Study preparation
Get ready to meet the challenges of online learning head on. Boost your study skills to get the most out of your degree.
If it’s been a while since you picked up a textbook or you’re a bit unsure about how to study online, a short course in study skills will help get you ready for uni.
We offer a selection of introductory subjects to get you up to speed. Several of these subjects can be counted as an elective towards your degree. You may also be able to get government support to help with your fees—see Financial options for more information. You can also explore self-paced online short courses that you can pick up before you begin your degree, or study alongside it.
Here's our shortlist of courses that cover topics like the basics of online learning, essential academic skills, academic writing, and maths. Some are paid subjects offered through OUA by leading Australian universities, and others are free short courses.
Academic writing and communication
English for Academic Purposes, provided by UniStraSi, NUI Galway, The Open University and CTI with FutureLearn (free)
Undergraduate CUR-APC100-2021
Academic and Professional Communications
- Bachelor of Arts (Geography)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)
- Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Digital and Social Media)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Digital and Social Media)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing) (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
Learning strategies
Preparing for University, provided by University of East Anglia through FutureLearn (free)
OUA stories

4 ways to become an active learner
Take an active approach to your study, and be on your way to great results.
The art of scheduling
It’s your best shot at maximizing results and minimizing stress.
Taking notes: the pen-to-paper advantage
Taking notes is essential to learning and retaining information.Science and technology skills
Study life skills
- Become a SuperLearner V2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory, provided by Udemy (paid)
- Essential Study Skills: Strategies for Ultimate Success, provided by Udemy (paid)
- How to study effectively - boost your study skills, provided by Udemy (paid)
- Study Skills Mastery: Study Less But Smart with Top Result, provided by Udemy (paid)
- Supercharge Your Grades, provided by Udemy (paid)
Studying online
- Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating, provided by University of Leeds through FutureLearn (free)
- Learning Online: Managing Your Identity, provided by University of Leeds through FutureLearn (free)
- Learning Online: Reflecting and Sharing, provided by University of Leeds through FutureLearn (free)
- Learning Online: Searching and Researching, provided by University of Leeds through FutureLearn (free)
Working with numbers
- Macquarie University Mathematical Skills, provided by Macquarie University (free)
- Math, provided by Khan Academy (free)
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Get going with OUA
Compare and apply
We’ll help you find the right course for you. Our student advisors are ready to answer your questions.
Work out your finances
During your enrolment, we’ll offer you the option to pay upfront in full, or defer your payment using a student loan. Remember to look into income tax deductions for course fees and study-related expenses.
Get credit for your success
We won’t let your hard work go unrecognised. Choose to take a single subject, or combine your work as part of a degree.
We're here to help
Our student advisors can assist you with your enrolment, help you plan your studies and answer any questions about how studying through OUA works.