This section brings together general information about courses and studying to help you select the right course. For course listings and detailed course information, go to Courses & Degrees.
- Course Selection
- Faculties
- Undergraduate courses
- Joint degrees
- Honours
- Postgraduate courses
- Career markets, campus events and school visits
- Queensland Study Authority
- Contacts for further information
At JCU you can choose from over 180 undergraduate courses across a wide range of study areas – from accountancy to zoology.
The most widely known undergraduate course is a bachelors degree. A bachelor degree generally takes three years of full time study to complete and leads to the title of Bachelor. For example, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Science.
Some degrees are flexible, enabling students to combine subjects from many areas. These degrees include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science or Bachelor of Science. You will benefit from speaking to a JCU academic adviser to help you in planing subject choices for these types of degrees.
Other degrees are more closely structured. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) or Bachelor of Education are structured programs to comply with the accreditation requirements of professional bodies.
At JCU, some study areas may be available under several degree programs. For example, Archaeology can be studied under a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science or Bachelor of Science. You are encouraged to seek advice from one of our academic advisers to ensure you choose the right degree for your intended career direction.
Before you enrol, we encourage you to contact one of our academic advisers to discuss your study plans. JCU's Student Enquiries Centre can put you in touch with the correct advisers.
At JCU courses are offered across four academic faculties:
- Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences (incorporating the School of Indigenous Australian Studies)
- Faculty of Law, Business and the Creative Arts
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology
You can visit the faculty websites at http://www.jcu.edu.au/org/
Undergraduate courses or awards available at JCU included:
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor degree
- Bachelor degree with Honours
- Joint degree
Joint degrees are increasingly popular. They combine two degrees in a reduced time. Examples include Bachelor Business-Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Laws. They usually range in duration from four to five years of full-time study.
Joint degrees equip graduates with expertise in complementary disciplines and can lead to enhanced career prospects.
Bachelor degree students who demonstrate a strong performance in their studies may qualify for entry into an Honours program. This usually involves additional coursework and an original research project. Duration for an Honours degree is four years of full-time study. An Honours degree is usually required for entry to postgraduate research degrees such as masters and doctorates.
Over 90 postgraduate courses are available at JCU. Postgraduate study options include the following awards:
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Masters degree (coursework and research)
- Doctoral degree
For further information about postgraduate study options at JCU, visit our Postgraduate Courses Guides
or contact the following areas:
- For postgraduate coursework courses, contact the Student Enquiries Centre
- For postgraduate research programs, contact the Graduate Research School.
Career markets, campus events and school visits
JCU Study Promotion staff attend most career markets and tertiary information evenings in Queensland, along with events in other states.
JCU's Discovery Day, held mid year in Townsville and Cairns, provides an excellent opportunity to obtain information about JCU and its courses.
The Uni Experience program enables Year 12 students to experience the campus facilities in Cairns and Townsville and enjoy practical sessions with each Faculty.
JCU Study Promotion staff provide information to school students, guidance officers, teachers and parents on course availability, entry requirements and application procedures. They regularly visit schools and arrange for schools to visit JCU. Schools are invited to contact us to arrange a visit.
Tel: Townsville 07 4781 6838; Cairns: 07 4042 1008
Queensland Study Authority (QSA)
QSA is the government agency responsible for issuing Queensland students with their Overall Positions (Ops) and for providing information about tertiary pathways to students, parents and the community.
Visit QSA at www.qsa.qld.edu.au
Contact us for further information
JCU Student Enquiries Centre, Townsville
JCU Student Enquiries Centre, Cairns
Or freecall (within Australia) 1800 246 446