Program Description
The International Foundation Studies Program is a one year pathway program for international students seeking entry into the first year of the majority of undergraduate degrees at the University of Canberra. It is a non-award program designed to equip international students with the skills and capabilities for successful undergraduate study.
It is a pre-university year and the curriculum is equivalent to the Australian Year 12. The curriculum has a strong focus on the development of both English language skills and tertiary preparation skills. The curriculum is also focused on developing those preparation skills for study in the Australian tertiary environment. The course can be delivered both onshore and offshore.
The program is designed as a generalist (multi-field) program. This provides international students with the opportunity to seek admission to a broad range of degrees. The unit offerings span a range of disciplines and include the following key learning areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Technology
- The Arts/Humanities/ Society
Whilst the current program consists of 12 core units of study, it has also been structured to ensure that as future opportunities arise there is capacity to introduce specialisations (streams). Possible examples include business, information technology and communication. This would be achieved through the introduction of electives.
The teaching calendar consists of 3 terms of study. Each term consists of 12 weeks of teaching, a one week mid term break and 1 week of assessment. Typically there are three recess weeks for students between each term.
The Diploma of Design develops students' knowledge and skills in creative thinking, visual communication, technology, 2D and 3D design and will focus on the investigation and development of design projects in a studio environment. This diploma enables students with to study a generic design program which provides a clear pathway to a variety of bachelor degrees in the field of design.
Industrial design has its roots in the designing and making of products, and the understanding and application of design in manufacturing. With a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) you’ll apply both traditional and advanced digital techniques to a wide range of products, while gaining a knowledge of both materials and production processes. You’ll explore advanced communication skills, including digital manipulation and fabrication via additive and subtractive technologies, and will develop user-centred approaches to developing products.
The course will allow you to develop in-depth understandings of your specialised area while also expanding your potential as a designer. You’ll graduate as a resilient and adaptive design professional capable of solving a wide array of problems, and able to make significant contributions to any interdisciplinary industrial design team.
