Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
Preparation for Tertiary Success 1 (PTS) is a tertiary enabling course providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with a culturally supported pathway to university readiness. The course integrates Indigenous and Western knowledges and the development of life-long learning skills such as: coping with change, making meaningful links, asking critical questions, expressing creativity, strengthening learning relationships, building resilience and developing strategic learning awareness.
This program introduces you to the culture of higher education and builds the academic skills needed to achieve success in your studies.
This course is for you if:
- you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
- you have not completed year 12;
- you have completed year 12 but did not receive the required ATAR score;
- you have completed a Certificate III or IV course or can demonstrate sufficient skills and knowledge to undertake studies;
- you have not studied for a long time and want to refresh your academic skills.
Fees
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
What will I study?
Course structure
- 2023 HE unit offerings are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 November 2022.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
Preparation for Tertiary Success 1 (ZPTS01) consists of 80 credit points of study comprising five (5) core units and three (3) specialist electives. The electives provide the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest. The course takes one year to complete.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (5 units) | 50cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below. PTS001 Learning Identity |
Specialist Elective Units (3 units) | 30cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. PTS003 Learning in Communities |
80cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
- 2023 HE unit offerings are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 November 2022.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
Students commencing in Semester 1 - Full Time
Candidates must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. The recommended study plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time study load of 80 credit points per year. The course takes 2 semesters to complete.
Note: Students should attempt preliminary level units before attempting the advanced level units.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
PTS001 Learning Identity | CO | PTS004 Discipline Enquiry | CO |
PTS002 Strength and Success | CO | Choose 3 specialist electives from: PTS003 Learning Communities PTS006 Ways of Knowing PTS009 Introduction to Science PTS011 Advanced Mathematics | SE |
PTS005 Reading and Reflection | CO | ||
PTS007 Introduction to Mathematics | CO |
Students commencing in Semester 1 - Part Time
Candidates must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points detailed below. The recommended study plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a part time study load of 40 credit points per year.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
PTS001 Learning Identity | CO | PTS002 Strength and Success | CO |
PTS005 Reading and Reflection | CO | PTS007 Introduction to Mathematics | CO |
Year 2 | |||
PTS004 Discipline Enquiry | CO | Choose 2 specialist electives from: PTS003 Learning Communities PTS006 Ways of Knowing PTS009 Introduction to Science PTS011 Advanced Mathematics | SE |
Choose 1 specialist elective from: PTS003 Learning Communities PTS006 Ways of Knowing PTS009 Introduction to Science PTS011 Advanced Mathematics | SE |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for the Preparation for Tertiary Success Program (PTS), you must be 18 or over by the census date of the relevant semester and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. You will need Year 10 or Year 11 standard. If you are a mature person without Year 10 or 11, you can apply on the basis of your skills and experience.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

Course details
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
Domestic applications
Applying for ZPTS11 at CDU is a simple online process.
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