Curtin College

Who is Curtin College for?

Curtin College is for students who:

• Wish to attain a Curtin University Bachelor Degree
• Do not meet Curtin's minimum entry requirements
• Successfully complete Year 11
• Complete Year 12 but do not obtain an ATAR
• Do not complete sufficient WACE subjects at high school

About Curtin College

Curtin College has established itself as the major pathway to Curtin University, Western Australia’s largest university. We’re on campus at Curtin University, so you will experience university life right from the start.

Curtin University is one of the world’s top universities under 50 years of age (as ranked by QS for 2013/14).

Higher Education Diploma

The Curtin College Higher Education Diploma has the same course content and structure as Year 1 of the corresponding Curtin University undergraduate degree.

Eight or nine university level units studied over a two to three trimesters.

Successful completion of the Curtin College Higher Education Diploma leads students into Year 2 of the corresponding Curtin University Bachelor Degree with full credits.

Diploma courses are completed over three trimesters or two semesters (12 months). Students studying on the trimester system may be able to fast-track their studies and complete their Diploma in two trimesters (8 months).

For full details on the Curtin Bachelor Degrees that Curtin College Diplomas that lead to, please visit the links below:

• Built Environment| Architecture Find out more >
• Commerce| Business | Accounting | Marketing Find out more >
• Design and Art| Advertising  Find out more >
• Engineering Find out more >
• Health Sciences Find out more >
• Information Technology | Computer Science Find out more >
• Media, Culture and Creative Arts Find out more >
• Social Sciences Find out more >

What if I can’t gain entry to the Curtin College Diploma?

If you fall short of the requirements for entry into Diploma, the following options may be available to you:

Certificate IV Tertiary Access Program

Includes 8 pre-university level units studied over a period of 2-3 trimesters. All streams have three core units, with the remaining five being units specific to each stream. Successful completion of the Tertiary Access Program leads students into the Higher Education Diploma that is equivalent to Year 1 of the corresponding Curtin University Bachelor Degree.

Tertiary Access Program

The Tertiary Access Program is a non-award course which includes 4 pre-university level units studied over one trimester. Successful completion of the Tertiary Access Program leads students into the Higher Education Diploma that is equivalent to Year 1 of the corresponding Curtin University Bachelor Degree.

How do I progress to the second year at Curtin University? 

Curtin College provide a packaged offer that leads to your bachelor degree at Curtin University.

Curtin College Diploma graduates must meet the minimum academic requirements and course-specific progression rules, in order to articulate with advanced standing into Year 2 of the corresponding bachelor degree at Curtin University.

How does the Trimester and fast-track system work?

For the Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Program, Tertiary Access Program and Diplomas (excluding Diplomas of Engineering, Health Sciences, and Information Technology), the academic year is divided into three 13-week trimesters as follows:

• Trimester One: February to May
• Trimester Two: July to October
• Trimester Three: November to February

The flexibility of the trimester system allows dedicated students to fast-track most Curtin College programs, reaching your desired degree at Curtin University sooner.

For Diplomas of Health Sciences, Information Technology and Engineering, the academic year at the College follows the Curtin University semester calendar:

• Semester One: March to June
• Semester Two: August to November

Additional Details

At Curtin College, you will find a passionate community of staff dedicated to making your student experience rewarding and enjoyable. The College offers access to courses and support programs designed to provide you with qualifications and skills that will prepare you for success in your chosen discipline at Curtin University and beyond.

Students at the College are exposed to a variety of teaching methods designed to promote a stimulating learning experience. Lecturers provide students with a framework for each unit being studied, and ensure they acquire the relevant knowledge and skills for the chosen course.

Lecture groups average between 30 and 50 students, with some often much smaller.

Curtin College tutors have access to the latest technology and facilities to support their teaching.