Tertiary Preparation Program

Program Overview

Your stepping stone to further study at UQ.

The Tertiary Preparation Program is a foundation pathway delivered over three term (32 weeks) that enables students to learn the core academic skills required for entry into undergraduate study at The University of Queensland. The Tertiary Preparation Program is delivered face to face at St Lucia Campus.

Tertiary Preparation Program teachers are highly qualified, and through innovative courses and the latest technology, our students learn in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Students can also make the most of UQ’s world- class campus and facilities.

Our students enjoy:

Small classes, experienced teachers and a high-quality program.

You will enjoy dedicated attention from our experienced teachers and learn by communicating with your teacher and with other students in small classes and workshops.

In your chosen courses you will engage in practical tasks that relate to real-world uses of your academic skills and knowledge. Your teachers will encourage you to develop your own learning style, help you to achieve your study goals.

Classrooms and laboratories are equipped with the latest technologies and equipment and our courses cover a variety of topics and use a mix of course materials, including textbooks, video, audio and digital content.

You will have the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy UQ student activities across the campus.

Eligibility: Do you meet the criteria? To be eligible to apply for the Tertiary Preparation Program you must be 18 years of age or have completed Year 12. The program is open to Australian domestic students as well as New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa for Australia.

Exclusion: If you have completed 1 full year or more in a tertiary degree you will not be able to apply for the program.

TPP Orientation: Monday March 28, 2022

Start of Study Term 1: Monday April 4, 2022– Friday June 10, 2022

Start of Study Term 2: Monday June 20, 2022 – Friday August 26, 2022

Exam Week Term 2: Monday August 29, 2022 – Friday September 2, 2022

Start of Study Term 3: Monday 12 September 2022 – Friday November 18, 2022

Exam week term 3: Monday November 21, 2022 – November 25, 2022

Language Literacy and Numeracy Test

The Language Literacy and Numeracy Testing is conducted for all applicants.

What is a Language Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN): The Language, Literacy and Numeracy test, is part of the entry requirements into the program? It contains questions directly related to the courses of English and Mathematics. The test is divided into three sections, English, General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods.

What is the purpose of the LLN test: The test is to assess your current level of competency in English and Mathematics, alongside providing an indication of your ability to flourish within the learning environment of the Tertiary Preparation Program.

Special Consideration is a College equity measure to ensure that appropriate allowances are made for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students are asked to self-identify for special consideration.

How to Apply

Applying for the Tertiary Preparation Program couldn’t be easier!

1. Download the Application Form and complete all sections
2. Your typed name is acceptable as a signature
3. Save the form as a PDF file
4. Email your completed application form, attaching a copy of your photo ID and any qualifications if relevant, to: info@uqcollege.edu.au
5. Once your application is received you will be advised of the relevant LLN testing dates that you can select.

Costs

There are No Tuition Fees for this program.

Textbooks: Students are expected to purchase prescribed text and course books within the first week of the program. Textbooks may cost up to, but no more than $400.

Program Structure

Students in the Tertiary Preparation Program will study two core courses and three elective courses.

You can choose your electives to meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate program.

**A Humanities stream is also recommended for students who intend to study in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science.

Core Courses

Academic English: This core course focuses on developing the academic language skills required to successfully read, write, listen and speak in academic contexts. As well as developing fluency and accuracy in each skill, learners will be introduced to core academic skills including assignment writing, referencing, critical thinking, oral presentations, and research skills such as using databases and library facilities.

General Mathematics: this course provides the knowledge, skills and techniques required in an every-day life application of mathematics as appropriate to the skills needed when encountering mathematics in a non-mathematically based tertiary course. This course covers basic calculations, geometry and measurements, financial mathematics, probability and statistics.

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Mathematical Methods: This course develops your understanding of basic mathematical ideas of calculus and statistics and the manipulative skills required for solving mathematical problems. These skills are applied with technological tools to solve problems related to real-life situations. Topics covered include algebra, computation, sequences and series, logarithmic functions, geometry, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, vectors and matrices, statistics and probability, set theory and the application of mathematics in society.

