International Postgraduate 2015 Prospectus www.jcu.edu.au Welcome I look forward to welcoming you to James Cook University The Cairns Institute complements and adds a vital human, (JCU) in 2015. JCU is a leading Australian research and social and cultural dimension to the University’s other teaching institution where international students come renowned research centres through advanced studies to further their education, undertake research and and research in sustainable industries, economies, people gain qualifications that are recognised globally. We are and societies in the tropics. The Cairns Institute supports particularly proud of our reputation for excellence in existing research strengths in education, anthropology, producing graduates who have a special understanding human geography, linguistics and historical studies. of the tropics. As a postgraduate student at JCU you will enjoy JCU is Queensland’s second oldest university and was a supportive study environment, highly qualified established in Townsville, Queensland in 1970 to be teachers and exceptional facilities. We offer students Australia’s “University for the Tropics”. JCU is well above a comprehensive range of courses and opportunities world class ranking in ecology, environmental science to work with world-class researchers. Employers value and medical microbiology, ranking in the top 4% of JCU graduates for their combination of theoretical and universities worldwide for the strength of our academic practical experience. programs and the high calibre of our research.* More than 6,000 international students from many Our students are privileged to be taught by world countries are enjoying the benefits of studying with JCU leading academics and have real-life laboratories on their right now and our alumni are working throughout the doorstep including the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree world. Please take the time to discover our campuses, Rainforest. facilities and the large range of courses that are outlined in this Prospectus. Many specialist research centres and institutes are based at JCU and provide a hub for research and innovation. The I hope I will have the opportunity to welcome you to Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for the University. Coral Reef Studies attracts the world’s leading researchers to the University and its real-life laboratory – the Great Barrier Reef. The NHMRC Centre of Excellence for Peripheral Arterial Disease, funds teams of researchers to pursue innovative, high quality, collaborative research activities in priority areas. Professor Sandra Harding Vice-Chancellor and President * Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Academic Ranking of World Universities 2012 Our tropical campuses Singapore Cairns Townsville Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn James Cook Contents Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor Inside front cover James Cook University – A brighter future 2 University Our Tropical Campuses 2015 International Postgraduate Prospectus Cairns 4 Townsville 6 Singapore 8 Additional Study Options JCU Brisbane 10 Pathways to JCU 11 Courses and Fees Choosing the right course 12 Courses and Fees table 14 Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 22 Business, Information Technology and Law 25 Creative Arts 27 Education, Psychology and Social Work 29 Medicine, Health and Veterinary Science 33 Science and Engineering 36 Research Research excellence 41 Research study options 42 World-class research facilities 45 Life at JCU Student services 50 Accommodation 52 Entry and Important Information Academic and English language entry requirements 54 Financial aid and scholarships 56 Planning your budget 56 Study dates 56 Australian visa information 56 Getting to James Cook University 57 How to apply 58 Postgraduate Coursework application form 59 Contacts Back cover James Cook University A brighter future James Cook University (JCU) is Australia’s leading university for the tropics. Offering excellence in teaching and research, JCU is a vibrant university operating across two countries and three tropical campuses, with locations in the North Queensland cities of Cairns and Townsville and in the city-state of Singapore. JCU also has a campus in Brisbane city operated by Russo Higher Education. 2 | www.jcu.edu.au Total student enrolments are over 20,000 and growing, including over 6,000 international students from 100 countries. International students have a choice of more than 300 programs available to study across JCU’s three campuses. Did you know Did you know JCU has received the Australian Our professional coursework programs Government’s highest ranking of are accredited by industry and ‘well above world standard’ for its professional associations, and many research in the areas of environmental professionals are guest lecturers for our science and management, ecological postgraduate programs. applications and medical microbiology (Excellence in Research for Australia national report, 2013). International recognition Study across countries Research intensive A JCU qualification is internationally JCU students have the unique opportunity The unique location of James Cook recognised for excellence. The Institute to join the inter-campus mobility program, University allows nationally significant and of Higher Education, which compiles the allowing students to study across JCU’s internationally recognised research to be Academic Ranking of World Universities, ranks Australian and Singapore campuses. In conducted by both staff and students. Much JCU as one of the world’s leading academic addition, JCU’s Exchange Program allows research focus is based on the industries and research institutions. In 2013, JCU was students to study one or two semesters and environments of northern Australia placed in the top 4% grouping of more than abroad at over 50 partner institutions around including marine biology, biodiversity, tropical 14,000 universities in the world.* In Asia and the world. environmental studies, earth sciences/geology, the Pacific, we are placed in the top 100. engineering, tropical health and tourism. Supportive study environment JCU is a member of the national alliance, Practical focus JCU strives to create a student centered Innovative Research Universities and is one JCU courses will give you opportunities learning environment where students can take of the world’s leading research universities in for hands-on experience from internships, full advantage of their university experience. the tropics. vacation, placements, capstone subjects, With friendly campuses, smaller class sizes, and real-world projects with business, industry accessible teaching staff, and excellent support The power of place and government organisations, to field trips services, including study skills and student JCU’s tropical location sets it apart from any in the natural environments of northern mentor programs, JCU students receive the other university in the world. Our campuses Queensland, Asia Pacific and beyond. JCU personal attention they need to achieve in Cairns and Townsville are close to the works with employers and industry groups their best. Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the to make sure its courses reflect best Wet Tropics. With a ‘living laboratory’ on industry practice. Teaching excellence the doorstep, JCU’s tropical location gives Over the past five years, JCU academics have students a unique opportunity to bring their won more than 39 citations for teaching studies to life. excellence from the Australian Teaching and Learning Council – more teaching awards than many larger universities. * Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Academic Ranking of World Universities 2013. This ranking system is widely acknowledged as a leading global indicator of university status. | 3 Cairns campus 4 | www.jcu.edu.au Millaa Millaa Falls Founders Green Our tropical campuses Cairns Cairns welcomes over two million visitors each year who enjoy the spectacular natural attractions and activities on offer, including scuba diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, and exploring ancient rainforests, waterfalls and national parks. The City The Campus The Cairns campus offers a range of activities and facilities for students including Cairns is one of Australia’s most popular The James Cook University Cairns campus tourist destinations. Cairns’ diverse population combines a spectacular natural setting with • student eatery, café and bar of around 170,000 enjoys a cosmopolitan modern and innovative teaching facilities. • bookshop lifestyle with many cafés, restaurants, markets The campus is located at the foot of • sporting facilities and nightclubs. rainforest-covered mountains, 15 kilometres • amphitheatre (approximately 9 miles) north of the city • Student Association Office The close proximity of Cairns to natural centre and near the popular northern • dental clinic attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and beaches suburbs. The campus is serviced the Daintree Rainforest give rise to a thriving by regular buses to the city centre and the Students enjoy small classes and a friendly business in international visitors. Students nearby Smithfield shopping centre and campus atmosphere. Modern student looking for part-time work during their studies residential areas. accommodation is also situated near in Cairns will find a variety of part-time jobs the campus. available in tourism, hospitality, retail sales With over 4,000 students enrolled, including and business administration, with many