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Preparing for Success Program

Enabling Course

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    PSP

  • Course code

    2307160

  • Credit points

    48

  • Equivalent units

    4

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

Unleash your potential with our Preparing for Success Program (PSP). It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking a career change or didn't graduate from high school; university is a real option for you.

This flexible, fee-free course has been designed with you in mind. Open to Australian residents over the age of 18, you can study on campus or online, full-time over three months or up to one year part-time. The course is taught in six week blocks so you can focus on one or two units at a time. Graduates gain direct entry into a range of Southern Cross University degrees*.

This award-winning program teaches you how to manage your time, write essays, undertake research and apply mathematical concepts, providing the skills you need to succeed at university and progress towards a new career. 

Apply online today for this fee-free course.

Please note:

  • *Some courses also have additional entry requirements such as an interview or English language requirements. Please refer to the relevant course page for further information.
  • For students completing the Preparing for Success Program who plan to gain entry into the Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours), if admission is offered on the basis of completion of the PSP, students need to achieve a Distinction or above in their maths unit UNIP1003 Problem Solving with Maths. 
  • For students completing the Preparing for Success Program (PSP) who plan to gain entry into the Bachelor of  Midwifery, if admission is offered on the basis of completion of the PSP, students need to achieve a Credit average or above in the program.

The course comprises 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. Students choose an elective unit depending on which degree they wish to pursue after completing the PSP: Issues and Inquiry in Arts and Business for students going into arts or business degrees, or Studying Science for students going into health or education degrees.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Term 1 , Term 3 , Term 5 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Term 1 , Term 3 , Term 5 N/A N/A
Lismore Term 1 , Term 3 , Term 5 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 , Term 3 , Term 5 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

To satisfy both general admission and English Language Proficiency Requirements, applicants must have achieved one of the following;

  1. successful completion of Australian year 10 or equivalent taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries* or higher; or
  2. achieved an International Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test score equal to or above IELTS 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or comparable as determined by the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality)(see ELP IELTS Equivalency Schedule);
  3. Applicants may be required to:
    1. submit a Personal Competencies Statement addressing specific criteria as detailed on the Southern Cross University website; and or
    2. attend an interview; and or
    3. provide any additional documentation requirements as specified by the Director of SCU College.

Note: Applicants who already hold a Bachelors or higher level qualification (greater than or equal to AQF 7) are not eligible for admission into the program.

* Recognised Countries;

Australia, American Samoa; Botswana; Canada; Fiji; Ghana; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; New Zealand; Nigeria; Papua New Guinea; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Tonga Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland); United States of America; Zambia; Zimbabwe

Course requirements

To meet the requirements of this course students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points) comprising:

  • 3 core units (36 credit points), and
  • 1 option unit (12 credit points).

Participation

Students who do not participate in a unit before the census date will be deemed to be inactive and un-enrolled from the unit. Participation is determined by presence on the online learning site, and by submitting their first assessment (Assessment 1).

Exclusion

The Chair of the College Board may exclude a student for a maximum of one (1) study period where a student has received Absent Fail Grades for all units attempted in a period of study.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

UNIP1001 Managing Your Study
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,5
N/A
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
N/A
Lismore
Term1,3,5
N/A
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
UNIP1002 Communicating at University
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3,5
N/A
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
N/A
Lismore
Term1,3,5
N/A
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
UNIP1003 Problem Solving with Maths
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Select one of the following two units:
UNIP1004 Studying Science
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Lismore
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A
OR
UNIP1005 Issues and Enquiry in Arts and Business
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
N/A

Unit Code Unit Title Notes

Core Units
UNIP1001 Managing Your Study
UNIP1002 Communicating at University
UNIP1003 Problem Solving with Maths

Option Unit
Select one (1) unit from the following:
UNIP1004 Studying Science
UNIP1005 Issues and Enquiry in Arts and Business