Pathway to University Bridging Courses

A degree and a job is important, and it's discouraging to feel that the road ahead is closed simply because you cannot tick a key box. There are many prerequisites for admission to an undergraduate course of study, and a university bridging course can help to fulfil them. Through a uni bridging course, you can fill in any gaps in knowledge or skills so that you're ready for the course of study that appeals to you.

Sometimes the only thing holding you back is limited prior studies in a particular area. In other cases, you may have taken a break from studies or simply need a refresher course to get you back where you need to be. Brush up on your skills, build a strong foundation for your university studies, or meet the prerequisite requirements for your chosen degree through one of JCU's Pathways.

It's normal to find the range of degrees, prerequisites, and qualifications a bit confusing at first. As you narrow down your degree choices to the courses you are most interested in, you will see the term “assumed knowledge” on every course page. Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge on the subject you need in order to take that particular course.

You don't want to start your studies at a disadvantage. While it is possible to take some courses without that level of knowledge, you could be making things needlessly difficult. Get the preparation you need to succeed with a university bridging course or other pathway to university.

Your world-class education begins here, at JCU, where many pathway options open up for you. At JCU, we are committed to student success. We understand there are many reasons a person might be unable to finish secondary school or reach the required university entrance score. Many of these reasons have nothing to do with maturity or potential to succeed.

Choose a pathway course at JCU to focus on a specific knowledge gap, or to take advantage of small class sizes to build the academic skills you need to move on into more advanced studies. Use a university bridging course to gain the prerequisites required to enter an undergraduate degree. You may even reduce your study load and the time it takes to finish your degree by taking targeted pathway courses. Use your pathway to university to become uniquely qualified and ready today for tomorrow.

Be ready for the jobs of the future through a training strategy that works for you. One thing that sometimes holds students back is a lack of foundational academic skills and the confidence to use them. A Tertiary Access Course (TAC) from JCU could be the answer for you. Even if you lack an OP score, your full-time or part-time TAC course can get you the academic skills you need.

With those skills you'll gain confidence in your own abilities and skill to navigate the academic world. build your communication skills, and learn the basics of how to research and analyse data from a range of sources. Modern universities use a wide range of technologies and media to enhance education outcomes, but learning how to take advantage of them takes practical experience. Your TAC course gives you confidence to use them all effectively.

Moving Towards a Specific Degree

If you've already identified the direction you want to go but are lacking specific skills or knowledge to start your higher education course, a Diploma of Higher Education is a good choice. A Diploma gives you formal qualifications in precise areas of academic study and offers credit towards your future studies.

Choose your path and then enter the , either through our part-time or full-time options. A key advantage in earning a Diploma of Higher Education is that you may be able to get credit or advanced standing for some of your first-year Bachelor courses. It is even possible that your Bachelor degree program could be shortened, saving you time and money.

Maybe you have the academic skills you need and don't need a whole Diploma of Higher Education course to progress into an undergraduate course. Your heart is in the sciences, or you know that a career in health is right for you. In this case, all you need could be a specific university bridging course. Complete a uni bridging course to gain basic foundational knowledge in key subjects and prepare for in-depth study in the future.

Through your bridging course, you'll brush up on tertiary study skills and get the prerequisites you need to meet course-specific requirements. Maths B or Year 12 Chemistry are important foundations you will need to pursue most careers in health or the sciences. Work with lecturers committed to student success to get the qualifications you need in these key areas.

If you left school to care for family or work in your community and are now ready to prepare for an advanced career, the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) could help in some cases. Administered by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, the STAT offers you the opportunity to demonstrate that you already have the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in higher education. This could help you on your path towards entering uni, and the Student Centre at JCU is a good place to start for advice on making the right choice.

Your Pathway to University

You don't have to go far, to go far. JCU is committed to helping you prepare for your future. Explore your pathway options with James Cook University and start your own path to a bright future.