Diploma of University Studies (DOUS)

Back to top Program aims The Diploma of University Studies contains separate strands for both domestic and international students with a non-English-speaking background.

The domestic strand aims to equip students with the necessary skills to successfully respond to the numeracy, literacy, critical thinking and e-literacy demands of higher education studies and the professional workplace, in addition to assisting students to successfully manage the complexities of life/work balance.

The international strand, which is primarily for students from non-English speaking backgrounds, has a stronger emphasis on the use of English for academic and professional purposes and to develop strategies that equip them for successful university study specific to their professional areas.

Both strands of the Diploma provides students with a broad introduction to the academic culture of university studies and an enhanced understanding and knowledge of foundational issues, principles and strategies needed in order to be successful in the first year undergraduate level of study, before providing students with four first-year undergraduate courses of specialisation in a discipline area.

The program will appeal to domestic students who want to enhance and develop their broad award-level study skills prior to undertaking a range of discipline courses and determining whether to embark on a more specialised degree program, or opting instead to graduate out with a new sub-degree qualification.

For international students from non-English speaking backgrounds, the program encompasses the development of similar generic skills but aims to initially develop their speaking, listening, writing, reading and mathematical skills, so that they are then able to participate successfully in their Australian university discipline activities conducted in English.

Core courses

Core courses: Domestic strand

There are four compulsory courses for domestic students:

• DIP1000 E-Literacy for Contemporary Society
• DIP1001 Academic and Professional English
• DIP1002 Strategies for Successful Study
• DIP1003 Essential Mathematics or DIP1004 Mathematical Literacy

Students can commence with any of the four courses but for students unaccustomed to online learning it is recommended they start with DIP1000 E-Literacy for Contemporary Society.

Students who want to progress to the specialisations in Construction, Engineering, Spatial Science, or Science need to take DIP1003 Essential Mathematics. All other students need to take DIP1004 Mathematical Literacy .

Students can progress their studies in either part-time or full-time mode. All four core courses can be taken in a single semester for those pursuing full-time studies.

Core courses: International strand

There are four compulsory courses for international students:

• DIP1006 Academic and Professional Writing
• DIP1007 Academic and Professional Speaking and Listening
• DIP1008 Academic and Professional Numerical Literacy B
• DIP1009 Academic and Professional Reading
• DIP1010 Academic and Professional Numerical Literacy A

Students who want to progress to the specialisations in Construction, Engineering, Spatial Science, or Science need to take DIP1008 Academic and Professional Numerical Literacy B. All other students need to take DIP1010 Academic and Professional Numerical Literacy A .

Students can progress their studies in either part-time or full-time mode. It is recommended part-time students take DIP1009 and DIP1007 first, and then DIP1008 or DIP1010 and DIP1006. All four core courses can be taken in a single semester for those pursuing full-time studies.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

International applicants must have a minimum entry level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.

There is no specified minimum educational achievement entrance standard.

Normally, to be eligible for enrolment in the program a person will have attained an age of at least 18 years in the year of the proposed enrolment.

Students will need to complete the online application form for entry to the Diploma Program. All applicants are also required to complete online diagnostic tests in Mathematics, e-literacy, and English Communication Skills. Applicants will then be given advice detailing whether the Diploma of University Studies is the most appropriate pathway for them to undertake. Some students may be advised to undertake the Tertiary Preparation Program.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements.

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a University-approved English language program. On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

Program objectives

On successful completion of the Diploma of University Studies graduates should be able to:

1. apply knowledge, skills and competencies in a series of generic first year award-level undergraduate courses
2. use foundation knowledge, skills and competencies in an area of specialisation from a first year undergraduate discipline area
3. apply enhanced awareness of the nature of award-level study in the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, or the Faculty of Health, Engineering, and Sciences
4. use effective communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to successfully pursue an undergraduate program of study in either the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, or the Faculty of Health, Engineering, and Sciences.