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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 Bachelorâs degree in the discipline of your choice (excluding Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science).
Graduates who successfully complete JCUâs Diploma of Higher Education meet the entry requirements necessary to enter into many JCU Bachelorâs degrees. As a graduate, you will possess the key study skills, foundational knowledge and strategies that youâll 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 Bachelorâs 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 Universityâs 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 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.
Additional information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education (Business Studies) in Queensland
Prepare yourself for a bright future and a successful business career with a Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Business Studies (similar to a Diploma of Higher Education Business Studies) with JCU. Get ready for the next step with a qualification that advances your career or prepares you for a JCU Business degree.
Preparing for a Bachelor Degree
Enhance your employability or prepare for a Bachelor degree as you study for your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Business Studies. Benefit from not needing any prerequisites to enter this major and use your personalised study plan as a pathway to enter an undergraduate degree.
Qualify for bachelor degree studies through your year of full-time study as you earn your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Business Studies in Queensland. Find out if a university bachelorâs degree is for you or enter the business world with a standalone qualification.
Enhance Your Skills
Your diploma studies will enhance your academic and professional skills which you can apply to most careers. Learn how to take theoretical concepts and apply them in practical learning settings. Become a better researcher, with the ability to analyse and synthesise information, identifying which claims are legitimate and which demand more study.
Use your analysis skills to develop solutions to real problems, leveraging data and creativity to apply effective solutions. Become an autonomous learner and independent thinker. Learn how to work in groups, applying principles of effective teamwork to achieve goals and work successfully in an intercultural environment.
Foundation in Business
Prepare yourself for a business career with a solid foundation in business theories. Learn the foundations of business in rural, remote and urban areas. Depending on your study plan, you could learn about the interrelationship between corporations and environmental sustainability.
Understand business communication and what factors can influence effective communication. Master the basics of interpersonal communication skills and how to critically evaluate what others say and write. Become an effective communicator, able to persuade others of your position in an unbiased and professional style.
Work with the pathways team to create a study plan where you learn the foundations of business law. You could study the fundamentals of how Australian and international legal frameworks affect business development, reconciliation, contracts, and trade. Learn how the law protects consumers and intellectual property and how to apply core ethics to everyday business operations.
Choose Accounting or Economics
Develop a study plan that helps you gain an understanding of the importance of mathematics to business success through your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Business Studies. You could investigate accounting principles and how they apply in smart business decisions.
Learn how to read and analyse business reports, annual reports, and regulatory documents. Master the foundations of economic principles that underline a sustainable business.
Take the Next Step to Your Diploma of Higher Education, Majoring in Business Studies
Your world-class education begins here, at JCU. Take the next step in your career, participate in classes with lecturers committed to student success and small class sizes.
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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.
Before you enrol, speak with a Pathways team member to discuss your study plan. Call JCU Cairns on 4232 1155 or email [email protected]
This major is only available at JCU Cairns.
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 JCUâs 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 JCUâs extensive engineering programs.
Graduates will gain technical knowledge in areas such as chemistry, process engineering, biological processes, programming, statistics and data analysis and physics.
Additional information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering in Queensland
Take the first step towards university and successful career with the Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Engineering and Applied Science from JCU. Master the prerequisites you need to study an undergraduate degree in engineering and applied science and become valuable to future employers.
A Degree and a Job Is Important
Get the academic requirements and skills you need to start your university career in Engineering. Qualify for the JCU Engineering undergraduate degree through your study of this engineering Diploma of Higher Education.
Whether you didnât get the ATAR you want, you didnât finish high school, or itâs been a long time since you have studied, the Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Engineering and Applied Science will bring you closer to your career goals.
Enjoy Robust Support
Work with the JCU pathways team to develop your personalised study plan and study under lecturers committed to student success. Enjoy the personalised support of the JCU pathways team as you develop your academic skills and ability to work within a digital learning environment.
Take advantage of small class sizes as you develop the academic abilities required for undergraduate study.
Prepare for University Studies
Get the foundation you need to be a successful university student. Become skilled in academic writing as you learn how to find, analyse, and evaluate data from research publications. Learn how to communicate your ideas logically and appropriately for academic settings.
Grow your skills as an independent learner so you are ready to work in a career that makes a difference. Develop your project management and time management skills and learn how to apply them in university studies.
Become a Master of Digital Learning
Learn how to work within the modern university environment as you experience how technological advances have changed the way we learn and teach. Become an expert in using the tools and technologies you need which will allow you to learn from anywhere.
