Assumed knowledge

For some degree programs and first-year courses, it is assumed that through secondary studies or other equivalent studies a student will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

Students who do not have the recommended level of assumed knowledge are not prevented from enrolling but they may be placed at a considerable disadvantage. If you have not achieved the recommended level of assumed knowledge you are strongly advised to undertake a Bridging Program or other appropriate preparation.

When a student enrols in a program 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.

Assumed knowledge requirements for UNSW programs are outlined in the following table. 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.

Quantitative Methods A (QMA) and Quantitative Methods B (QMB) are compulsory first year courses for students enrolled in the B Commerce and B Economics programs at UNSW. These courses assume students have a knowledge of algebra (logarithms, exponentials and graphs), calculus (differentiation and integration) and basic probability concepts. Without a background equivalent to HSC Mathematics students will have difficulty in QMA and QMB.

All Engineering programs 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 programs also require additional study of mathematics in upper level years. Physics is also a compulsory course in many programs, however some programs offer introductory level studies in mathematics and physics to assist those students without a thorough knowledge of both. For further details see Faculty of Engineering

The Medicine program 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 program. Medicine students are required to satisfactorily complete a communications course in Year 1 and clinical work from Year 2.

All science programs at UNSW assume a level of knowledge equivalent to HSC Mathematics. Some programs require students to continue studying mathematics throughout the program, 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.

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

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.

UNSW has developed bridging and transitional programs to help you achieve the recommended 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 program (pre-entry) or after you start your degree program (post-entry).