Foundation Studies programmes are a direct academic pathway to first-year undergraduate degree study, or equivalent. The programmes act as a bridging course for international students who wish to study a university undergraduate degree course but don’t yet meet academic requirements and/or English language skills for tertiary study.

Foundation Studies Programme

A Foundation Studies programme guarantees entry into a first-year CDU undergraduate degree course^* provided the student:

• Meet all course requirements
• Pass all required compulsory and elective units
• Attain a 60% minimum grade in all English language units
   

Teaching style
Teaching is face to face and utilises a ‘blended’ approach in a classroom setting. Classes introduce and develop knowledge and skills, with follow-up activities such as discussion, investigation, assignments and appropriate web-based and digital resources.

Academic English
Foundation Studies programmes in Australia are bound by the accrediting authority (TEQSA) to include dedicated English studies to develop students’ English language proficiency required for entry into higher education studies.

The development of academic English skills is integrated into all activities. Individual projects, scaffolded learning and monitored small group discussions are encouraged, as well as tertiary skills such as listening to academic lectures, taking effective notes, reading academic texts in an effective and timely manner, and research and referencing skills.
 

Programme Structure

From 2020, Charles Darwin University International Pathway College will offer:
Foundation Studies Programme (8 units over 2 semesters)
 

Core units
The following units are compulsory for the Foundation Studies Programme:

• English A
• English B
• English C (Australian Culture and Society)
   

Elective units
(Choose 5 including at least 1 Mathematics)

• Accounting
• Chemistry
• Design
• Economics
• Health Science
• Marketing and Tourism
• Mathematics with Calculus
• Mathematics with Statistics
• Media Studies
• Physics
   

Progressing to an undergraduate degree

Successful completion of a Foundation Studies Programme enables students to progress to an undergraduate degree course^* at Charles Darwin University. Each undergraduate degree requires applicants to have achieved a specific GPA score in the Foundation Studies Programme. The score varies from programme to programme.
 

Explanation of Grade Points

 

Intakes and Fees

Semester Dates