304025 v.3 Aboriginal Bridging Course

Introduction

This enabling course has the following objectives - To immerse students in the university environment and prepare them for mainstream studies. To provide them with the necessary skills to assist them in making the transition into university undergraduatedegree programs. To develop within students a positive sense of Aboriginal identity and self esteem and enhance employment potential for its graduates.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Available only to applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent who have not completed secondary school or who have completed Year 12, but not to a sufficiently high standard to enter tertiary study. Applicants must be 17 years of age on entering the course.

Specific Requirements

Applicants must attend an interview and testing at Curtin to assess current level of education, generalities and long term goals. On successful completion of this bridging course graduates are eligible for entry into Curtin degree and associate degree programs.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants can not receive recognition of prior learning for bridging units undertaken when transferring to award courses.

Duration and Availability

The course is of one year full-time study.

Course Organisation

To satisfy the University matriculation requirements students must successfully complete all of the units listed below. It is a Government directive that students undertaking any enabling/bridging course can only undertake designated enabling/bridging units. Students intending to study mainstream units may only undertake them in accordance with their conditions of admission and then only as part of a non-award extension fee paying program. Students are also expected to undertake a compulsory one-week field trip as part of their assessment for Aboriginal Terms of Reference and Aboriginal Studies units.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note

There is a support service available to students to assist with areas such as accommodation, child care arrangements and study problems. Academic tutoring is also available for students who may need assistance with assignment preparation and subjects within the course. Accommodation is not provided, but assistance to find accommodation will be available if required. Student housing available consists of flats for single people on campus or private accommodation nearby, both of which may have to be sharedwith others. Students with families are assisted with housing via Homeswest (Aboriginal Housing Board) and the Aboriginal Accommodation Service. In all cases there may be a waiting period before obtaining the accommodation desired. If help is needed to find accommodation it is essential that the Centre be notified as soon as possible after selection to the course.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.