Preparing for Success at SCU ProgramInformation for students commencing 2013

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About this Course

The Preparing for Success at SCU Program focuses on assisting students to develop the academic skills needed to succeed at University. It also provides an alternative university entry pathway. The program is offered as either full-time (13 weeks) or part-time (up to 1 year part-time). The program is designed to teach time-management, practical essay writing, research and numeracy skills necessary to pursue academic studies successfully.

If you have the ambition to upgrade your skills with university study but don't meet the formal entry requirements or if you are returning to study and would like to brush up on your skills, the Preparing for Success Program can help you to meet your goal.

Preparing for Success can be studied in a variety of flexible ways to assist those juggling other commitments. The course is available on all three campuses as well as by distance education.

There are no HECS fees charged to students, so the course is fee-free. If you dream about getting a university degree but lack the confidence or formal entry qualifications, now could be the time to act by applying for the Preparing for Success Program.

Career Opportunities

This course provides an alternative entry path into Southern Cross University. The course is useful for school leavers or TAFE students who have taken the vocational strand of learning but would now like to go to university. The course is also valuable for those who have spent time away from the academic environment for family, career or personal reasons and who wish to revise their skills before entering into the university environment to undertake a degree.

Major Areas of Study

Students undertake study of four units. Three compulsory units focus on individual and group management skills essential for successful university performance, effective research strategies and written communication and practical numeracy skills. The fourth unit provides a choice of either developing research and writing skills in the arts and business or the sciences.

Course Structure and Units (Subjects)

Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.

To qualify for the Preparing for Success at SCU Program a total of four units (48 credit points) must be completed, comprising 3 core units and 1 elective unit.

For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.

Course Summary

Locations
Distance Education Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Lismore Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Coffs Harbour Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Gold Coast
Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga
Unavailable
Tweed Heads - SCU Lakeside
Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads
Unavailable
Tweed Heads - SCU Riverside
Brett Street, Tweed Heads
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Course Duration 1 session full-time or up to 1 year part-time
Fees and Charges No HECS fees are applicable to this course. Tuition is free.
School SCU College
Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries scu.edu.au/enquiries
Further Information Ph: 1800 626 481
Total Units: Award Abbreviation: 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP:
4 PSP N/A
UAC Course Code QTAC Course Code CRICOS Course Code
N/A N/A N/A
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Teaching Methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our distance education study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive electronic study materials, online workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.

The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.

Assessment Methods

The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and may include essays, reports, presentations and group work.

Equipment and Facilities

Southern Cross University provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

How to Apply

You can apply directly to the University by clicking the Apply Online button.

Please note that the application process requires you to submit a Personal Competencies Statement where you address six questions:

  1. What practical steps have you taken to prepare for tertiary study?
  2. Why have you chosen your preferred course?
  3. What have you done that demonstrates you have the capacity for independent study/learning?
  4. What communication and interpersonal skills have you developed and how will these contribute to your ability to study at tertiary level?
  5. What are your major life achievements and experiences, and how may these relate to your future success in tertiary study?
  6. What skills, knowledge and abilities do you bring to tertiary study that you believe will help you succeed in your proposed studies?

The Personal Competencies Statement can be handwritten or word processed (typed). If you handwrite it and have access to a scanner you can scan it and upload it to your online application. If you are word processing your Personal Competencies Statement you can save it to your computer and upload it from there. You can also complete the online application and send the Personal Competencies Statement in later but attaching it to your online application means your application will get assessed faster.

Direct Applications

Apply Online

Online applications for the Preparing for Success at SCU Program involve four key steps:

  1. Register your details to create an account or login to access your applications
  2. Select the exact course you want to apply for
  3. Answer the questions and submit documents
  4. Submit your application

Once registered you can exit and return to your application at any time.

If you experience problems with the online application you may download and use the Direct Application Form

Specific Award Rules

Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.

The following University Rules Relating to Awards apply in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below: Rule 1; Rule 2 Section 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15; Rule 3. No other Rules Relating to Awards apply.

4.1 Qualifications for Admission

Students may be admitted as follows:

  1. All applicants will have a minimum Year 10 standard of education (or equivalent).
  2. Applicants may be required to:
    1. submit a Personal Competencies Statement addressing specific criteria as detailed on the Southern Cross University website; or
    2. be currently admitted in an undergraduate course at SCU
  3. Personal Competencies Statements will be assessed by the Academic Course Coordinator of the Preparing for Success Program. In addition, as part of the assessment process, an applicant may also be required to achieve a satisfactory result in one or more of the following:
    1. an interview; and or
    2. sit a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); and or
    3. provide results of a test of English proficiency approved by the Director of SCU College; and or
    4. provide any additional documentation requirements as specified by the Director of SCU College.
4.2 Requirements for and Award

To achieve satisfactory completion of the Program, a candidate shall successfully complete:

  1. All units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules; and
  2. One unit from Part B of the Schedule of Units.

Schedule of Units

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