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Start Date
January, April, June, September

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course

Program Code
XFST

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Check your eligibility
Answer a few short questions to determine your eligibility
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Degree overview

  • Set yourself up for success and learn how to navigate university assignments, apply critical thinking to study and research, and use foundation numeracy and problem-solving concepts, in just six months of full-time study.
  • Study fee-free with full access to UniSA Online’s expert-led course material, innovative learning platform, virtual library and digital resources, and 24/7 tech support. 
  • Prepare for further study by choosing an elective tailored to your interests across business, anatomy, bioscience, digital media, communication, physiology, computer practices, or human behaviour.
  • Transition straight into any UniSA Online undergraduate degree or a range of on-campus programs, choosing from over 95 degrees aligned to your career goals. 
  • Benefit from UniSA Online’s personalised support services, available seven days a week, to ensure you’re supported at every step throughout your studies.  

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Study a pathway program developed specifically for online learning and delivered in a supportive and engaging environment, designed to refresh your study skills, prepare you for successful university study, or pave the way into an undergraduate degree. 

In just six months of full-time 100% online study, you’ll gain the fundamental skills to complete academic assignments, use numeracy for academic success, and apply critical thinking to your learning and research.   

You’ll develop valuable independent learning and teamwork skills and learn to effectively analyse academic materials to guide assignment writing and research over four tailored courses. Strengthen your practical experience through practice-based learning opportunities, discovering how foundation literacy and numeracy skills can support successful study and lifelong learning.    

Enhance your degree-specific knowledge with an elective aligned to your study and career goals across business, anatomy, bioscience, digital media, physiology, computer practices, or human behaviour, giving you a head start to your future studies. You’ll complete UniStart with the core skill set to step straight into a degree, equipped with a personalised study plan to reach your unique career goals.

Study hours

Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.

Assessment

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.

Some of your assessments may include:

  • an industry-relevant project
  • an online presentation
  • essays and reports.

Degree structure

Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.

First year
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ELECTIVE: Complete 1 of the following discipline-based courses
, Note(s): 1
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Discover UniSA Online’s support services

What makes UniSA Online unique? Our local team of Student Advisers are on-hand seven days a week to provide personalised support at every step, from enrolment to graduation. You’ll also have full access to your experienced academic team, even out-of-hours, to provide guidance and feedback when you need it.

UniSA Video

Why UniStart

Why this Degree

Gain the essential skills to succeed in university study with a tailored university pathway program developed to prepare you to step seamlessly into a range of degrees. 

If you’re just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen program or want to refresh your skills, UniStart is the ideal foundation to help you gain confidence and forge a clear pathway to transition into a degree and pursue your goals. You’ll be fully supported throughout your studies with access to your academic team seven days a week, including after-hours, and tailored support from a team of local Student Advisers. 

UniStart has been purposefully designed by a team of expert online academics, guided by cutting-edge research in digital learning and a wealth of experience preparing students for ongoing success. You'll benefit from UniSA's strong history as a leader in delivering foundation education through UniSA College, backed by a commitment to personalised and inclusive learning. 

Complete UniStart with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge you can use to gain entry into one of over 95 undergraduate degrees and qualifications, ready to embark on your study journey and launch or advance your exciting career.

Your study experience and support

Study On Demand

Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.

  • Study 100% online - no need to come onto campus
  • Choose from four start dates in January and June
  • Learn in 10-week blocks
  • Get support seven days a week - including on weeknights
  • Access learning resources 24/7
  • View course content before your term starts
  • Work while you study
  • Plan your study schedule ahead of time

Why UniSA Online?

Student services

Our graduates get jobs

UniSA is ranked as the number one university in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.

Specifically designed for online learning

Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.

Backed by industry

Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.

Expand your professional network from wherever you are

Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.

1 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Student support

Student services

Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it. 

Dedicated Student Adviser support

Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.

Online academic support seven days a week

You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.

They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.

24/7 tech support

Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.

24/7 digital environment

Our interactive online environment is a one-stop shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.

Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.

Student services

IT Requirements

As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:

  • run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
  • run Java
  • run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
  • use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
  • Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.

Access free IT software and resources

As a UniSA Online student, you'll:

  • Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible). 
  • Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them. 
  • Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
  • Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.

There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.

Check your device

Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.

See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.

How to apply

The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Check your eligibility

    Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions.

  2. Gather your relevant documents

    If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.

    In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.

    Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to log in to your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.

  3. Complete your application and send through your documents

    In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.

Online Course Facilitator

UniStart represents a fantastic opportunity for people looking to kickstart their journey into an undergraduate degree at UniSA. There are many reasons someone might need a pathway into a degree; perhaps high school didn’t go as planned, maybe tertiary study wasn’t originally in the plan, or maybe it’s time for a career change driven by some requalification. No matter what your journey, UniStart prepares students for success by developing the skills and knowledge required to start your degree with confidence. 

As an educator and Program Director of enabling programs at UniSA, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by students when commencing their learning at university, and I use this to inform the curriculum and supports tailored to students within these programs. My approach to teaching is informed by research and particularly the principles of enabling pedagogy which strive to make education at university accessible to students from all walks of life. My experience as a lecturer and program director has fostered my passion to help students succeed at university by supporting them to embrace strategies to effectively navigate commencing learning at university.

Tristan King


Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Tristan King
Portrait image for Tristan King

Tristan King


Program Director

Enquire

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