Electives

Accounting: This aim of this course is to provide an introduction to accounting concepts, including the accounting equation and accounting process, the preparation of end of period reports, accounting for cash, accounting for credit, control of inventories and assets, and company accounting.

Behavioural Science: This course provides a general introduction to the social sciences through examining human behaviour and the role that the individual plays in the wider community. The course will initially address the psychology of the individual, covering memory, social influence, learning and research. It will introduce sociology by exploring how the broader community responds to some of these issues, with a focus on interpersonal and intercultural communication. This course is recommended for students wishing to progress to programs within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Business Management: This course covers a broad range of management concepts and business operations that contribute to the success of businesses large and small. These include an understanding of business principles, planning (strategic and operational), marketing, organisational behaviour, finance and human resource management. Throughout the course the theory is discussed in the context of business cases which can include domestic and global businesses. You will apply the theory learnt in class to plan your own business enterprise, as well as developing a business enterprise within a project team.

Biology: This course will provide you with knowledge of scientific concepts and facts in biology, and experience with experimentation in a biology laboratory. Biology is the study of life, which encompasses origin, development, diversity, functioning and evolution of living systems and consequences of intervention in those systems. This course prepares you to engage in creative scientific thinking and to apply your knowledge in practical situations.

Chemistry: This course examines the experimental and theoretical basis for understanding the structure and function of all forms of matter. This course introduces you to the basic principles, processes and skills of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. You will study the concepts of matter, including classification and description, measurement, mathematical concepts applicable to chemistry, atomic theory and structure, chemical formulas. You will also learn about nomenclature, mass and energy relationships in reactions, reactions in aqueous media, gases, thermochemistry, quantum theory, and periodic relationships of the elements.

Design (Architecture): This subject provides an introduction to the fundamental processes and methods of design as it applies to built environment, engineering, and business disciplines. The subject examines topics such as designers’ thinking styles, the work of designers, problems for solving by design, stakeholder engagement in design problem-solving, generating design solutions, communicating design solutions and reflective learning about self as designer. This subject is recommended for students wishing to progress to programs within the Humanities and Social Science Faculty.

Economics: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to broad based Economic issues. It focuses on how decision makers within the economy (e.g. consumers, firms, government departments) make choices to satisfy their wants given their limited resources. In this course you will develop your ability to make economic decisions based on analysis of economic information

Health and Nutrition: This course will introduce you to the influence of diet and exercise on health, fitness and well-being. You will develop and apply the knowledge and skills to understand the function of nutrients in the body and how the body responds to exercise. You will learn how to use diet and exercise to maintain a healthy body weight and how nutrition can be used to enhance exercise performance.

**Humanities and Social Sciences: This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The course examines topics such as Global Strategies and Perspectives, and Creative Arts and History, to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, research and evaluation, argument mapping, problem solving and reflective learning. This course is recommended for students wishing to progress to programs within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and is a core course for students in the Humanities stream

Information Technology: This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills related to the utilisation of information and communication technology and their application to contexts such as work and study environments. This course will examine the key areas of computing hardware, software, and the application of the technology to problem solving.

Physics: This course aims to develop an understanding of key concepts in physics and their application in modern society. The course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply the concepts of motion and force when conducting practical investigations and solving physics problems. You will examine the fundamentals of measurement, vectors, kinematics and dynamics.

Research Project: This course provides the opportunity to research a topic of your own choosing. This will involve a structured, supervised and academically rigorous process. You will develop skills to apply concepts, terminology and principles of research to develop and complete a research project on an agreed topic within a chosen discipline.

Assessment

In addition to class contact hours students are expected to complete homework,

assignments and assessment tasks. It is recommended that students should study for at least 20 hours per week in their own time.

Your teachers will monitor your academic progress throughout the Tertiary Preparation Program and provide you with regular feedback and guidance. Students also have full access to the University’s excellent learning support services.

Assessment items may include exams, individual and group assignments, research projects, laboratory practicals, and seminar presentations. Your final result in a course will be based on all assessment items. All courses are graded on the UQ 7-point scale:

Terminology

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