Use computers, mobile devices, and other technologies to communicate with peers, respond to lecturers, and find the information you need to progress through your courses. Master the ethics of finding and using online information and how to apply those ethics wherever life takes you.
Jump Start Your Bachelor Studies
As you study for your engineering Diploma of Higher Education, you will get the academic foundation you need. You could also complete core, first-year subjects required to earn a Bachelor degree. Successful Diploma students may apply that credit to further studies or get advanced standing towards your target JCU degree.
Depending on your study plan, you could gain the maths foundation you need to interpret mathematical terminology and theories and apply them in your engineering career. Grow your skills as a problem solver as you develop the analytical skills you need to find solutions and make decisions. Understand the role of the various types of engineering and the basics of engineering as a discipline.
Challenge Yourself
Study an engineering Diploma of Higher Education in Queensland and progress towards success at JCU and beyond. Become a better communicator and analytical thinker. Apply your creativity and initiative effectively within the academic world. Take these skills with you into your bachelor studies and beyond as you enter the workforce.
Earn Your Diploma of Higher Education, Majoring in Engineering and Applied Science
You have what it takes to succeed in higher education. Get the training and support you need to enter the university world and jump-start your career.
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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.
Additional information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education Majoring in General Studies in Queensland
Prepare for flexible career opportunities with your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in General Studies (similar to a Diploma of Higher Education General Studies) at JCU. Become ready to pursue a JCU bachelor's degree in most fields or use your qualification to advance your current career or move into another.
Ready today for tomorrowâs workplace
The global economy needs skilled people who can adapt to rapid changes. A degree and a job is important, and your higher education general studies diploma in Queensland will make you a valuable employee no matter what career you choose.
Jump-start your career development and develop your self-management skills through your diploma studies. Demonstrate your commitment to continued learning or prepare yourself for a successful university career, eventually graduating with a higher degree.
Experience the Incredible
Gain first-hand experience in a university setting as you study for a higher education general studies diploma. Enjoy a fully supported environment with access to the JCU Pathways team who can help and support you as you navigate university study.
Learn from lecturers committed to student success and benefit from small class sizes. Your world-class education begins here, at JCU, with a diploma that can stand as a qualification on its own or that you can use to move on to other studies.
Develop Your Skills
Practice the reading, analytical thinking, writing, and time-management skills that are crucial to academic success. Get ready to take part in research that matters as you learn how to find, analyse, and evaluate information. Grow as a communicator as you practice your written and oral communication skills. Learn cross-cultural skills that will benefit you in a multicultural workplace.
Become a confident independent learner and learn to apply your personal initiative in an academic setting. Develop teamwork skills to use in further research, higher education courses, or throughout your career. Master the technological and critical thinking skills you need to research problems and clearly communicate your findings.
Prepare for Further Study
Study a higher education general studies diploma and use your qualification to enter a JCU undergraduate degree. Fulfil university entry requirements through your diploma course and, depending on your personalised study plan, you may study some of the first-year subjects of a bachelor's degree. Choose from a flexible range of subjects based on your interests. Use your courses to determine your career path.
Explore your study plan options with the JCU Pathways team. You could prepare for a future in the sciences through essential courses in biological processes, ecology, and chemistry. Or pursue a digital career with courses in programming, internet fundamentals, design thinking, and maths. Choose to enhance your business credentials with courses in business communication, business and environment, and accounting.
Further Your Career
Whether you decide to study an undergraduate degree or choose an alternative path, prepare yourself for career success with a diploma qualification. Develop analytical thinking and communication competencies that employers value, and gain experience putting them all into practice.
Be Ready for the Jobs of the Future
Graduate with your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in General Studies from JCU and invest in a brighter future, whichever career path you choose.
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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.
Additional Information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education Majoring in Health in Queensland
Prepare to make a difference in the world with your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Health from James Cook University. Get the skills you need to be successful in university and use your degree to fulfil the academic requirements to study a bachelor's degree.
Transition to health studies with JCU
You are passionate about helping people and want to explore your interests in health care. Use Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Health, as your pathway to university studies. Boost your confidence as you gain experience in a university setting and benefit from personalised support from the JCU pathways team.
Your world-class education begins here, at JCU, as you develop the academic and technological skills you need to succeed. Build your writing skills to thrive in an academic environment. Hone your oral communication skills to better collaborate with peers, lecturers, and colleagues. Be prepared to take part in research that makes a difference as you develop the foundation you need to find and analyse data effectively.
Maximise your learning potential as you learn how to access online materials, plan and carry out academic tasks, and manage your time and priorities efficiently.
