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.

View the handbook for more information and entry requirements for each major.

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

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.

This major incorporates more business subjects than the Business Studies major and requires English and a Ranking as a prerequisite to study.
Additional information

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

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.
Additional information

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

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

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

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.
Additional information

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

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.