What's in the Newstep Program?

Newstep will provide you with the following:

The knowledge and skills required for successful study at higher education level.
An insight into the standards expected of university students.
An opportunity to explore courses and services offered by the University of Newcastle.

The Newstep Program consists of two semesters of study, the normal university academic year. Students must attend about 15 hours of classes each week. Students must enrol for a full course load of 80 units; 40 units in each semester. All Newstep courses are designed to provide suitable preparation for undergraduate degree programs.

In Semester 1 a student's program of study will include English and a choice of three electives from Australian Culture and Society, Directed Study, Mathematics (two levels), Film Studies, Design Drawing and Information Technology.

In Semester 2 students will study English and 30 units of courses chosen from the following wide range of electives:

Australian History
Chemistry and Life Sciences
Classical Studies or Ancient History and Culture
Design in Society
Earth Science
English Literature and Film
Graphic Design Fundamentals
Legal Studies
Linguistics
Mathematics (2 levels)
Philosophy
Physics
Social Enquiry

Assessment in Newstep is based on the completion of written assignments, mid-semester and end of semester examinations and satisfactory attendance at classes. Students will receive a score based on the marks gained in each course. With this score Newstep students will compete with other students seeking entry to the University. Selection is competitive and is based on academic performance.