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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
20Course code
Overview
The First Nations Introduction to University program is your first step into university. If you're an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, 17 years or older, and thinking about studying in Health, Teacher Education, Arts and Humanities or STEM then this program will provide you with academic skills, confidence and an introduction to study and careers in your chosen stream.
In this course we explore with you both First Nations and Western ways of knowing, doing and sharing knowledge.
The program is free and runs as an intensive over a total of four weeks offering introductory study and mentoring on campus in Darwin. You can choose to complete the course in one four-week block or spread your study over two two-week blocks. You'll also be provided with financial support for travel and accommodation if you live outside the Greater Darwin area.
When you start the program, you will be connected with a tutor who will help you with academic support and assessments. You will also be supported by a First Nations mentor to help you transition to academic life and build a sense of belonging at CDU.
The program also includes activities outside of classroom settings to help you get to know your fellow students and other people in the university and professional community.
Select the study area that you want to continue studying in;
> Health: The program gives you an introduction to both clinical and non-clinical health careers. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a health-specific unit which introduces the different knowledge areas of health and wellbeing, health policy, health research and health management.
> Teacher Education: The program gives you an introduction to different teaching careers. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a teacher education-specific unit which introduces some key aspects of becoming a registered teacher, Professional Standards for teachers, First Nations-led education programs and initiatives, embedding Indigenous ways of learning in classrooms and schools, and supporting students language development and social and emotional learning.
> Arts and Humanities: The program gives you the opportunity to work out what area of the arts and humanities you might be interested in and gives an introduction to relevant career opportunities. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a general arts unit which gives students a taste of topics in creative art and storytelling, political science, history and social studies.
> STEM: The program gives you an introduction to environmental science, engineering or information technology careers. You will study two connected units an academic skills unit and a science and technology-specific unit which introduces the different knowledge areas of environmental management, information technology (IT), engineering, aviation - remote pilot (using drones), and applied science for Indigenous enterprises.
Fees
There is no fee for this program and if you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support will be provided for travel and accommodation.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a pathway course at CDU
At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
Why study a pathway course at CDU
CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world
Why study a pathway course at CDU
At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
Why study a pathway course at CDU
CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world
What will I study?
This intensive study and mentoring program, is delivered on campus in Darwin and runs over either 2 weeks or 4 weeks, depending on the study area selected.
Course structure
You will enrol in two interlinked units that will provide foundational skills and knowledge for your proposed future disciplinary studies:
- ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing
- ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University
ZIP011 explores key disciplinary ideas, so students are grouped according to their proposed discipline of study. ZIP012 provides students with academic literacy knowledge and skills to present these ideas as a written academic assignment. A collaborative learning approach draws on your own knowledge systems, experiences and language and explores how these can enhance formal academic knowledge frameworks.
A candidate must successfully complete two units totalling 20 credit points (cp) as detailed below.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 20cp | Two Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing |
20cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
To participate in this 4-week intensive program students will enrol in two interlinked units providing foundational skills and knowledge towards study in their chosen discipline. For example, students interested in Teacher Education studies will Explore First Nations issues in Education in ZIP011 and in ZIP012 they will learn skills to plan, research and write an essay about issues in Education.
Contact hours for each unit over the 4-week intensive will be between 50-60 hours with remaining hours being provided through supported online engagement.
Unit availability 2024
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 |
| ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing |
| ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
This course is only available for First Nations peoples who would like to pursue a career in health, teacher education, arts and humanities, or STEM.
To participate in this program you must be 17 years or over and completed at least Year 10 or equivalent. If you are a mature person without completion of Year 10, you can still apply based on your skills and experience.
Students in the program will be supported through peer-to-peer learning and mentoring.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student
I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student
Course details
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
To apply for this program, fill in the details on the application form.
Remember to apply by 15th December 2023 for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
Further Assistance
For information on applying and/or enrolling in this course please contact Barbara Baugh from our First Nations Student Support team.
Barbara is available to assist you, if you would like to discuss the program and/or the application process further. She can be contacted on (08) 8946 7421 or email barbara.baugh@cdu.edu.au.
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