Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
- Singapore: January, May, September
Fees
$33,640.00+
+estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2024, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry Requirements
Business major - English (Units 3/4,C); all other majors - nil
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course
View the international entry requirements for this course
CRICOS Code
082840C
Course detail
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 the 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.
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 University’s 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Graduates are equipped to apply their knowledge of diversity and interpersonal skills to communicate ideas, evaluate information and create solutions.
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.
Some subjects completed as part of this diploma may be eligible for credit towards a subsequent JCU undergraduate degree.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2025 |
Course code | 113121 |
Course type | Diploma (AQF Level 5) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Academy |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course prerequisites | Business Major – English (Units 3/4,C); Recommended: Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C) All other Majors – Nil |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | APPLICANTS OF NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING BACKGROUND For the Business major1 Applicants of non-English speaking background must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. For the Health major Applicants of non-English speaking background must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. For the Psychological Science major Applicants of non-English speaking background must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. For all other majors Applicants of non-English speaking background must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band P – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Special admission requirements | Important: Before you enrol you must speak with a Pathways team member to discuss your study plan. Please call: Townsville campus 47815740 or Cairns campus 42321155 or email: pathways@jcu.edu.au |
Additional selection | Not applicable |
Post Admission Requirements | Students studying externally or by mixed-mode must have regular access to a computer and internet to meet the online study requirements of this course. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 24 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | Upon successful completion of the Diploma of Higher Education, students will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
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 University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Diploma of Higher Education. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
Course Structure – Business Major
OPTIONS
Select a major from Table 1
TABLE 1 (BUSINESS MAJOR)
Types of majors | Mandatory, Single |
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
Notes | Available for mid-year entry Not available at all campuses |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville JCU Cairns | This is not a pathway program |
Course Structure – All other majors
CORE SUBJECTS
:03 Developing Academic Skills
03 Learning in a Digital Environment
OPTIONS
Select a major from Table 2
TABLE 2 (ALL OTHER MAJORS)
Types of majors | Mandatory, Single |
Credit points in major | 18 credit points |
Notes | Not all majors are available at all campuses |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns JCU Singapore* JCU Townsville | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Singapore JCU Townsville | Townsville and Cairns International students only | |
JCU Singapore | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville (Internal or Mixed Attendance) | International students only | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | International students only |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | All majors are only available to international students |
JCU Singapore | Business Studies, Information Technology and Psychological Science majors only |
JCU Townsville | All majors are only available to international students |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 3 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression | Other than with the approval of the Academic Head, Pathways or authorised delegate, Diploma of Higher Education students majoring in Health, Business Studies, Society and Culture, Information Technology, or General Studies must enrol in the two core subjects either prior to or concurrently with other Diploma subjects. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment | Nil |
Professional accreditation | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for a credit transfer for previous tertiary study or informal and non-formal learning in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 12 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 10 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION |
Approved abbreviation | DipHigherEd |
Honours award | No |
Inclusion of stream of study on testamur | The major will appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Not applicable |
Course articulation | Students who complete this course are eligible to apply for entry into JCU bachelor degrees. Successful Diploma students may be granted credit for subjects successfully completed under this course towards a Bachelor degree. |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD33,640.00
Courses are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependants accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
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.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's .
Real stories
-
Student
Rebecca Ottone
Diploma of Higher Education
I’m so happy that I went for the Diploma of Higher Education as it better prepared me for study. The lecturers and tutors have been so approachable, and the coursework has been designed to support your entry to academia. My peers were from a variety of backgrounds so everyone brought something to the table.
-
Alumni
Andrew Samuel
Diploma of Higher Education
The diploma of higher education was challenging academically, but, as I have come to understand, deliberately so. My undergraduate degree has proven to be the most extraordinary and challenging pursuit of my life to date, and the diploma prepared me well for this environment.
-
Alumni
Ayarat (Phoebe) Burke
Diploma of Higher Education
JCU’s Diploma of Higher Education prepared me for my first year of university. Without it, I would not know how to research, nor how to study at a tertiary level. Thanks to the diploma, I graduated from my Bachelor degree and am now working as a Media Designer for one of the largest tourism groups in Cairns.
-
Lecturer
Dr Rhian Morgan
Diploma of Higher Education
We’re focused on setting people up for success. Our subject coordinators are all teaching specialists and discipline experts, which means students get the best of both worlds. Our aim is to serve our region by empowering people to pursue their aspirations.