What is Flexible Entry?
The Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney recognises that there are a number of pressures on students as they consider their options for their future. The breadth of opportunities after completing secondary studies is daunting, in addition to the concern in regards to achieving a competitive ATAR (or equivalent) to receive a place in their chosen degree.
At present, Flexible Entry is offered through the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Architecture at the University of Sydney.
Flexible entry for Science students
In Science, we acknowledge the anxiety associated with choosing a university, a degree and the subjects that you will study, so we are aiming to make our entry requirements as transparent as possible. We also recognise the academic rigour of HSC science and mathematics subjects and our Flexible Entry Scheme automatically identifies students who have achieved excellent results in these subjects and gives them a competitive advantage when applying for Science degrees.
It allows school leavers to be considered for a place in their chosen degree on the basis of their ATAR (or equivalent) in combination with other specified selection criteria. For Science degrees, students whose ATAR (or equivalent) is slightly below the ATAR cut-off may still be offered a place based on excellent performance in relevant HSC science and mathematics subjects. The faculty will generally consider students who have an ATAR up to 5 ATAR points below the published cut-off in that year.
If this applies to you, it is still worth keeping that course in your preference list because you may be automatically considered for flexible entry into that course.
Applicants who are approved for admission under this scheme must have demonstrated their aptitude for the course of their choice.
The Faculty of Science offers Flexible Entry for most courses, however the criteria for consideration and application processes between courses may differ.
Please note that Flexible Entry is available to year 12 school leavers who intend to commence their studies in Semester 1.
Flexible Entry to the BSc and specialist BSc degrees
Including: Science, Science (Advanced), Science (Advanced Mathematics), Science (Molecular Biology and Genetics), Medical Science, Science/Arts, Science/Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Liberal Arts and Science.
This can be on the basis of one of two criteria;
1. Performance in HSC Science or Mathematics subjects
Bachelor of Science, BScience/BArts*
Band 4 and above 2 unit Maths
Band 4 and above in at least ONE of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Physics or Software Design and Development
*For the BScience/BArts a second subject in humanities/social science/language Band 4 or above.
BSc (Molecular Biology and Genetics) and BMedical Science 1st Year
Band 4 and above 2 unit Maths
Band 4 and above for at least TWO of Biology, Chemistry or Physics
BSc (Advanced)
Mathematics Extension 1, PLUS Band 5 and above for 2 unit Mathematics (not General)
Band 5 and above in at least TWO of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Physics or Software Design and Development
BSc (Advanced Mathematics)
Extension 2 Maths with Band E4
BSc/M Nutrition and Dietetics
Band 4 and above in Maths (not general) and
Band 4 and above in at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Geography, Physics or Software Design and Development
BLiberal Arts and Science
Band 4 and above in 2u Maths and
Band 4 and above in at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Physics, Software Design and Development and
Band 4 and above in one humanities, social science or language subject
Application is not required as the Faculty of Science automatically reviews the performance of all UAC candidates in individual HSC science and mathematics subjects.
2. Olympiad Participants
Application is required. Olympiad participants who wish their Olympiad performance to be taken into consideration should write to the Faculty with details of their achievements by Wednesday 6 January 2010.
Application By Mail:
(Olympiad participants only):
Cindy Wilkinson
Director, Academic Administration
Faculty of Science F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Application By Fax:
(02) 9351-4124 (Olympiad participants only)
Remember, the criteria for consideration vary between faculties and courses. Please scrutinise the relevant Faculty policy on flexible entry carefully, so that you do not miss out on vital information or application deadlines. For more information on flexible entry across the University, please visit Flexible Entry.