Foundation Studies

KEY FACTS
Duration	2 trimesters (15 weeks per trimester)
Intakes	June, Oct
Location	Murdoch University, Perth Campus
Course Fee	$28,440 (International) $13,680 (Domestic)
CRICOS Code	093279K

OVERVIEW

Foundation Studies prepares you for a successful transition to degree level study, providing a pathway to the first year of study of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University.

This course is suited to you if you:

need an entrance qualification for Murdoch University
want to accelerate your university preparation after Year 11, or equivalent
want to change your degree stream after Year 11, or equivalent

On successful completion* of your Foundation Studies program, you’ll gain entry to the first year of any undergraduate degree at Murdoch University, with the exception of Veterinary Science and Bachelor of Education. The Veterinary Science course can be accessed through a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.

* A higher requirement and specific subject scores are required for law degrees.

** Both international and domestic students can enrol in Foundation Studies.

*** Our Foundation Studies program meets the requirements for Foundation Studies Programs registered on CRICOS for delivery in Australia to overseas students, providing academic preparation for seeking entry to first-year undergraduate study or its equivalent.

**** This generalist Foundation Studies course has been designed for international students.

Entry Requirements

For detailed information about the academic entry requirements for your country of origin please refer to our Entry Requirements page.

Pathway

Course Structure

For Foundation Studies you will complete eight units over two study periods, studying a combination of core and elective units. The units you will undertake will be determined by your chosen degree. All students must complete the two English units in addition to 6 units from the Discipline groups, depending on their chosen bachelor's degree.

Each unit of study builds concepts from an introductory level through to university entrance level. The units are designed to develop your learning techniques as well as bridging gaps in your unit knowledge.

Please click on individual unit names below to view their description:

This unit is designed to develop your English language skills and study skills to a level that will allow you to successfully transition into tertiary study in Australia. The unit focuses on developing speaking, reading, listening, writing, summarising and note taking skills. It also introduces you to the concept of critical thinking by teaching you the skills to analyze a range of multimedia texts. Throughout the unit these skills are taught and practiced in an Australian historical context which provides a basic understanding of the Australian people and cultural environment in which you have chosen to further your studies.
This unit is designed to enable you to develop the oral and written skills that are required for tertiary level studies, including the skills and knowledge required to gather, organize, and present information using the most efficient communication processes. You will learn effective strategies to research and analyse information from a variety of sources and present that information in essays, oral presentations, and reports.
This unit is designed to equip you with knowledge of mathematical concepts and tools to foster their problem-solving skills. This unit covers the foundational themes of algebra, consumer and financial arithmetic and statistics to give you preparation for entry into further studies in a non-Science, Technology or Engineering context, i.e. in Arts, Business or Education pathways.
This unit is designed to prepare you for tertiary-level mathematics and to develop skills with calculations and problem-solving required for Science and Engineering studies at university.
The emphasis of the unit is to develop written presentational skills which you will be able to apply to assignments and assessments in your chosen university units and future career choices. This unit explores the advanced formatting options and features of the Microsoft Office suite and takes you through practical exercises in producing professional looking documents and multimedia presentations. The class will also explore the place of computers in society through an examination of ethical, legal, and practical issues. You will be encouraged to search the internet for supplementary and complementary materials to enhance your presentational skills.
The purpose of the unit is to examine key concepts and develop some practical and theoretical skills in the field of Computer Science. You will investigate the science behind modern digital computers. You will be introduced to the use of software development tools, standard industry practices, data management techniques and database systems.
Physics is a discipline that aims to explore and explain the elementary workings of the universe through the fundamental principles of energy and matter. This core subject provides you with an overview of some of the fundamental principles of Physics, including topics such as: motion, force, energy, waves, and electromagnetic radiation.
This unit is designed for students who need to develop an understanding of the basic concepts of Chemistry that are required for tertiary level studies in the areas of Science and Engineering. This unit will also provide you with fundamental laboratory skills required for the study of Chemistry at a tertiary level.
This unit is designed to provide you with an overview of basic biological concepts, both anatomical and physiological.

