The First Nations Introduction to University Program is the perfect first step into university for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 17 years or older who are interested in pursuing studies in Health, Teacher Education, Arts and Humanities, Business & Accounting, Engineering or STEM. This free program, offered on campus in Darwin, is designed to provide you with academic skills, confidence, and an introduction to both study and careers in your chosen stream.
What You'll Learn: In this program, you'll explore both First Nations and Western ways of knowing, doing, and sharing knowledge. The program consists of two units:
- ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing
- ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University
You can complete the program in a four-week block or spread your study over two two-week blocks. If you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support for travel and accommodation is available.
Support and Mentoring: You will be supported throughout the program by a tutor who will help you with academic support and assessments, as well as a First Nations mentor to guide you through your transition to academic life and build a sense of belonging at CDU.
Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities designed to connect you with fellow students, university staff, and the wider professional community.
Specialised Study Areas: The program allows you to choose a study area that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Health: The program gives you an introduction to both clinical and non-clinical health careers. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a health-specific unit which introduces the different knowledge areas of health and wellbeing, health policy, health research and health management.
- Teacher Education: The program gives you an introduction to different teaching careers. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a teacher education-specific unit which introduces some key aspects of becoming a registered teacher, Professional Standards for teachers, First Nations-led education programs and initiatives, embedding Indigenous ways of learning in classrooms and schools, and supporting students language development and social and emotional learning.
- Arts and Humanities: The program gives you the opportunity to work out what area of the arts and humanities you might be interested in and gives an introduction to relevant career opportunities. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a general arts unit which gives students a taste of topics in creative art and storytelling, political science, history and social studies.
- STEM: The program gives you an introduction to environmental science or information technology careers. You will study two connected units an academic skills unit and a science and technology-specific unit which introduces the different knowledge areas of environmental management, information technology (IT), aviation - remote pilot (using drones), and applied science for Indigenous enterprises.
- Engineering: The engineering program is an intensive course designed to introduce students to the experience of studying engineering at CDU. You will study two connected units: an academic skills unit and an engineering-specific unit, which will provide the opportunity to learn about the role of engineers in society and the integration of Indigenous knowledge, engineering, and science. You will be mentored by First Nations people, expert academic staff and tutors during the course. They will help you grasp some of the fundamental concepts behind engineering and discuss career prospects in this field.
- Business & Accounting: This program supports you to be successful in your subsequent studies in the business and accounting fields. You will study two connected units; an academic skills unit and a business & accounting-specific unit which provides a broader understanding of the modern global business environment, ethical practices in business and accounting, budgeting, book-keeping, and personal taxes. The program will also introduce you to the higher education environment and expectations for study. The relationships built with other business & accounting students and lecturers will also provide a supportive network from the very first day of your studies.
This program offers a pathway to your next course and a valuable foundation for your university journey.
Next Steps: Upon completing ZIP011 and ZIP012, you have several options for your next course of study:
- Certificate II or III in your discipline area.
- If you have completed the NTCE or a Certificate III, you may enrol directly in a Diploma or Degree at CDU (subject to specific entry requirements).
- To qualify for a diploma or degree, you can complete two more enabling units from the TEP (Tertiary Enabling Program)
- TEP023 Foundation Maths
- TEP025 Bioscience or TEP024 Perspectives in Humanities.
