Tertiary Preparation Program (ACEQorPREPorTPPG) - TPP

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Program focus

The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is a distance education bridging program designed to enable prospective higher education students to master the essential prerequisite knowledge and skills required to ensure they succeed with their undergraduate studies. It is designed to cater for a range of groups including past school leavers who need to update or improve their ranking to qualify for tertiary entrance, and other adults who may not have completed secondary school and are seeking a second chance to enter tertiary study.

Program aims

The program aims to equip participants for success in undergraduate studies through mastery of essential preparatory skills and knowledge. It also aims to provide equitable access to tertiary study, for all persons who for social, economic or cultural reasons, have previously missed out on educational opportunities. Successful completion of the Tertiary Preparation Program will lead to admission to specified undergraduate award programs of the University.

Program objectives

The general objectives of the program are:

• to enhance and encourage access to higher education to those who wish to continue their education beyond its current level and require bridging/preparatory courses in order to be accepted by universities, colleges or TAFE

• to increase participation in higher education by persons from groups who are under-represented in higher education

• to provide equitable opportunities for students to undertake higher education

• to offer a comprehensive distance education program which will guide students through appropriate courses improving and developing their numeracy, literacy and study management skills and thereby enhancing their prospects for gaining tertiary entrance

• to provide a program that will improve progression rates and reduce attrition rates during tertiary study

• to provide a program that will help individuals to develop self esteem and a sense of confidence in their own abilities so that they can make an informed career choice as to whether or not they intend to pursue academic studies further

• to provide financial assistance in the form of fee-free program provision to students who qualify under the 'enabling' provision guidelines

• to assist students to gain a place in a TAFE or university or other course appropriate to their abilities and interests.

Specific content objectives are found in the relevant course specifications (see Appendix).

Admission requirements

There is no specified minimum educational entrance standard.

All applicants will have reached the age of at least 18 years in the year of their enrolment in the program.

The approved application form will be completed in full.

Four levels of Mathematics are provided in the program. Advice is provided to students on the most appropriate Mathematics pathway to achieve their career aspirations. The Mathematics programs are tailored for individual student needs and career requirements.

Some students demonstrate low levels of literacy. These persons are advised to undertake a basic literacy program through providers such as the TAFE Open Learning Institute before undertaking the TPP or undertake a developmental course to assist the student to reach a level of competence that will ensure their success with the TPP.

How to apply

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Domestic students

To apply for the Tertiary Preparation Program, complete the TPP Application Form. If you would like to be considered for a fee-free place, also complete the TPP Fee-free Application Form and attach any required documentation. If you have any questions or need any assistance in applying, call us on 1800 269 500.

Program fees

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Fee exempt places

Fee exempt places are available to all domestic students wishing to enrol in the Tertiary Preparation Program. Further information can be obtained by contacting TPP Student Support or visiting the TPP website.

Program structure

The Program consists of a core component of study and courses of specialisation. Particular courses of specialisation may be considered essential for entry to some undergraduate programs while for others these courses remain optional. The program is designed to be undertaken over one full (two-term) academic year of part-time study. Courses of study offered by the program are listed below.

Core component

• TPP7120 Studying to Succeed (two units) and one of four possible mathematics coursesTPP7180;TPP7181; TPP7182; TPP7183 (one unit).

Courses of specialisation

• TPP7110 Orientation to Tertiary Study

• TPP7155 General Science

• TPP7160 Preparatory Physics

• TPP7170 Human Development: Childhood to Adolescence

• TPP7180 Preparatory Mathematics

• TPP7181 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level A

• TPP7182 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level B

• TPP7183 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level C

The core courses of the program (TPP7120; and one of TPP7180; TPP7181; TPP7182 or TPP7183) are designed to provide the essential skills necessary to succeed with further tertiary study. While entry to some undergraduate programs may require specialised content knowledge, success with the core requirements could be considered to demonstrate adequate potential for initial enrolment in many undergraduate courses.

The course TPP7110 Orientation to Tertiary Study provides a core of Self Development (Study and Learning Skills and Career Planning) plus grounding in Communication Skills as a pre-requisite for enrolment in TPP7120.

The course TPP7120 Studying to Succeed (two units) also provides a Self Development and Communication Skills core. A Mathematics course allows the students to develop mathematics skills linked with faculty entry requirements. One of four alternative mathematics courses are possible (TPP7180 Preparatory Mathematics ; TPP7181 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level A ; TPP7182 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level B ; TPP7183 Mathematics Tertiary Preparation Program Level C ).

Students can commence the program in terms 1, 2 or 3. The total number of courses which students are required to complete will depend upon their intended career direction and choice of undergraduate program. Students are encouraged to enrol in no more than the number of courses which is equivalent to the value of three units each term. Students who enter the program for the first time in term 2 and 3 are advised that it may not be possible for them to complete all requirements for entry to some undergraduate programs until the following year.

Individual students will undertake combinations of courses commensurate with their intended career direction. Advice on enrolment patterns to equip students with appropriate entry skills for specialised degrees and diplomas is published annually on the USQ web site and in the marketing materials for the program on the advice of the Faculties of the University.

It is not essential for students to enrol in the whole program. Students may enrol in selected courses; however, the attainment of an acceptable tertiary entrance rank for entry to USQ undergraduate programs and eligibility for a fee-free place is dependent on completion of the courses recommended by the program. Generally, students who are awarded a fee-free place must enrol in those components deemed essential for entry to selected undergraduate programs.

Program map

There are many programs offered by USQ. To be eligible for direct entry to these programs, you need to successfully complete the appropriate compulsory courses. The following program map provides a sample of undergraduate courses offered at USQ and the minimum requirements for direct entry to the program.

Recommended enrolment pattern

The recommended enrolment pattern for an individual student is dependent upon his/her choice of undergraduate studies. The preceding table outlines typical study paths for entry to the specific undergraduate programs of USQ.