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Be equipped to pursue university study with JCU Prep. You’ll develop key academic skills and build the foundational knowledge required to meet subject pre-requisites. Successful completion can lead to direct entry to many JCU undergraduate degrees.

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5 stars

for student-teacher ratio* *Good Universities Guide 2023, UG

Fee-free study

Prepare for uni and only pay SSA fees

5 stars

for full-time employment* *Good Universities Guide 2023, UG

Online: January, May, September

Townsville: January, May, September

Cairns: January, May, September

No Fee

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

1 year full-time

The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses.

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What to expect

Embrace flexibility and receive dedicated support in this pathway program designed to prepare you to begin a JCU Bachelor’s degree.

Open to both mature students and school leavers who are, or about to turn 18 years old, JCU Prep is the ideal stepping stone for those wanting to take on university study with confidence.

Your program of study will depend on your individual circumstances, and the degree you would like to progress into. Tailor your course selection so that you only study the subjects you need. You’ll be ready to enter further study on your own timeline, and with the academic skills for success.

If you have not previously completed high school or you are returning to study after a lengthy gap, it is likely that you will begin your JCU Prep journey with an Introduction to Academic Learning. Learn the fundamentals of time management, note-taking, research, essay structure and referencing conventions. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to present academic arguments in multiple formats.

If you simply need to meet specific subject requirements, you can arrange your study plan to focus on these. Build a foundation for your degree with preparatory subject offerings in Science, Chemistry and multiple streams of Mathematics, preparing you to meet the knowledge requirements of your target degree.

Depending on the number of subjects you choose to complete, it may take as little as three months for you to build the necessary knowledge and skills for university study. JCU Prep will also assist you in locating JCU campus buildings and accessing the facilities, technologies and student support services designed to empower your success. This enabling course is subject fee-free, meaning you'll only be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee.

No matter which subjects you take, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalised feedback designed to embrace your strengths and build a solid knowledge base. You’ll be guided by expert advice from teaching specialists who have significant experience in preparing students for tertiary study.

To get you started on your pathway journey, our dedicated Pathway Programs Student Support Advisors can provide you with everything you need to determine which subjects align with your study needs. Speak to our team today for further information.

Career Opportunities

JCU Prep is an enabling course designed to equip you for success in a variety of Bachelor’s degrees.

When you graduate with a JCU Bachelor’s degree, you’ll emerge into the workforce with targeted knowledge and skills designed to align with current employer demands. JCU graduates excel in roles within government, private and not-for-profit organisations, and embrace the diverse challenges associated with careers in rural and remote communities, major metropolitan areas and overseas markets.

The JCU Careers and Employability team can provide you with resume and application support, interview coaching and a Career Ready Plan while you are still studying. Benefit from subjects, services and industry connections designed to ensure that your JCU studies prepare you for a range of exciting career opportunities.

Handbook

Handbook year	Information valid for students commencing in 2024
Course code	100330
Course type	Enabling/Bridging course (non-AQF course) (Entry level course)
Owner	Academy
College	Academy

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites	The program is open to all students who meet the residency/citizenship requirements as per DESE Guidelines for Enabling Courses.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements	Not applicable

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Credit points	24 credit points as per course structure
Course learning outcomes	On successful completion of JCU Prep graduates will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of academic conventions and ethical practice in higher education studies, including academic integrity Identify, analyse and synthesise information, claims and evidence from a range of sources Communicate ideas, arguments, and perspectives in a clear and logical way through English language proficiency, using a range of media and technologies Analyse, plan, design, and evaluate solutions to problems by applying critical thinking, judgment and, where appropriate, numeracy skills Demonstrate autonomy and responsibility in learning independently and managing personal development and future pathways Navigate online learning environments and use technologies for university study.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements	Inherent requirements are the fundamental abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to complete the learning outcomes of a course while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes. Students and prospective students must be able to demonstrate that they have acquired or have the ability to acquire the inherent requirements for their degree. For more information refer to Inherent Requirements page.
Reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments may be made to assist students manage additional circumstances impacting on their studies provided these do not change the academic integrity of a degree. Reasonable adjustments do not alter the need to be able to demonstrate the inherent requirements of the course.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECT

BR0100:03 Introduction to Academic Learning

BR0101:03 Developing Academic Skills

BR0200:03 Mathematics A1

BR0201:03 Essential Maths

BR0202:03 Preparatory Maths

BR0300:03 Essential Science

BR0301:03 Preparatory Chemistry

BR0400:03 Learning in a Digital Environment

Location

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
External
JCU Cairns
JCU Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Maximum time to complete

2 years

Maximum leave of absence

1 year

Please refer to the Coursework Enrolment Procedure

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
Supplementary exam for final subject	Not Applicable

Credit

Eligibility	Not eligible
Maximum allowed	Not applicable
Currency	Not applicable
Expiry	Not applicable
Other restrictions	Not applicable

Award Details

Award title	Not applicable – this is a non-award course
Approved abbreviation	Not applicable – this is a non-award course
Exit with lesser award	Not applicable – this is a non-award course
Course articulation	JCU offers direct entry into a range of degree courses on successful completion of the course. Admission is dependent on the student’s academic achievement and the entry requirements of the specific degree.
Special awards	Not applicable

Fees and scholarships

Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: No Fee

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

A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this Diploma, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

How to apply

Your application for JCU Prep depends on your previous educational and work experience:

If you wish to use JCU Prep as a pathway into a JCU bachelor’s degree

You should apply for your preferred bachelor’s course through Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC), using the QTAC code for that course. If you do not meet the entry requirements, JCU may offer you a QTAC packaged offer, where you receive an offer into JCU Prep and your preferred bachelor’s course at the same time.

If you want to start with JCU Prep, and:

You received an ATAR
If you completed Year 12 in the last three years and achieved an ATAR (or equivalent), you should apply for entry to JCU Prep through QTAC, using the QTAC code in the Fast Facts section above.
You didn’t receive an ATAR or you have previously studied with JCU
If you left school before Year 12, you completed Year 12 but didn’t receive an ATAR (or equivalent) or have previously studied one or more subjects at JCU, you should apply for JCU Prep directly, through our Online Application Portal.

Check the JCU application due dates page to ensure you meet the deadline for your chosen trimester.

You may be eligible for entry into a JCU course through your previous paid work experience. Explore how JCU recognises the experience you have gained through your career here to find out more.

Student

Sarah Lewis

JCU Pathways

Coming to JCU was a great transitional experience for me after 4 years serving in the military. The JCU Pathways program gave me the opportunity to make great friendships and connections. I have had support since day one from the Indigenous Education and Research Centre. JCU gives me the freedom to be who I want to be.
Student

Jordan Dickson

JCU Pathways

The JCU Pathways program was more than just a stepping stone; it was a comprehensive journey. It enriched my academic understanding and honed my skills in research, critical analysis and collaboration. Owing to the nurturing environment of faculty and peers, I transitioned into a bachelor's with clarity and enthusiasm.
Lecturer

Andrew Higgins

JCU Pathways

JCU Prep is great way to start tertiary study. The friendly and supportive staff are experts in their subject areas. JCU Prep subjects focus on Academic Skills, IT, Literacy and Numeracy and will help you prepare for further study in areas like Nursing, Teaching, Science and Engineering.
Advisor

Elena Rhind

Pathways Advisor – Centre for Education and Enhancement

JCU Prep is a flexible program tailored around students. A supportive study framework assists you to meet the entry requirements of your chosen bachelor’s degree. In as little as three months, you can gain the required skills and subject knowledge, while becoming familiar with JCU’s campuses, facilities and services.