Diploma of Higher Education

Gain a solid foundation for university study as you build academic skills, confidence and knowledge. Take classes relevant to your study goals and get a taste of university life in this qualification designed to help you meet the entry requirements of your desired degree. Enter university prepared for success after this one-year course.

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 JCU’s 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.

Majors

You will study a range of core subjects, plus choose one major. There are a wide 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.

Dentistry [Indigenous Pathway]

Develop the basic skills and knowledge to enter confidently into the JCU Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Study the fundamentals of mathematics and chemistry, learn about health care in Australia and develop communication skills as a health professional.

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.

Engineering and Applied Science

Benefit from JCU’s expert lecturers and explore a wide range of essential foundation subjects. Complete prerequisite subjects that are required for many JCU degrees and choose from a wide range of electives across JCU’s extensive engineering programs. Graduates will gain technical knowledge in areas such as chemistry, process engineering, biological processes, programming, statistics and data analysis and physics.

Engineering and Applied Science

Benefit from JCU’s expert lecturers and explore a wide range of essential foundation subjects. Complete prerequisite subjects that are required for many JCU degrees and choose from a wide range of electives across JCU’s extensive engineering programs. Graduates will gain technical knowledge in areas such as chemistry, process engineering, biological processes, programming, statistics and data analysis and physics.

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.

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.