thursday Island.

With a student population of over 17,000, JCU is a comprehensive university – teaching in all of the nationally recognised fields of study – and is the university of choice for students from the region. JCU’s campuses offer friendly and safe learning environments with excellent library and study facilities. The Townsville campus is located on 400ha of
natural bushland about 13km from the city centre in the suburb of Douglas. The Cairns campus is nestled against a backdrop of rainforest-covered hills some 15km north of the city, in the suburb of Smithfield.

Courses

JCU provides teaching programs and research training across a wide range of disciplines. Broad-based courses are complemented by courses that reflect JCU’s location. These include, for example, marine sciences, tropical biology and ecology, public health and tropical medicine, agriculture, Indigenous Australian studies, and tourism. Professional courses cover everything from law, journalism, education, pharmacy, psychology, social work, and nursing to rehabilitation sciences, engineering, medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry.

Undergraduate awards include diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor’s degree, and bachelor’s degree with honours. Students can tailor their study programs by combining study areas into joint majors or joint degrees.

The University is world-ranking in research relating to the environment and ecology, geoscience and in sustainable tourism. Other flagship fields include engineering, medical and health sciences, education, business, nursing, and veterinary science. The Medical School opened in 2000 and specialises in rural, remote, Indigenous, and tropical medicine. Veterinary science commenced in 2006 and dentistry in 2009.

Courses with Special Entry procedures

Applicants for dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and veterinary science must submit a separate application to the University by the last working day in September. Download the forms at: www.jcu.edu.au/fmhms/forms. Applicants for JCU’s Remote Area Teacher Education Program need to submit a separate application by November

School of Indigenous Australian Studies

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can prepare for entry to university study via a Tertiary Access Course. The School also offers subjects in Indigenous Australian studies to many undergraduate students, along with a tutorial support scheme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Student Facilities

Townsville Campus

The leafy campus in the suburb of Douglas offers a wealth of activities and facilities for students, including a refectory, licensed bar, coffee shops, bookshop, post office, gym and new fitness centre, basketball courts, sports ovals, squash and tennis courts, swimming pool, performance space, childcare centres, and counselling and careers services. There are also market days, free movies and plenty of sporting clubs and student societies to join, ranging from Amnesty International to water polo. Around 1250 students live on campus

Cairns campus

Known as the rainforest campus, the Cairns campus is located in the northern beaches suburb of Smithfield. It offers excellent teaching and library facilities plus state-of-the-art science, health science and computer laboratories. The newly built student facilities hub brings together a refectory, licensed bar, coffee shop, and bookshop with indoor and outdoor performance spaces. Other facilities include basketball courts, sports oval, study skills centre, and counselling and careers services. Located nearby is the large Smithfield shopping centre, several childcare centres and a swimming pool complex.

Other locations

JCU has study centres and research facilities around northern Queensland including: Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health; Mackay Study Centre; Thursday Island Study Centre; Orpheus Island Research Station; Fletcherview Tropical Veterinary Research Station; Malanda Veterinary Teaching Resource Centre; Australian Rainforest Canopy Crane; and Paluma Rainforest Research Station. JCU’s Brisbane campus caters to international students and is operated by Russo Higher Education. JCU’s Singapore
campus was established in 2003.

Student Accommodation

JCU’s accommodation service can assist with finding suitable private rental or share accommodation in Cairns and Townsville. Contact the service on: Townsville (07) 4781 4148; or online at www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation.

Townsville on-campus accommodation

There are residential places for over 1250 students on campus in a variety of student colleges and residences, some self-catering. Application forms are available from JCU’s accommodation service on (07) 4781 4148 or online. Student residences can be contacted directly as listed below. St Mark’s College (07) 4779 5044; Combined Catholic College of St Raphael and St Paul’s (07) 4727 7800; John Flynn College (07) 4727 7500; JCU Halls of Residence (07) 4781 5777.

Cairns students residences

Private student residences are located opposite the campus. Application forms are available from JCU’s accommodation service, see above. A good range of furnished accommodation is available in surrounding suburbs.

Student Support Services

Comprehensive support services assist students with personal, career, welfare, and learning support needs. These include career advice, learning skills advice, student employment services, chaplaincy services, disability resources, student equity services, and personal counselling. A student mentor program links new students with suitable second or third year mentors for advice and study support.

Information services and technology.

JCU provides integrated computing and library facilities. Extensive IT resources are available to all students including 24-hour computer laboratories, online ordering of library books and electronic journals, and online technology training. LearnJCU is JCU’s online teaching resource that includes teaching resources, discussion forums, and assignment lodgement.

International exchange program

Global partner universities in the USA, Asia, Canada, and Europe enable JCU students to study abroad for six to 12 months and gain credit towards their degree.

Institution Scholarships

JCU offers a growing number of undergraduate scholarships. For full details
visit www.jcu.edu.au/scholarships.

Publications

JCU’s Courses and Careers: Undergraduate Study Guide outlines the University’s courses and facilities and is available from the Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 246 446 or online at www.jcu.edu.au/future. Course information for all undergraduate programs is available at www.jcu.edu.au/courses. JCU’s Course and Subject Handbook provides detailed information on courses and subjects. The 2011 edition can be accessed from JCU’s website from November 2010.

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