It looks at how structure and function support cellular metabolism. The environment in which cells operate is dynamic to cater for the changing needs of cellular activities. Cells contain structures that carry out a range of functions related to metabolism. Materials are exchanged in a variety of ways within and between the internal and external environment to supply inputs and remove outputs of metabolism. The respiratory, circulatory, digestive and excretory systems control the exchange and transport of materials in support of metabolism, particularly cellular respiration. These organ systems have a range of non-specific and specific internal and external defences against pathogens that disrupt body functions.

It also provides a background into the endocrine system as well as the complex interactions between body systems in response to changes in the internal and external environments which facilitate the optimal functioning of cells. Feedback systems involving the the endocrine system and behavioural mechanisms, maintain the internal environment within tolerance limits for body temperature, body fluid composition, blood sugar, gas concentrations and blood pressure.

Biology also provides opportunities to explore the mechanisms of the transmission of genetic material to the next generation. It develops an understanding that the genetic information encoded in DNA needs to be translated and transcribed to produce proteins for a wide range of functions in the cell including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. It also looks at the continuity of species over time, through evolutionary processes.

This subject is designed to enable you to develop the oral, written skills and laboratory skills that are required for tertiary level studies. It includes the skills and knowledge required to gather, organise, and present information using efficient communication processes. You will learn effective strategies to research and analyse information from a variety of sources and present that information in essays or laboratory reports.
The media is the most widespread and influential system of communication in the contemporary world and is used to shape our sense of self and our relationships with others. This unit provides you with the opportunity to develop life skills which will enable them to analyse these forms of communication. You will learn how journalism, public relations, social media, and advertising manipulate their products to construct representations of people, places and events. You are encouraged to be users and creators of media products, and seriously consider the important role and effects of the audiences in which they target. You are supported to discover, investigate, and create individual media products. You are encouraged to represent themselves and other traditional brands through media products.
Digital media technologies have changed the way audiences and media producers interact. Students’ opportunity to practice with various digital media technologies enables them to engage with current media and adapt to the changing media landscape. When producing media work, you will learn to make decisions about all aspects of production, including creative choices across pre-production, production, and post-production phases. You will create and experiment with media products, resulting in established specific industry required skills. This empowers you with confidence that you can create successful media products with purpose.
This subject covers the recording of business events in an accounting worksheet and the preparation of important accounting reports, such as, an income statement, a balance sheet and a statement of cash flows. Other topics include companies, depreciation, ratio analysis and cost volume profit analysis.
This unit is designed to give you an awareness of the role of management within various types of businesses in Australia and the wider trading community. It provides an overview of the influencing factors to be considered by managers and includes aspects such as planning, organising, developing strong leadership skills, monitoring performances, and developing creativity and innovation.

Critical issues surrounding decision making such as ethical, economic, financial, and technological issues and the impact of globalisation will also be discussed. Together, these topics will prepare you for tertiary studies in Business and Commerce or provide basic skills for employment.
This unit is designed to provide students with an introduction to the world of economics, where they learn the vital role of economics in the functioning and wellbeing of societies.

This unit will equip students with knowledge of the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. They will gain an understanding of how economies operate, how economics influences individual and business decision-making processes and the role of government intervention in the form of economic policies.

Percentage score requirements for progression to Murdoch University

See the list of package Bachelor Award Courses and percentage score requirements for entry to these courses in the table below.

Successful completion of the Foundation Studies with a final mark of 50% or higher in all subjects will meet entry to Murdoch University Bachelor Award Courses with entry requirements of ATAR 70 or equivalent.
Access to the Bachelor of Nursing is limited. Students must commence in Semester 2 at the Mandurah Campus and students will not be able to transfer campuses during their studies. Students will need to achieve IELTS 7 across all bands or equivalent before commencing the Bachelor of Nursing.
* Successful completion of the Foundation Studies with a minimum average final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication” to meet entry to Murdoch University Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
** Successful completion of the Foundation Studies course with a minimum average final mark of 70% or higher and a minimum score of 50% in “Introduction to Academic Communication” to meet entry to Murdoch University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
This information is to be used as a guide only as some Murdoch University courses may have changed.
S1, S2, T1, T2 and T3: Murdoch University operates both semester (S1 and S2) and trimester (T1,T2 and T3) teaching periods.
^ The Bachelor of Business (Banking) at Murdoch University is only available for domestic students.
^^ This is a new course, and only available for domestic students. CRICOS code is not applicable.

