Diploma of Higher Education

Pursue the education that will equip you for your future career and gain the knowledge and skills to match your passion. The Diploma of Higher Education is a one-year university qualification that will allow you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the discipline of your choice (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science).

Graduates who successfully complete the Diploma of Higher Education meet the entry requirements necessary to enter into many JCU bachelor’s degrees. As a graduate, you will possess the key study skills, foundational knowledge and strategies that you’ll need to find success in your university studies.

Study a variety of introductory and first-year degree subjects, designed to help you build on core knowledge and foster skills of academic enquiry. These can include subjects on academic writing, academic research, mathematics and learning in a digital environment. You will enrol in a specific study plan created to suit your chosen major, which will build your discipline-specific knowledge base. Benefit from support staff dedicated to students of this degree and the award-winning JCU Learning Centre.

Upon completion of the Diploma of Higher Education, you may be eligible for advanced standing within your bachelor’s degree or receive credit for some of the subjects that you completed as part of the diploma, allowing you to finish your degree sooner.

View the handbook for more information and entry requirements for each major.

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Diploma of Higher Education.

Majors

You will study a range of core subjects, plus choose one major. There are a variety of majors to choose from. Before you enrol in this degree, you must speak to a pathways team member to discuss your study plan.
Not all majors can be studied at all campuses.

Business Studies

Gain the skills necessary to enter the JCU Bachelor of Business. Study core subjects that prepare you for university study and select from a variety of specialised business subjects.

Graduates can enter the Bachelor of Business or other equivalent business-related degrees.

Education

Build fundamental education skills and gain essential knowledge in science and maths, educational psychology and science and sustainability in education.

Choose from a wide variety of major and elective subjects to commence your teaching studies. You will graduate confident and prepared to begin an undergraduate education course.

General Studies

Develop the skills to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information and evidence drawn from a wide range of sources. Diversify your skillset and choose from the full range of elective subjects across the entire Diploma of Higher Education Program.

This major provides the flexibility to explore your interests while still providing a pathway into a JCU bachelor degree.

Health

Gain the basic skills and knowledge to succeed in a health-related JCU bachelor degree. Study the fundamentals of health-related subjects which could include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychology, pharmacy and sport and exercise nutrition.

Choose from a wide range of elective subjects and tailor your study plan so you can articulate into your target degree.

Information Technology

Learn from world-class lecturers to develop knowledge in one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia. Gain essential knowledge in mathematics and choose from a wide selection of electives.

Benefit from the flexibility to select subjects that interest you, including design thinking, programming, problem solving and interactive media and web technologies.

Psychological Science

Only available at JCU’s Singapore campus, this major will prepare you to enter JCU’s Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Explore the fundamentals of psychology through introductory core subjects. You will gain a basic understanding of psychological principals, critical thinking in psychology, counselling and mental health.

Science

Gain the knowledge and skills to progress towards a world-class JCU science degree. JCU students access cutting-edge facilities and learn the practical application of theoretical concepts in their chosen electives.

This major provides a pathway to an undergraduate science degree. Depending on your study plan, you will learn the fundamentals of science theory. Students complete the prerequisite maths and science subjects required for admission to many JCU degrees.

Social Work

Gain an insight into the world of social work. Build a fundamental understanding of human rights and social issues, human behaviour and the basics of psychology.

Select from a range of elective subjects to tailor your study plan. This major is a pathway to the Bachelor of Social Work or a social sciences degree.

Society and Culture

Explore contemporary social and cultural concepts including political science, Indigenous studies, innovation, and the making of place. You can choose from a range of subjects that will prepare you for a JCU undergraduate degree.

Graduates are equipped to apply their knowledge of diversity and interpersonal skills to communicate ideas, evaluate information and create solutions.

Develop the necessary skills to become a successful university student. Begin your dream career with a recognised qualification and pathway to your preferred Bachelor degree.

The JCU Diploma of Higher Education is a pathway into university if you don’t have the academic entry requirements for your preferred undergraduate course. It also provides an example of what university study will be like prior to enrolling in a full degree.

Some subjects completed as part of this diploma may be eligible for credit towards a subsequent JCU undergraduate degree.

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Inherent Requirements

Course Structure

Course Structure – Business Major

OPTIONS

Select a major from Table 1

TABLE 1 (BUSINESS MAJOR)

Course Structure – All other majors

CORE SUBJECTS

CU1022:03 Developing Academic Skills

CS1022:03 Learning in a Digital Environment

OPTIONS

Select a major from Table 2

TABLE 2 (ALL OTHER MAJORS)

Location

Candidature

Progression

Credit

Award Details

Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.