Why Foundation Studies?
Set yourself up for success at university with Adelaide University’s Foundation Studies program and become a confident and well-rounded student, ready to embark on your future study journey.
Foundation Studies is fee-free and designed for people who have not experienced university, including school leavers without an ATAR or those looking to return to study.
Get a taste of university and learn the skills needed to excel in your future degree.
Overview
Develop essential academic skills and prepare for future university studies with our fee-free Foundation Studies program. Designed for those who are studying for the first time, or who did not receive an ATAR in Year 12, this program will give you lifelong skills. You’ll study writing, communication, numeracy, research, study skills and elective courses to build your confidence.
We’ll support you to successfully move on to undergraduate study. From enrolment through to program completion, you’ll get help through enrolment sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions.
The Foundation Studies program is split into three blocks, with a series of entry, exit and transition points that cater to diverse education backgrounds and your chosen destination degree.
Key features
Gain essential foundational discipline knowledge and skills to set yourself up for success in your chosen degree.- Use your final grades in Foundation Studies to gain competitive entry to all degrees at Adelaide University.
- Flexible study options are available to help you balance study with work, social and family commitments.
- Be supported throughout your studies with access to our full range of support services.
What you'll learn
This pathway option is delivered in three blocks. You can either finish all three blocks of study – or exit with a certificate of completion for every block of study you complete.
Block 1 will focus on preparatory courses to build a strong foundation for your future at university. In Block 2, be prepared with the knowledge and skills needed in your chosen degree, ready for guaranteed access to a wide range of undergraduate degrees*. Block 3 is designed to provide a pathway for students wanting to enter the full range of selective undergraduate degrees at Adelaide University**.
Over one year of full-time study, you’ll complete up to eight preparatory courses, getting you ready for future undergraduate studies. These courses will develop your academic writing, communication, numeracy, research, and study skills – including how to write academic assignments, cite research and effectively manage time. These skills and experiences will give you the right launchpad to navigate your future at university.
Some of your core courses will include:
- Introduction to Academic Writing
- Numeracy and Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking: Media and Academia.
Depending on your chosen destination degree, you’ll also select up to five electives from a list relevant to your future study discipline. Through your electives, you’ll gain a greater understanding about the breadth of options available to you at university. Maybe you want to pursue a law degree and set up your career as a solicitor or barrister. Perhaps you’ll apply for a science degree, exploring astrophysics, animal behaviour or evolutionary biology. You might even begin your journey to becoming a psychologist by applying for our suite of psychology degrees.
You’ll choose electives from the following discipline areas:
- Behavioural and Social Science
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Design and Humanities
- Education
- Engineering and IT
- Health
- Law
- Science.
Notes:
*Some degrees may require a minimum GPA to qualify.
**Some selective undergraduate degrees with limited numbers of professional placements set caps on the intake, and entry may be competitive.
Degree Structure: Foundation Studies
Program code: FNDST
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 12 to 18 units for Core courses, and
- 30 to 36 units for Electives
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 12 to 18 units for Core courses, and
- 30 to 36 units for Electives
Complete 12 to 18 units for either of the following:
- 12 units from Block 1 core courses, or
- Both of the following:
- 12 units from Block 1 core courses, and
- 6 units for all Block 2 core courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Academic Writing
|
Course code
COMM1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Language and Literacy for Effective Communication
|
Course code
COMM1035
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numeracy and Problem Solving
|
Course code
MATH1036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia
|
Course code
COMM1032
|
Units
6
|
Notes
- Block 1 core courses - Block 1 is specifically designed to support the development of essential academic literacies that will enable students to successfully undertake undergraduate study.
- Block 2 core courses - Block 2 specifically serves to prepare students more specifically for the rigours of a higher education learning environment by providing foundational discipline knowledge and skill development for their intended destination degree.
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 30 to 36 units comprising:
- 30 to 36 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Anatomy
|
Course code
BIOL1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Business
|
Course code
BUSI1021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Economics and Personal Finance
|
Course code
ECON1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Education Studies
|
Course code
EDUC1029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
ICT Literacies
|
Course code
INFO1027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media
|
Course code
INFO1062
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Statistical Literacy
|
Course code
MATH1037
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Behaviour (UniSA)
|
Course code
PSYC1022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Citizenship in the 21st Century (UniSA)
|
Course code
SOCI1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia (UniSA)
|
Course code
SOCI1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Physiology (UniSA)
|
Course code
HLTH1053
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Algebra
|
Course code
MATH1060
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biosciences
|
Course code
EART1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science for Tertiary Learning
|
Course code
EART1020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Writing for Academic Purposes
|
Course code
COMM1033
|
Units
6
|
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. Regional students will also have access to our Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses, along with our Port Lincoln and Ceduna Study Centres.
Our Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Adelaide campuses also have a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- First Nations support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Refugee and asylum seeker support
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