Prepare for a Degree
Work with the JCU pathways team to develop a study plan that prepares you for your desired degree. Master the essential maths foundation you need to enter a health degree. Depending on your study plan, you could ground yourself in the key biological and chemical concepts you need to study advanced anatomy and physiology. You may be able to receive credit towards a Bachelor degree for the core subjects that you study in your Diploma.
Ready to Make a Difference
The JCU Pathways team will help you in choosing electives that prepare you for the future career path that you want. You could choose a study pathway to prepare for a future in nursing or midwifery as you learn about Australia's health challenges. Throughout your Diploma, you could understand how to identify the social and cultural barriers to effective therapy and learn to overcome them. Learn the fundamentals of identifying the implications human rights and social justice have for health professionals. Understand the basics of exploring effective responses to patients who may be economically or socially disadvantaged.
You might decide to work towards a career in counselling or psychology as you learn how the human brain works and how we translate perception into reality. Learn essential scientific concepts and how to integrate science and technology effectively. You could choose to gain a firm foundation in important core science subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics to be prepared for future bachelor studies.
A World-Class Education
You don't have to go far to get a world-class education. Your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Health from JCU is the perfect way to prepare for a future in the world of healthcare. Improve your opportunities with a diploma qualification that will enhance your skills and your employability.
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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.
Additional Information
Study a computing and information technology Diploma of Higher Education
Advance your knowledge in technology and prepare for a career with a Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Information Technology (similar to a Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and IT) from James Cook University. Enhance your employability and be ready for the jobs of the future with a diploma qualification.
Experience Life at University
You might need qualifications to meet Bachelor degree entry requirements or you might want to experience what university life is like before committing to a full degree. Studying a computing and information technology Diploma of Higher Education in Queensland will help you prepare for a successful future at university.
Fulfil the entry requirements you need to qualify for a bachelor's degree program. Decide whether university life is right for you as you work with lecturers committed to student success. Develop your study skills and prepare for the next step through courses with small class sizes. Experience has no substitute: find out what it is like to explore the world of information technology and study at JCU.
Develop a Strong Skillset
Succeed in the university environment as you master the critical thinking skills you need to pursue your education. Practice researching, analysing, evaluating, and presenting data in an academic setting. Learn how to plan and direct your own successful learning and apply knowledge in practical ways.
Become an effective communicator, develop and express your point of view and evaluate the arguments of others. Build respect for other cultures and viewpoints as you learn teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills. Develop the autonomy and independent learning skills you need for a successful academic career.
Choose a Direction that Motivates you
Work with JCU's Pathways team to choose subjects that prepare you for your bachelor studies. Learn the fundamentals of Information Technology as you study your computing and IT Diploma of Higher Education.
Depending on your study plan, you could prepare for a future in business and IT by mastering communication as a key business tool. Learn how to evaluate how information is communicated in professional settings and gain insight into how this could be improved. Master the professional communication style you need to establish credibility in the business world.
You could fast-track your programming career with your chosen study plan as you earn your computing and information technology higher education diploma. Master the basics of problem solving, programming, and internet fundamentals. Learn how to plan out design solutions and work in a team, collaborating to solve problems and find innovative solutions.
Improve Your Career Prospects
Finish your computing and IT higher education diploma in Queensland and use it anywhere your career takes you. Become job-ready, with practical skills and a qualification that builds your employability skills.
Stand out among your peers with a diploma that demonstrates your commitment to learning and your ability to problem solve. Study part-time and get the qualification you need in a time frame that fits your goals.
A World-Class Education
You don't have to go far. Earn your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Information Technology at James Cook University and be ready for the challenges of tomorrow's technological advancements.
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Psychological Science
Only available at JCUâs Singapore campus, this major will prepare you to enter JCUâs 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.
Additional information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education Majoring in Science in Queensland
You have the drive to excel at university, but not the qualifications for entry. With a Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Science (similar to a Diploma of Higher Education Science) from James Cook University, you can fulfil the qualifications you need to move on to an undergraduate university degree.
Experience the Incredible
Find out what university life is like as you study for your higher education science diploma. Work with lecturers committed to student success. Take advantage of the personalised support of the JCU pathways team and the additional support and benefits provided to all JCU students.
Decide if a full degree is right for you while earning a standalone qualification that will give you an advantage in your current career. Achieve your academic goals and use your diploma qualification as a springboard into further study or a foundation for career success.
