University Preparation Program

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:

To be eligible to undertake the program in 2008 you must be 21 years of age on 1 March 2009 and either an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or hold a current Australian Permanent Resident visa. Proof of English language proficiency is required if your previous schooling was not completed in English. Read the English Requirements Policy for further information.

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

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 - October), concurrently in Semester 1 (March-June) or concurrently in Semester 2 (July - October).

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:

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 wishing to apply for programs in Science, Business and Engineering.

Hours per week: Depending on the UPP Stream and Study Option, students are required to attend classes on campus for between 2 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.

In addition to the study skills course, students undertaking the Humanities stream will need to 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.

For the Whole Year option the Humanities Stream requires attendance of 2 hours per week in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

For the Semester 1 or Semester 2 options the Humanities Stream requires attendance of 4 hours per week.

A description of the General Education courses on offer in Semester 2 2008 can be found here.

Students taking the Science stream undertake a Mathematics Skills course in addition to the 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.

For the Whole Year option the Science Stream requires attendance of 2 hours per week in Semester 1 and 4 hours per week in Semester 2. For the Semester 1 or Semester 2 options the Science Stream requires attendance of 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.

A student who has been identified as an elite athlete or performer and who has completed an Australian Senior Secondary qualification (or equivalent) and achieved a UAI (or equivalent) that meets the UNSW minimum entry requirement (70.00) but is below the cut-off for entry to UNSW programs 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 mid-January for Semester 1 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 a committee comprising the President of the Academic Board (or nominee), the Director, Student Management and a member of the Committee on Education of the Academic Board nominated by the Presiding Member of that Committee. The Committee will seek advice from appropriate staff or other experts as to whether the applicant is an 'elite' athlete/performer. If the committee is satisfied that the applicant is an elite athlete/performer, it will consider whether or not the University Preparation Program is the most appropriate avenue for admission of the applicant, taking into account the applicant's prior studies and preparedness for tertiary study. If so, a place will be offered commencing in March or July, as appropriate, thereby waiving the minimum age (21 years) requirement.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over prior to commencing the UPP.

UNSW policy stipulates that students must attend at least 80% of classes.

For the 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 for applicants in receipt of means tested Centrelink benefits or who can otherwise demonstrate financial hardship. 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 will be Semester 2 2008.

Applications for the Semester 2 intake open Monday 5 May 2008 and will be accepted until 4.30pm on Friday 13 June 2008.

Late applications will be accepted after the closing date until 18 July subject to availability of places. Please contact the Admissions Office for advice prior to submitting a late application.

University Preparation Program Semester 2 2008 Brochure.
University Preparation Program Semester 2 2008 Application Form.
University Preparation Program Semester 2 2008 General Education Courses.
University Preparation Program Semester 2 2008 Reduced Fee Application.

If you would prefer to receive a package by mail, please email your name and postal address to: ugadmis@unsw.edu.au

 

If you have any further enquiries please contact the Admissions Office:
Email: ugadmis@unsw.edu.au
Tel: +61 2 9385 3228