Take the first step towards your career in science. This course is a pathway for international students to study the Bachelor of Science at JCU.

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One-year diploma

For international students

Progress to year two

of a Bachelor of Science

Small classes sizes

Support you to succeed

Townsville

Townsville: March, July

$29,200.00⁺

⁺estimated annual tuition fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

14 months full-time

Successful completion of a course of study equivalent to an Australian Year 12 Certificate

0100450

What to expect

Learn core skills in mathematics, natural systems, biodiversity and earth science. Apply methods and technologies from a broad range of cognitive and technical skills to analyse, solve and communicate information about complex problems.

This course is a pathway for international students to study the Bachelor of Science at JCU. View the Handbook for detailed overview of available subjects.

Career Opportunities

Pursue your passion for knowledge and research with JCU’s Diploma of Science (Pathway). You will gain foundational skills in a variety of science areas.

Graduates of JCU’s Diploma of Science (Pathway) can progress directly into the second year of a JCU Bachelor of Science. Depending on your area of specialisation in your Bachelor degree, you could work in a variety of specialist science fields including aquaculture, fisheries management, zoology, mining, or biotechnology.

This course is a pathway to the Bachelor of Science majoring in Aquaculture Science and Technology, Earth Science, Marine Biology, or Zoology and Ecology provided you meet the relevant English Language entry requirement.

This course is available to international students only.

Handbook

Diploma of Science [Pathway]

Handbook year	2020
Course code	115821
Course type	Diploma (AQF Level 5)
Division	Tropical Environments and Societies

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course Entry Requirements	Guaranteed entry where applicants have obtained a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or passes in at least 3 academic subjects from Year 12 or equivalent; or Satisfactory completion of the JCU Foundation Program (Science/Engineering) with a minimum GPA of 4.00
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band P – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	27 credit points as per course structure
Additional completion requirements	Minimum overall attendance level of 80% across all scheduled activities for the duration of the Diploma, including any support classes such as English language development. Students failing to maintain the required attendance will need to undertake additional requirements prior to graduating from the Diploma.
Course learning outcomes	On successful completion of the Diploma of Science at James Cook University, graduates will be able to: describe and use specialised knowledge and skills for further learning describe and use technical and theoretical knowledge in a specific area of work and learning select and apply methods and technologies from a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to: analyse information to complete a range of activities provide and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems transmit information and skills to others apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement and defined responsibility in known or changing contexts and within broad but established parameters

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

MA1020:03 Preparatory Mathematics

SC1101:03 Science, Technology and Truth

SC1102:03 Modelling Natural Systems

BS1007:03 Introduction to Biodiversity

BS1001:03 Introduction to Biological Processes

EA1110:03 Evolution of the Earth

EV1005:03 Environmental Processes and Global Change

MA1580:03 Foundations of Data Science or CP1401:03 Fundamentals of Problem Solving and Programming I

PLUS

Select either English for Academic Purposes Level 3 or 4

English for Academic Purposes Level 3

LS0331:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 3a

LS0332:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 3b

LS0333:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 3c

English for Academic Purposes Level 4

LS0441:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 4a

LS0442:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 4b

LS0443:01 English for Academic Purposes Level 4c

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	One year full-time
Maximum time to complete	2 years
Maximum leave of absence	1 year

Progression

Course progression requisites	Nil
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)	No
Course includes mandatory Fieldwork	No
Special assessment requirements	Nil
Professional accreditation requirements	Nil
Maximum allowed Pass Conceded (PC) grade	Nil
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure.
Maximum allowed	12 credit points
Currency	Credit will be granted only for subjects completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course
Expiry	Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 7 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course.
Other restrictions	Not applicable

Award Details

Award title	DIPLOMA OF SCIENCE
Approved abbreviation	DipSc
Inclusion of majors on testamur	Not applicable
Exit with lesser award	Not applicable
Course articulation	Students who are awarded the JCU Diploma of Science are eligible for entry into the JCU Bachelor of Science majoring in: Aquaculture Science and Technology; Earth Science; Marine Biology; and Zoology and Ecology provided they also meet the relevant English Language entry requirement. Applicants meeting the entry requirements for the JCU Bachelor of Science will receive credit for all subjects successfully completed in this Diploma. Successful Diploma students may alternatively be granted credit for subjects successfully completed under this course towards any other Bachelor degree for which they satisfy the entry requirements.
Special Awards	Not applicable

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD29,200.00

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.

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers pathway study options if you don't meet the academic English language requirements for direct entry into your preferred JCU degree, or if you want to enhance your career prospects. Contact us for more information.

How to apply

What you need to know before you apply

Certified copies of supporting documents

You must supply the following information with your application:

English proficiency test results (if required and available at time of application)
Your passport to confirm your name and citizenship (if available at time of application)

You can speed up the application process by emailing copies of your documents to internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au. If your application is approved you must then post certified copies and/or documents to:

James Cook International
James Cook University
Townsville QLD 4811, AUSTRALIA

If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide both certified translations and a certified copy of the original document.

An acceptable certified document is a photocopy of the original document, signed and certified as a copy of the original by a public notary, registered agent of JCU, or a representative of the institution. Copies of certified copies are not acceptable.

Entry requirements

You must also meet minimum academic and language requirements for this course.

Check the minimum English language proficiency requirements for this course in the Course Handbook.

If you meet the academic requirements for this course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will receive a packaged offer. This includes the opportunity to take an English language program as well as an offer to study a degree at JCU. Your JCU degree offer will be conditional on you gaining a certain grade in your English program.

Application deadlines

31 January for commencement in teaching period 1 (semester 1)
30 June for commencement in teaching period 2 (semester 2)

Our campuses in Singapore and Brisbane operate on a trimester system – application deadlines vary for Singapore and Brisbane. View academic calendars.

How to apply

Gather electronic copies of your documentation.

Complete all questions, upload all documents, and submit your application. You may wish to include a second course preference.

Ready to apply? Apply now.

Help with your application

If you need help with your application, or would like to change your preferences (e.g. course, campus, commencing semester) after you have submitted your application please contact JCU International Admissions at enquiries@jcu.edu.au or phone: +61 7 4781 5601

Helpful links

Education agents and representatives
Scholarships and Financial Aid

International student - Sri Lanka

Savindi Gamage

Diploma of Science

After completing my diploma, I hope to pursue a Bachelor of Science and a postgraduate science degree at JCU, focusing on environmental science. My goal is for a career in wildlife conservation. The academic staff at JCU are very friendly and responsive. The JCU International Student Support team are also amazing.
Alumni

Zhenxiong Zhu

Diploma of Science graduate, now studying a JCU Bachelor of Science

I selected JCU because it’s one of the best universities in Australia. I have received a lot of great support from the staff at JCU, which is helping me towards my goal of working in the health industry.
Lecturer

Clare Magee

Director and Principal JCU College

At JCU College, every student's needs are important. Classes are small and staff are committed to student success. We provide a highly supportive learning environment to ensure students meet our high expectations. The JCU College team is energetic and will work with you to achieve your study goals.