Murdoch College is a tertiary pathway provider located on the Murdoch University Campus in Perth, Western Australia. The College offers pre?university courses such as Foundation Studies to prepare students for entry into undergraduate programs at Murdoch University. Murdoch College combines smaller classes, academic support, and student services with direct access to the university environment.

 

Why Choose Murdoch College?

• Guaranteed pathway into Murdoch University upon successful completion (subject to progression requirements).

• Supportive, personalised learning with smaller class sizes.

• Full access to university facilities and student life right from the beginning.

• Scholarships available for eligible academic pathway students.

 

Why Study Foundation Studies?

The Foundation Studies programme is designed for international students who:

• Need a recognised entrance qualification to gain entry into the first year of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.
• Have completed schooling equivalent to Year 11 but not Year 12, or require academic preparation to meet university entry standards.
• Want the opportunity to change their intended degree field before entering university.

 

Programme Structure & Subjects

Foundation Studies consists of eight academic units spread across two trimesters.

Core Areas Covered:

Students build skills in:

English & Communication

• Essential Australian Studies — academic English and cultural studies

• Introduction to Academic Communication — tertiary communication skills
  These units ensure you are prepared for university?level reading, writing, speaking and learning.

Discipline Units
Depending on your intended bachelor’s degree, you will choose from elective units in areas such as:

Mathematics

• Introductory Mathematics

• Mathematics for Science

Science & Technology

• Information Technology for Academic Studies

• Computer Science

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

Business & Social Sciences

• Accounting

• Management

• Economics

Arts & Media

• Introduction to Media

• Media Production
  Tailored electives help strengthen knowledge for degrees in arts, business, science, engineering, or IT.

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

While Foundation Studies itself is a general academic preparation, it supports pathways into a wide range of undergraduate degrees at Murdoch University, including (but not limited to):

• Business Degrees (e.g., Marketing, Management, Accounting)
• Science & Technology (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science)
• Arts & Communication
• Economics & Social Sciences

 

Highlights & Student Benefits

• Direct University Pathway: Prepares you to enter the first year of university at Murdoch.
• Supportive Learning: Small classes and academic guidance help international students adapt to Australian higher education expectations.
• Wide Choice of Subjects: Elective units tailored to your degree pathway can strengthen your readiness for diverse fields.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Receive financial support for pathway and later university studies.

 

Career & Academic Outcomes

While Foundation Studies itself is not a career qualification, it enables progression into undergraduate degrees, which in turn can lead to careers such as:

• Business & Marketing Professional
• IT & Computer Science Specialist
• Engineering Associate (after further study)
• Science & Research Assistant
• Arts & Communication Practitioner

 

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) to study Foundation Studies. Visa prerequisites typically include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Murdoch College
• Proof of funds (tuition + living costs)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Valid passport and academic documentation

 

Latest Updates & Special Notes

• Intakes for Foundation Studies are June and October, with ongoing admissions each year.
• English entry typically requires IELTS 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE).
• Scholarship support at Murdoch College and Murdoch University provides significant fee savings for eligible students and enhances affordability.
• Foundation Studies enables a shift in academic streams — giving you flexibility to explore different degree areas before formally commencing a bachelor’s.