^^^ Transfer available from Bachelor of Agricultural Science based on academic results and other selection criteria
# For more information about CRICOS course codes for Murdoch University degrees, visit Murdoch University website murdoch.edu.au

Percentage score requirements for progression

Murdoch University Degree/Major	Degree Duration (Years)	Degree intake available	Foundation Studies - Feb intake	Foundation Studies - Jun intake	Foundation Studies - Oct intake
Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) (110543J)	4	S1	X	X	X
Bachelor of Education (Primary, 1-10 Health and Physical Education) (110545G)	4	S1	X	X	X
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) (098365E)
Health and Physical Education	4	S1	X	X	X
Physical Sciences Teaching Major	4	S1	X	X	X
Politics (HASS) Teaching	4	S1	X	X	X
Mathematics Major Teaching Area	4	S1	X	X	X
Biology and Environmental Science Teaching Area	4	S1	X	X	X
Earth and Environmental Science Teaching Area	4	S1	X	X	X
Geography and Business & Enterprise (HASS) Teaching Area	4	S1	X	X	X
Biology and Human Biology Major Teaching Area	4	S1	X	X	X
History (HASS) Teaching	4	S1	X	X	X
Secondary Teaching English	4	S1	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (110889E)
Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Environmental Engineering	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Industrial Control and Automation Engineering	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING HONORS (110888F) **
Environmental Engineering	4	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Industrial Control and Automation Engineering	4	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering	4	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION (0101649)	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF GLOBAL SECURITY (097990K)
Cyberspace, Policy and Security	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Environment, Conflict and Security	3	S1	X	X	X
Politics and International Studies	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS (0101414)	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (102605M)
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Business Information Systems	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Computer Science	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Cyber Security and Forensics	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Games Technology	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Internetworking and Network Security	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF LABORATORY MEDICINE (0101823)	4	S1	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS (006942E)**	4	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF LAWS*/BACHELOR OF CRIMINOLOGY (095505M)
Crime Science	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Criminal Behaviour	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Legal Studies	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION (096884J)**
Global Media and Communication	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Journalism	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Strategic Communication	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGY^^**	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (112645J)**
Biomedical Science	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Clinical Laboratory Science	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Conservation and Wildlife Biology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Environmental Science and Management	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Forensic Biology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Genetics and Molecular Biology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Marine Biology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF GLOBAL SECURITY (097991J)**
Cyberspace, Policy and Security	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Environment, Conflict and Security	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Politics and International Studies	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF BUSINESS (099495J)**
Accounting	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Finance	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Hospitality and Tourism Management	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Human Resources Management	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
International Business	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Management	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Marketing	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF ARTS (008281K)**
Asian Studies	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Community Development	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
English and Creative Writing	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
History	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Indonesian	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
International Aid and Development	5	S1, S2 & T3	X	X	X
Japanese	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Philosophy	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Politics and International Studies	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Sociology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Sustainable Development	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Theatre and Creative Production	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Tourism and Events	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
*BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (103895K)**
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Business Information Systems	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Computer Science	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Cyber Security and Forensics	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Games Technology	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Internetworking and Network Security	5	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF NURSING (116844C)	3	S2	X		X
BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE/MASTER OF CLINICAL CHIROPRACTIC (118305C)	4	S1	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (115634K)	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION SCIENCES) (106431G)
Conservation and Wildlife Biology	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Environmental Science and Management	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Marine Biology	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE (117500H)
Genetics and Biotechnology	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Biomedicine	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X
Pharmacology and Toxicology	3	S1 & S2	X	X	X

Scholarships

Scholarships are available. To find out more about scholarships and your eligibility, please visit our Scholarships page.