This unit is designed to prepare students for study at the Diploma level by introducing the academic requirements, learning strategies and modes of learning required in higher education in the Australian context. It enables students to develop a range of specific capabilities essential for independent learning success. These include: general study skills, critical thinking, English for academic purposes (mechanics and vocabulary), essay writing technique, reading and research strategies. Topics: •Study skills: approaches to learning, time management, listening, note-taking, participating •Reading: strategies for effective and efficient reading, specific text types •Research: locating and evaluating sources, summarising, paraphrasing, avoiding plagiarism, referencing and quoting •Critical thinking: evaluating and constructing logical arguments •English for academic purposes: understanding and using features of academic English including grammar and vocabulary for specific disciplines •Assessments: analysing and understanding different assessment tasks and how to approach them •Writing process: essay outlines and planning, drafting and editing