University Preparation Course
The University Preparation Course (UPC) is an alternative entry pathway to ECU. It prepares students for university level study by teaching the required skills for academic success with an emphasis on the student becoming an independent learner. On successful completion of the course students are eligible for entry to undergraduate courses at ECU dependent on pre-requisites, quotas and individual course cut-offs.
What are the entrance requirements?
The University Preparation Course is open to school leavers, recent school graduates under 20 years of age and mature age applicants. All applicants need to meet ECU's minimum English requirements.
SCHOOL LEAVERS
For admission to the University Preparation Course, applicants must meet English requirements of:
- a final scaled mark of at least 50 or a final school assessed grade of C or greater for TEE/TAE English or English Literature; OR
- English Course of Study scaled mark of at least 50 or a final standard of at least Level 4 school assessed grade; OR
- a final pass mark as set by the University for ESL; OR
- a final school assessed Senior English grade of C; OR
AND MUST ALSO:
Have studied a minimum of four subjects which may be TAE, TEE, Courses of Study, or approved CAF (WSA), and attained a total of at least 8 points determined as follows:
TEE/TAE subjects
Final scaled mark ≥ 70% or final school grade of A 7 points
Final scaled mark ≥ 60% but < 70% or final school grade of B 6 points
Final scaled mark ≥ 50% but < 60% or final school grade of C 5 points
whichever is higher
Approved CAF (WSA) subjects
Final school grade of A 5 points
Final school grade of B 3 points
Final school grade of C 1 point
Course of Study subjects
Level 7 or 8 on external assessment or final school level (whichever is the higher) 7 points
Level 6 on external assessment or final school level (whichever is the higher) 6 points
Level 5 on external assessment or final school level (whichever is the higher) 5 points
Level 4 on external assessment or final school level (whichever is the higher) 2 points
NON-SCHOOL LEAVERS AND MATURE AGE
Mature age applicants are required to meet one of the following entry criteria:
- Minimum English competency requirements i.e. Grade C or better in TEE English, English Literature, Senior English, ESL; OR
- Minimum STAT score 125 or above for Multiple Choice component and 125 in the written English component; OR
- Portfolio submission; OR
- TAFE Certificate III (minimum age 17)I; OR
- Prior educational qualifications to match existing non-TEE entry requirements for school leavers.
How do I apply?
Applicants wishing to start in Semester 1 should apply through the Tertiary Institutions Services Centre (TISC).
Applicants wishing to start in Semester 2 should apply direct to ECU with the following:
- A complete Application for Admission ensuring that all relevant information is provided including statistical details and you have signed the declaration;
- Certified copies of any qualifications you have obtained;
- Certified copies of your marriage certificate/change of name if any of the qualifications are in a different name to your current name; and
- A certified copy of your Australian Passport, Australian Visa or Citizenship papers if you were born outside Australia.
For more information, please contact Manager, UPC and Student Development on (61 8) 9370 6015 or Student Recruitment on (61 8) 6304 6304.
Students may also wish to consider applying for entry through ECU's Portfolio Entry Pathway.
How much does it cost?
The UPC is FREE to Australian citizens, which means no up-front or deferred fees. For Permanent Residents the cost is $200 per subject.
Youth Allowance
Students are enrolled in the UPC on a full-time or part-time basis and may be eligible for the Youth Allowance. Details of the Youth Allowance may be obtained from Centrelink. Telephone: 132 490.
Course Structure
The University Preparation Course consists of one-semester of full-time study or 2 semesters part-time with the requirement that students complete four compulsory units.
UPC0001 Learning at University
This unit provides an introduction to the traditions and conventions of universities that affect students. It involves a critical examination of key issues, values and challenges that influence the learning process in contemporary universities. Within this context students will participate in a range of learning experiences designed to maximise their academic learning skills.
UPC0002 Research and Writing Processes
This unit provides an introduction to the range of research processes required to commence study at university and related writing processes. The focus is on framing research questions, identifying the type of research needed and planning basic data collection and analysis procedures. The writing processes appropriate for different types of research will also be explored.
UPC0003 Numeracy Tools
This unit provides a foundation for students to demonstrate numeracy skills and processes required for study at university (excluding undergraduate degrees that have specific mathematics prerequisites). The focus is on problem solving in ordinary life situations that require the application of numeracy knowledge and strategies.
UPC0004 Accessing Knowledge
This unit provides a project-based approach to accessing knowledge through library and information technologies. The focus will be on using library resources including indexes/abstracts and web resources to search for information on a topic and on using this information appropriately to prepare a project report on a given topic.
An important feature of the course is the intensive orientation to the university life that will be provided at the start of the course. In addition, course and career information will be provided towards the end of the course in order to assist students to select an appropriate undergraduate degree.