Foundation Studies
About this course
This one year course leads to study in other Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science courses. It is ideal if you have never studied science before. However, there is an accelerated program for those who have.
You will develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in courses such as:
- health sciences (nursing, midwifery, paramedics, nurtritional therapy)
- engineering (architectural, building, civil, electrical and electronic, mechanical)
- science (biomedical, science specialisation, nutrition, food and health sciences)
- psychology
- education
- certain Arts programs
- double degrees programs
Streams
Foundation Studies disciplines are streamed to reflect and accommodate the educational background of broad study areas. The streams are beginners, standard and advanced. Different streams can be taken for different subjects.
Beginner stream
If you have never undertaken science subjects before or are anxious of subjects often undertaken at beginner’s levels. This subject stream introduces you to the fundamentals of the discipline. Undertaking this stream provides additional tuition and laboratory classes. Many of these subjects are maintained over a summer semester.
Standard stream
If you have undertaken science subjects at VCE but did not perform well in these areas, you may be eligible to undertake the standard stream. Subjects associated with this stream typically assume some knowledge of the subject and builds upon these.
Advanced stream
If you have undertaken science subjects at VCE level and obtained significant subject scores but did not achieve an ATAR score that’s required for your preferred course, then you can access advanced standing subjects.
After successful completion, access to first year subjects is possible after one semester. Depending on marks obtained and the degree course, you may wish to access a student’s foundation studies advanced unit credited towards your degree course.
This option is not available for international students.
Choice of stream
The choice of stream that you undertake per subject will be based on a combination of an interview, previous study scores and a grading period undertaken in the first few weeks of the Foundation Studies course. Transition between streams in any particular subject area is also possible and is based on academic performance.
Subject choices
You typically undertake 4 discipline areas and a community based subject per semester. Both Math and English language and communication skills are compulsory study areas for full time students.
If you’re interested in undertaking a degree in science, health science or education, you would typically choose chemistry and biology subjects. If you’re interested in a degree in engineering, you would typically do chemistry and physics. Subjects from other areas such as psychology are also available.
This course does not appear in the VTAC guide.
Find out how to register »
Course details
- Course location
- Footscray Park
- Faculty
- Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
- Duration
- 1 year full time. Part time also available.
- Course code
- JCFS
- Course dates:
- To be determined
How to register for this course
Applications should be made directly to VU by completing the 2012 higher education direct admission/supplementary information form.
For further information, phone +61 3 9919 9490 or email foundationstudies@vu.edu.au
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.