Assumed knowledge

When a student enrols in a degree at UNSW, it is assumed that they are competent at communicating in both written and spoken English. Many courses require students to make oral presentations, prepare assignments or write essays. Without a high level of written and spoken English, it would be difficult to meet the requirements for successful course completion.

For some degrees and first-year courses, it is assumed that through secondary school studies or other equivalent studies a student will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area (eg. Mathematics) that is considered desirable for successful university level study. Performance in relevant Year 12 courses is taken into account in the admission of current Australian Year 12 applicants via UNSW's HSC Plus.

Students who do not have assumed knowledge background are not prevented from enrolling but may be placed at a considerable disadvantage and are strongly advised to undertake a Bridging Program or other appropriate preparation.

Assumed Knowledge and Recommended Studies for UNSW undergraduate degrees

Assumed Knowledge requirements for UNSW undergraduate degrees are outlined below. These are specified in terms of the NSW Higher School Certificate and it is expected that applicants will have achieved a level of performance at Band 4 or higher. For information on Recommended Studies for UNSW undergraduate degrees which do not have Assumed Knowledge requirements see HSC Plus.

For Assumed Knowledge requirements for UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy degrees please see UNSW Canberra at ADFA Assumed Knowledge

Key: Additional Selection Criteria (ASC), Assumed Knowledge (A), Recommended Studies (R)

Assumed Knowledge for Engineering at UNSW

Engineering degrees assume knowledge of HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics. Common mathematics courses taken by engineering students in their first year include Mathematics 1A and Mathematics 1B. Students enrolled in these courses whose level of mathematics is below HSC Mathematics Extension 1, will be placed at a considerable disadvantage. In addition to these first year courses, some Engineering degrees also require additional study of mathematics in upper level years. Physics is also a compulsory course in many degrees, however some degrees offer introductory level studies in mathematics and physics to assist those students without a thorough knowledge of both.

Assumed Knowledge for Medicine at UNSW

The Medicine degree assumes that students have studied HSC English Standard (or higher), and have achieved a level of performance of at least Band 4. Fundamentals of English and English as a Second Language (ESL) are not considered suitable preparation for this degree. Medicine students are required to satisfactorily complete a communications course in Year 1 and clinical work from Year 2.

Assumed Knowledge for Science at UNSW

All science degrees at UNSW assume a level of knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics. Some degrees require students to continue studying mathematics throughout the degree, while others involve the study of mathematics in first year only. In addition, all science degrees recommend studies of at least one HSC science subject and/or HSC Mathematics Extension 1.

When is your knowledge of a subject area likely to be insufficient?

You may find yourself under prepared in your first year courses and therefore at a disadvantage if:

• You did not study the subject at HSC level or equivalent;
• You studied the subject at a lower level than advised (for example, if you did General Mathematics instead of Mathematics);
• You only studied the subject to the end of year 11;
• Your high school studies were undertaken overseas or interstate and the content was not the same as the NSW HSC syllabus;
• You have post secondary qualifications that do not include study of the subject area.

How do you know if you have an appropriate level of knowledge?

To assess whether you have an equivalent level of background in a subject area, after looking at the table above, you can access the NSW HSC syllabus at the Board of Studies.

What to do if you don't have the Assumed Knowledge

UNSW has developed bridging and transitional programs to help you achieve the level of assumed knowledge in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Bridging Programs are designed to bridge the gap between school and university, and can be taken before you start your degree (pre-entry) or after you start your degree(post-entry).