James Cook University Logo James Cook University

Address: James Cook University, 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas QLD 4811, Australia
Phone: +61 7 4781 4111
Email: info@jcu.edu.au
Website: www.jcu.edu.au


For international students, JCU requires proof of English language proficiency. Here are the general requirements:

  • IELTS: An overall score of 6.0 to 7.0, depending on the program, with no individual band lower than 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 70 to 94, with minimum scores in each component.
  • PTE Academic: Scores typically ranging from 50 to 65.
  • Cambridge English: Scores of 169 to 185, depending on the program.
  • Marine Biology and Environmental Science: JCU is well-known for its programs in marine biology, environmental science, and tropical ecology.
  • Health Sciences: The university offers degrees in medicine, nursing, public health, and allied health, with a focus on preparing professionals for rural and remote healthcare settings.
  • Veterinary Science: JCU has a strong program in veterinary science, particularly in areas related to wildlife and marine animals.
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management: The university offers programs focusing on sustainable tourism, especially relevant given its location near popular tourist destinations.

James Cook University (JCU) boasts a number of distinguished professors who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are some of the top professors at JCU:

1. Professor Jodie McVernon

  • Field: Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Notable Contributions: Professor McVernon is recognized for her work in modeling infectious diseases, particularly in the areas of public health and epidemiology. Her research focuses on understanding disease transmission and the impact of vaccination strategies.
  • Position: Director of the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre.

2. Professor Robert Day

  • Field: Environmental Management
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Day is an expert in sustainable resource management and environmental policy, with a focus on tropical ecosystems. He has published extensively on environmental governance and community-based conservation.
  • Position: Professor of Environmental Management.

3. Professor David Western

  • Field: Marine Ecology
  • Notable Contributions: A leading researcher in marine and freshwater ecosystems, Professor Western’s work focuses on coral reef ecology and the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. He has contributed significantly to the conservation of aquatic environments.
  • Position: Professor of Marine Ecology.

4. Professor Amanda M. D. M. Smith

  • Field: Marine Biology
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Smith is known for her research in marine conservation and ecological processes in tropical marine environments. She has worked on projects related to coral reef health and the management of marine resources.
  • Position: Professor of Marine Biology.

5. Professor David McKenzie

  • Field: Aquaculture and Fisheries
  • Notable Contributions: Professor McKenzie is recognized for his research in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, focusing on improving practices for fish farming and resource use.
  • Position: Professor of Aquaculture and Fisheries.

6. Professor Vicki M. K. S. Hurst

  • Field: Plant Ecology
  • Notable Contributions: An expert in plant ecology and conservation biology, Professor Hurst’s research explores the relationships between plants and their environment, particularly in tropical regions.
  • Position: Professor of Plant Ecology.

7. Professor David P. H. Dempsey

  • Field: Climate Science
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Dempsey focuses on climate change impacts on tropical ecosystems and sustainable development. He has published extensively on climate adaptation strategies.
  • Position: Professor of Climate Science.

8. Professor Peter O’Connor

  • Field: Education and Learning
  • Notable Contributions: A recognized expert in educational research, Professor O’Connor’s work focuses on teaching methodologies and learning outcomes in higher education, particularly in the context of Indigenous education.
  • Position: Professor of Education.

9. Professor Rachael D. K. Hines

  • Field: Public Health
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Hines conducts research in public health, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention, with a specific emphasis on rural and remote health issues.
  • Position: Professor of Public Health.

10. Professor Janice A. W. Baird

  • Field: Psychology
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Baird’s research includes areas such as behavioral psychology and mental health, particularly in the context of tropical health and community wellbeing.
  • Position: Professor of Psychology.

James Cook University has not had any Nobel Prize winners associated with it, but its researchers contribute significantly to scientific knowledge, especially in tropical biology and environmental sustainability.

James Cook University (JCU) is a world-class university that ranks consistently as one of the world’s top 400 universities, having also attained the prestigious QS 5 Stars ranking in 2021 for our achievements in the categories of teaching, employability, research and facilities. We are also the second-oldest university in Queensland and Australia’s leading university in the tropics.

Our work is driven by the belief to empower students to help them realise their potential and be a catalyst for innovation and connection to give back to the societies they exist in. JCU students explore, discover and grow through research and teaching that makes a difference to people and societies, the natural world and built environment and leave university prepared for the competitive demands of the global workforce.

In our constant pursuit of excellence in teaching and research, we have expanded our reach within Australia to ensure local relevance while also attaining global perspective with a comprehensive overseas presence spanning 14 discipline areas across 7 campus locations in 2 countries in Australia (Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa and Thursday Island) and Singapore. 

 We have a focus on:

• Allied Health and Pharmacy

• Biomedical Sciences

• Business, Law and Finance

• Marine Science

• Medicine and Dentistry

• Nursing and Midwifery

• Pathways and Preparation

• Planning, Development and the Environment

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

• Society and Culture

• Sport and Exercise Science

• Teaching and Education

• Tourism

• Veterinary and Animal Science


For more information on JCU, please visit: https://www.jcu.edu.au or https://www.jcu.edu.sg

  • Tropical Research: JCU is one of the leading institutions for research in tropical environments and ecosystems, especially significant given its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Marine Science: The university is renowned for its marine research, particularly in coral reef studies, marine biology, and environmental science.
  • Health Sciences: JCU offers comprehensive programs in health, including nursing, medicine, and public health, with a focus on rural and remote healthcare.
  • Indigenous Studies: The university has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and research, offering programs that focus on Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives.