FUTURE STUDENTS

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.

 

For some degree programs 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 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.

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. The Faculty of Engineering offers a Diploma in Science, Engineering and Technology (DipSET) as a pathway for applicants who do not have sufficient background knowledge. For further details see Faculty of Engineering website.

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 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).