Changes to mathematics prerequisites
We are making this change to increase the accessibility of our courses while ensuring commencing students are equipped with the knowledge base they need to successfully progress through their degrees. With this approach, all students will have the opportunity to complete their studies with the same level of mathematics skills and knowledge, regardless of their starting point.
From 2025, the advanced mathematics prerequisite will be removed from the following degrees:
| Faculty |
Course |
|---|---|
| The University of Sydney Business School |
|
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
|
| Faculty of Engineering |
|
| Faculty of Medicine and Health |
|
| Faculty of Science |
|
The University recognises the vital importance of mathematics skills and knowledge for students, so they can successfully undertake many of our courses and thrive in the jobs of the future. We also understand that school participation in advanced mathematics continues to decline, and that a prerequisite can present a barrier to many students from enrolling at Sydney, in particular those from rural, regional and remote areas where it might not be possible to study advanced mathematics at school.
We are committed to delivering educational experiences that are truly transformative and ensuring a greater diversity of students succeed at Sydney, and so are making this change to increase the accessibility of our courses while ensuring commencing students are equipped with the knowledge base they need to successfully progress through their degrees. With this approach, all students will have the opportunity to complete their studies with the same level of mathematics skills and knowledge, regardless of their starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we’re investing in University and faculty-specific mathematics support for all our students as they embark on their degrees.
In 2024 we are piloting a mathematics diagnostic tool, designed to match individual students with the most appropriate learning support services and guidance on their enrolment.
Our students can meet with a Learning Success Advisor by drop-in or appointment for tailored assistance and advice with their studies or sign up for preparatory workshops or bridging courses to refresh or strengthen the mathematical skills needed for many courses. During the semester, the Learning Hub partners with a range of faculties to offer several supplementary group-based sessions (both staff and peer-led) to support students while they undertake certain units of study.
There will be no change for students already enrolled at the University of Sydney. Students enrolled in all the courses listed above can continue to access the support services offered.
Semester 2 2024
Students applying to transfer into another undergraduate course that will not have a mathematics prerequisite from 2025 will still need to complete the required mathematics unit to be eligible for entry in Semester 2 2024 (as the mathematics prerequisite remains in place for this entry point). Both the support in place and the prerequisites will change from 2025 onwards.
Semester 1 2025
Students applying to transfer to another course where the mathematics prerequisite requirement has been removed will no longer be required to meet the mathematics prerequisite. For example, if a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science in Semester 1 2024, and then submitted a subsequent application for the Bachelor of Science commencing in Semester 1 2025, they (pending meeting all other entry requirements) may be eligible to apply to transfer in 2025 post-removal of the mathematics prerequisite.
Students applying to transfer into another undergraduate course that has not removed the mathematics prerequisite in 2025 will still need to meet the mathematics prerequisite to be eligible for entry in 2025. For example, this applies to the Bachelor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Engineering Honours courses in 2025.
Taking advanced mathematics at school will give students a strong basis from which to commence their studies at the University of Sydney, and remains assumed knowledge for many of our Science courses. The only difference is that it will no longer be a requirement for entry and that we’re investing in support for students, so they can complete their degrees with the required level of mathematics knowledge and skills.
The University’s Academic Excellence Scheme (AES) recognises high performance in advanced mathematics by applying adjustment factors to boost your selection rank. From Semester 1 2025, students who achieve a Band 3 or 4 in Mathematics Advanced in their Year 12 studies applying for the courses that no longer have the mathematics prerequisite will also be eligible to receive an additional point towards their selection rank through the AES. If you’re eligible, this will be automatically applied.