Sydney to replace maths prerequisites with targeted support

The University of Sydney will remove the advanced mathematics prerequisite for entry to many of its courses from 2025 to increase accessibility for students, and invest in providing commencing students with targeted support so they are equipped with the knowledge base they need to successfully progress through their degrees. 

“Mathematical skills and knowledge are vital for students to succeed at university and thrive in the workplaces of the future,” said Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO. 

“Yet through no fault of their own, many students don’t have the opportunity to take advanced mathematics at school – a situation exacerbated by ongoing maths teacher shortages that affect some schools more than others.

“In line with our commitment to deliver educational experiences that are truly transformative and to ensure a greater diversity of students succeed at the University of Sydney, we’re shifting focus and investing in providing our students with bespoke mathematics support – while removing the potential barrier prerequisites might present when enrolling at Sydney.”

From next year, Year 12 students who achieve a Band 3 or higher in Advanced Mathematics will be eligible to receive an additional point towards their selection rank under the University’s Academic Excellence Scheme (AES).

The mathematics prerequisite will be retained for courses in Engineering Honours and Advanced Computing (including combined degrees), and Pharmacy.

Increasing accessibility

In 2019, the University introduced a minimum two-unit mathematics prerequisite for entry to several courses, to encourage students to engage with maths at a higher level and help address Australia’s skills shortage. However, enrolment in advanced mathematics in high schools has continued to decline. 

“Unfortunately, it’s clear it’s harder for some school students to access higher-level mathematics simply because of where they’re from,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Joanne Wright.

“Research shows how stark that difference can be. Schools in regional and remote locations are significantly less likely to offer advanced and extension mathematics.

“Our new approach responds to these realities of the student experience today and ensures we’re better equipping students for their university studies and careers.”

Investing in targeted support

“All our students will have access to early and personalised, general and faculty-specific mathematics support as they embark on and complete their degrees,” Professor Wright said.  

Specialist staff in the University’s Learning Hub will provide tailored assistance, preparatory workshops and bridging courses to help students refresh or strengthen mathematical skills required for many courses. Group-based sessions also run during semester, with staff and peer support offered for specific units of study.

Innovative tools to support students are also being developed to help students identify any gaps in knowledge and appropriate support services. This includes the pilot of a mathematics diagnostic tool, designed to match individual students with the most appropriate learning support services and guidance on their enrolment. The Faculty of Science is also developing a related digital advising and support tool.

“Regardless of their starting point, all our students will have the opportunity to complete their studies with the same level of mathematics skills and knowledge,” said Professor Wright.

“As we embark on our next steps towards meeting our aspirations to be Australia’s best university for teaching and learning by 2032, we will continue to refine our offer and put consultation and our students’ experience front and centre of everything we do."