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Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) equips students with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in higher education studies. It is suitable for students who wish to study at a diploma or degree level but who have not achieved the required Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or who lack the required pre-requisite or assumed knowledge and subsequent confidence to gain entry to or achieve academically. Upon successful completion of STEPS, students will gain entry to CQUniversity diploma or degree programs through the standard CQUniversity direct entry process for those programs where direct entry is available. Entry to CQUniversity programs will be in accordance with specific undergraduate program entry requirements and successful completion of courses applicable to the program of choice. Students will be advised of the appropriate study plan to facilitate the career pathway to which they aspire. Students can choose to study in a full time or part time mode in Term 1, 2 or 3 of the academic calendar year, dependent on course availability.
The STEPS program is available at CQUniversity Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton. The program and also can be studied by distance education. Compulsory attendance applies to students who choose to study the STEPS course internally.
One term (12 weeks) full-time or two terms (24 weeks) part-time. A maximum of two years (6 terms) for completion of required courses.
Standard full-time completion: 0.5 year (one term of 12 weeks)
Standard part-time completion: One year (two terms of 12 weeks each)
To be eligible for STEPS, you must be:
• 18 years of age in the year of enrolment;
• an Australian/New Zealand citizen;
• a permanent resident; or
• a holder of a humanitarian visa.
You will be required to undertake a diagnostic entrance assessment for literacy, numeracy and computing competence. They will also participate in an individual interview. This assessment will guide the planning of an individual program of study which will meet the minimum entry requirements for the CQUniversity undergraduate program of choice.
The STEPS program is FREE of tuition fees. However, there are associated costs with textbooks, stationery, photocopying and printing.
For more information on the associated costs please contact the STEPS Administrative Officer on 07 4150 7149.
The STEPS program is a Centrelink approved program. You may be eligible for various forms of financial support while undertaking the program. For more information, call Centrelink on 131021 or visit their website at www.centrelink.gov.au.
STEPS covers academic communication, mathematics, sciences, computing, independent learning skills, study skills and library/online information literacy skills. Courses include:
• Preparation Skills for University
• Essay Writing for University
• Technical Writing for University
• Fundamental Mathematics for University
• Intermediate Mathematics for University
• Technical Mathematics for University
• Computing Skills for University
• Positive Learning for University
• Introductory Physics
• Introductory Biology
• Introductory Chemistry
• Foundation Science
The STEPS program aims to provide students with the confidence, knowledge and skills they will need to begin a university degree. If students require extra support while studying STEPS internally, their campus coordinator and lecturers are available to offer assistance. While completing the STEPS program, students have the support of a committed team of STEPS staff to guide them through the program. Students will learn to access CQUniversity’s internet based learning forums and make contact with other STEPS students, giving them the opportunity to discuss issues and make friends. As a STEPS student, they also have access to a wide range of student support services should they require them.
Find out more about CQUniversity's full range of support services.
Please print and return to:
Academic Learning Services Unit
CQUniversity
Locked Bag 3333
Bundaberg QLD 4670
CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD-00219C; NSW-01315F; VIC-01624D
