FUTURE STUDENTS

The UNSW University Preparation Program (UPP) is a preparatory study program for older students who either do not possess formal qualifications or whose academic qualifications do not satisfy the minimum entry requirements for admission to university. The program has been designed to assess your academic potential and to provide a realistic environment within which you can develop the skills to manage tertiary study effectively.

Satisfactory completion of the UPP does not guarantee admission to any specific program, but can be used as evidence of recent study when applying for admission to the University. You should note that your total educational background, and not just your UPP results, will be taken into consideration for admission purposes.

The UPP is not accepted for entry to the following programs at UNSW:

Applications for UPP places, which number approximately 400 each year, open in early December for the Whole Year and Semester 1 options, and early May for the Semester 2 option. Applications are available in December and May of each year.

To be eligible to undertake the program in 2010 you must:

A student who has been identified as an elite athlete or performer and who has completed an Australian Senior Secondary qualification (or equivalent) may seek admission to the University Preparation Program under the Elite Athletes and Performers University Entry Scheme.An elite athlete will have participated in sport at the level of national or international competition. Elite performers will have participated in significant national or international productions, competitions or events.

 

Applications close in January for Semester 1 entry and June for Semester 2 entry. In addition to the UPP Application Form applicants will need to provide a statement outlining the reasons why they wish to undertake undergraduate study, and how their studies in Year 12 or equivalent were affected by their sporting/performance commitments.  Relevant supporting documentation must be included.
 
Applications will be assessed by the Pro Vice-Chancellors (Students) Office. The PVC (Students) will seek advice from appropriate staff or other experts as to whether the applicant is an elite athlete/performer. If so, a place will be offered commencing in March or July, as appropriate, thereby waiving the minimum age (21 years) requirement. Elite athlete/performer applicants must be aged 18 or over prior to commencing the UPP.

 

For further information and assistance please contact UNSW Sport and Recreation.

The UPP involves students completing two components of study - the University Orientation and Study Skills (UOSS) core course and an elective. These can either be completed consecutively in Semester 1 and Semester 2 (March - November - Whole Year option), concurrently in Semester 1 (March-June - Semester 1 option) or concurrently in Semester 2 (July-November - Semester 2 option).

The University Orientation and Study Skills (UOSS) component is exclusively for UPP students.  No prior knowledge is required, except for English Proficiency.  Topics covered in the course include orientation to the academic system, time management and critical analysis skills, preparing seminar presentations, essay writing, note taking from lectures and written material, examination techniques and library/research skills.  Students need to attend ONE of the 2 hour class sessions on:

UPP Streams
Students undertaking the UPP choose one of two streams depending on their intended area of undergraduate study. The Humanities stream is suitable preparation for those wishing to apply for programs in Arts & Social Sciences, the Built Environment, College of Fine Arts and Law. The Science stream is suitable preparation for those who do not have sufficient background in mathematics and wish to apply for programs in Science, Business and Engineering.

Humanities Stream
In addition to the core study skills course, students undertaking the Humanities stream complete one General Education (GE) course, chosen from a specified range.  These courses require no prior knowledge. In successfully completing this GE elective UPP students can experience first hand the teaching methods, learning environment and workload of an actual undergraduate university course.

 

The Humanities Stream requires attendance of 2-4 hours per week. A description of the General Education courses offered in Semester 1 2010 can be found here.

Students taking the Science stream undertake a Mathematics Skills course in addition to the core study skills course.  It is designed to provide a level of competency in mathematics for students who have not studied HSC Mathematics (or equivalent) at high school and who wish to apply to UNSW programs with Assumed Knowledge in Mathematics.

 

The Science Stream requires attendance of 4-6 hours per week.  The Mathematics Skills component of UPP involves attendance at classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Depending on the UPP Stream and Study Option, students are required to attend classes on campus for between 4 and 6 hours per week. Approximately 6-8 hours per week of additional study is also required for each component of the UPP. Both daytime and evening classes are available.

 

UNSW policy stipulates that students must attend at least 80% of classes. For the core study skills component, assessment is continuous and comprises class participation, a seminar presentation, essays and a final examination.  Additionally, students must attend classes in Weeks 1 and 2 to satisfy attendance requirements. For the elective components, assessment may include a combination of class participation, maintenance of a learning journal, short written assignments, seminar presentations, essays, and a final examination.

Humanities Stream: $750.00
Science Stream: $1000.00

The program fee must be paid in full at the time of application. The fee includes borrowing rights to the University Library for the duration of the program.

20 Reduced-Fee places (Humanities - $450.00, Science - $550.00) will be available in Semester 1 and 15 in Semester 2 2010 for applicants in receipt of means tested Centrelink benefits or who can otherwise demonstrate financial hardship. Reduced Fee applicants must complete a Reduced Fee Application Form and make pre-payment of $450.00 for the Humanities Stream or $550.00 for the Science Stream. If the application for a Reduced-Fee place is unsuccessful applicants have the choice of receiving a refund (less $150.00 administration charge) or paying the balance of fees and accepting a Full-Fee place.

The next intake for the University Preparation Program is Semester 1 or Whole Year 2010. Applications for the Semester 1 or Whole Year options will open on Tuesday 1 December 2009. Please see the UNSW University Preparation Program (UPP) information brochure and application form for further information.

If you would prefer to receive a package by mail please contact the Learning Centre (details below).