Start your studies in Science with JCU and explore unrivalled research locations with access to some of the most diverse locations in the world. Study in state-of-the-art laboratories and learn from lecturers who are leaders in their fields.
Build your Academic Skillset
Gain the skills you need to successfully start your university studies. Learn how to find data and analyse it effectively. Comprehend basic theoretical knowledge and understand its practical applications. Become adept at problem-solving and finding innovative solutions that change outcomes for the better.
Learn how to manage your time effectively as you plan your study and assignment deadlines. Work with people from other cultural backgrounds and expand your horizons as you develop your intercultural skills.
Understand the impact of academic bias and begin to learn how to develop cohesive arguments and gain experience in expressing them to others while understanding another point of view. Start your journey of becoming a more flexible and analytical thinker, ready to succeed at university and in a career.
Prepare for a Degree
Work with the JCU Pathways team to choose courses that get you ready for your target degree program. Gain the essential maths and science foundations you need to pursue a science degree. As you study your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Science, select subjects that will apply to your bachelor's degree program or give you a strong foundation for future studies.
Learn the fundamentals of problem-solving as you develop your analytical skills and decision-making competence. Depending on your study plan, you could apply your skills to algorithm design and basic programming. Prepare yourself to make a difference in how we manage the environment by studying how human interactions affect the natural world.
Appreciate the role of science in society and cultural development, and understand how it can affect our future. Learn about marginalised people and the role of scientific development in accomplishing social justice goals and economic equality.
Start a Successful Career
Gain an advantage in your profession through your Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Science in Queensland. Use your recognised qualification to progress your current career or open up other opportunities.
Demonstrate to employers you have the drive to continuously learn and the character to follow through on your commitments. Build your skillset with a diploma qualification from James Cook University.
Experience Has No Substitute
Experience the incredible through your science Diploma of Higher Education in Queensland. Improve your employability or take the first step towards a bachelor's degree in the sciences. Indulge your curiosity about the world we live in, develop your skills, and start your scientific journey.
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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.
Additional information
About JCU's Diploma of Higher Education Majoring in Society and Culture in Queensland
Prepare yourself for the next step in your studies, or in your career, with a Diploma of Higher Education, majoring in Society and Culture (similar to a Diploma of Society and Culture, Higher Education) from JCU. Graduate with a respected qualification from a leading educational institution or enter into your bachelor's degree studies at James Cook University.
Challenge Yourself
Become qualified to start your undergraduate degree studies and experience university life as you study your society and culture higher education diploma. Develop your study skills and critical thinking abilities as you benefit from the personalised support of the JCU Pathways team. Youâll also experience the full support system available to all JCU students and study under lecturers committed to student success.
Prepare yourself for university by working with the JCU Pathways team to select a study plan that suits you. You could choose from essential courses in maths, science, writing or speaking. Experience university life, advance in your current career or make yourself more valuable to employers as you look towards a new job.
World-Class Education
Your world-class education begins here, as you study in small class sizes and master the foundational skills for a successful academic career. Become an effective writer able to express your ideas in an academic setting. Maximise your learning potential as you become adept at studying in lecture settings, through online portals, and in tutorials.
Learn to manage your time as you plan your study and meet assignment deadlines. Build on your desire to succeed and become an independent, self-directed learner. Prepare for academic studies as you practice researching information and using it to build effective arguments and make insightful evaluations.
Ready Today, for Tomorrow
Prepare for your target degree through your society and culture Diploma of Higher Education in Queensland. Work with the JCU Pathways team to select subjects that you could receive credit for when you start your bachelor degree studies.
Depending on your study plan, you could learn how politics affect our world and the role of co-operation, conflict and communication in Australian politics and world systems. Appreciate the unique role of Australia in the world and the diverse backgrounds and stories that make up the Australian identity. Explore how human rights and social justice interact, how advocacy helps, and the key global issues surrounding social change.
Be Ready for the Jobs of the Future
A degree and a job is important, and your society and culture higher education diploma will prepare you for both. Show employers that you are invested in your own future and have the drive to meet challenges. Improve your job application with a recognised qualification that will help you stand out from your peers.
Further your employability skills and create a study plan that will help you deepen your grasp of sociology and psychology and improve your ability to work with others. You could gain an understanding of the history and current situation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Improve your skills as an advocate for change and become a more effective participant in society.
Earn Your Diploma of Higher Education, Majoring in Society and Culture
Invest in your own future and prepare to further your career or enter an undergraduate degree at JCU. Talk with a JCU Pathways representative today to find out how a society and culture Diploma of Higher Education can set you on the path to success.
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