The ECC Foundation Program is equivalent to upper secondary school (Year 12) and university foundation programs. It aims to prepare international students for further study in an ECC Diploma or for entry into the first year of a selected Edith Cowan University bachelor’s degree.
The course consists of either a General or Science stream. Both streams are of the same duration, price and credit points, with slight variances in units and the ECU degrees they will lead to.
Various support services focusing on language, literacy and numeracy assistance are also available to help you in your studies. Each unit includes four hours of classes per week. Assessment for all units is continuous and includes tests, assignments and case study analysis. Most units have a final two-hour examination. To graduate from the ECC Foundation Program, you must complete and pass all units in the General or Science stream.
This unit develops knowledge and skills in computing systems – software, hardware, digital security, communication networks, internet, information and data management. Students will develop their digital literacy and gain practical skills in specific computing applications from the Microsoft Office Suite.
This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses. Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.
This unit introduces concepts and skills used by managers to propose, plan, secure resources, budget and lead project teams to successful project completion. Students will examine and apply fundamental principles, strategies and approaches for project management in a variety of contexts that are universally applicable across organisations and project types.
This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection and critical reading of reliable academic sources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system. Students develop and deliver oral presentations using multi-media. The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.
The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, mobilities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Students are given a practical introduction to intercultural communication, linguistic and cultural diversity and their implications for professional practice. Students will research, report and present on sites of intercultural communication that are relevant to their discipline / professional interests.
This integrated Science unit enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics, and is suited to students wishing to persue a range of future career and study options. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.
This unit explains theoretical principles/practices for marketing in changing environments. It introduces fundamental marketing concepts (consumer behaviour, market research, product planning, promotion, distribution, services, pricing) across many institutions (government, manufacturing, services and not-for-profit sectors) and how marketing concepts are applied in the real world.
This unit develops knowledge and skills in computing systems – software, hardware, digital security, communication networks, internet, information and data management. Students will develop their digital literacy and gain practical skills in specific computing applications from the Microsoft Office Suite.
This unit is designed for students who require a general mathematics background suitable for studies in business, health sciences and computing/IT courses. Students will learn to use a scientific calculator and develop critical thinking skills to identify, analyse, synthesize and solve mathematical calculations in arithmetic, statistics, algebra, functions and their graphs, optimisation, sequences, series, growth and decay, trigonometry, geometric sequences, series, set theory and interest.
This unit is designed to provide students with knowledge in a broad range of physics concepts, and to help students identify the impact of physics and technology on society. It is designed for those who do not have a physics background at secondary level but wish to study engineering or physical sciences at the university. This unit covers theory and practical investigations, using logical and analytical thinking, as well as developing skills in communicating scientific information. Physics principles and methods applicable to Newton’s Laws, forces, heat, motion, electricity, wave motion and optics are included.
This unit introduces the foundations of academic writing – from library research using databases, selection and critical reading of reliable academic sources, to writing paragraphs and essays, using the APA referencing system. Students develop and deliver oral presentations using multi-media. The unit also includes essential study skills to assist with time management, note-taking and the use of memory aids for study purposes.
The unit introduces students to intercultural interaction in the contemporary world, focusing on multiple and diverse audiences, mobilities, globalisation, cultural symbols and values, language, and interpretations of intercultural sites. Students are given a practical introduction to intercultural communication, linguistic and cultural diversity and their implications for professional practice. Students will research, report and present on sites of intercultural communication that are relevant to their discipline / professional interests.
This integrated Science unit enables students to investigate science issues in the context of the world around them. It incorporates aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics, and is suited to students wishing to persue a range of future career and study options. Integrated Science encourages students to be questioning, reflective and critical thinkers about scientific issues. Students develop a range of practical skills and techniques through investigations and fieldwork in context, and use scientific evidence to make informed decisions about scientific issues.
This Mathematics unit is for students who wish to study Engineering, Physical Sciences, or technical, maths-related courses at university. Topics include mathematical modelling using functions and graphs; concepts, techniques and applications of differential and integral calculus; and analytic geometry. Students will solve problems linked to applications of differentiation (solving optimisation problems), integration (area and volume) and analytic geometry (properties of vectors in 2 and 3-dimensional space and solution of linear systems of equations).
After successfully completing the Foundation Program and meeting specified entry requirements, you may be eligible to apply for entry into the first year of selected ECU bachelor degrees. There are over 250 courses course in 8 study areas to choose from at ECU:
| Course | Lending to ECU degrees | Scores required to enter ECU degree courses |
| Foundation General Stream | All Bachelors degrees (except below) | 60% |
Bachelor of Preclinical Foundations of Imaging Science Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation) Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Bachelor of Speech Pathology Bachelor of Science (Nursing) /Bachelor of Science (Midwifery) | 80% | |
Bachelor of Laws Any double degrees | 85% | |
| Foundation Science Stream | Bachelor of Engineering Honours | 80% |
Bachelor of Engineering Science Any double degrees | 85% |
Other Selection criteria into courses at ECU
Other selection criteria may apply in addition to Foundation academic performance, including the requirement to satisfy a University recognised English test such as the IELTS. Students wishing to progress to the following courses will be required to have an IELTS of 7.0+ or equivalent before commencing university. Please view Higher English Requirement for details.