Develop the necessary skills to become a successful university student. Begin your dream career with a recognised qualification and pathway to your preferred bachelor degree. The JCU Diploma of Higher Education is a pathway into university if you don’t have the academic entry requirements for your preferred undergraduate course. It also provides an example of what university study will be like prior to enrolling in a full degree.

Diploma of Higher Education Overview

Gain a one-year university qualification while opening up your pathway into many JCU Bachelor degrees. The Diploma of Higher Education is recognised as a stand-alone qualification designed for students who don’t meet the entry requirements of a Bachelor degree.

Study a variety of introductory and first-year degree subjects, designed to help you build on core knowledge and foster skills of academic enquiry. You will enrol in a specific study plan created to suit your chosen major. Benefit from support staff dedicated to students of this degree and the award-winning JCU Learning Centre.

Receive the foundational skills and knowledge to enter your target Bachelor degree course. Graduates who successfully complete JCU’s Diploma of Higher Education meet the entry requirements necessary to enter into many JCU Bachelor degrees.

JCU students may be eligible for advanced standing or credit for some of the subjects completed as part of the diploma.

What Can You Specialise In?

Business

Gain skills and knowledge specifically related to the business sector. Study subjects core to the Bachelor of Business degree and prepare to enter business-related degrees upon graduation.

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.

Education

Build fundamental education skills and gain essential knowledge in science and maths, educational psychology and science and sustainability in education.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.