Open Foundation Program Details

Open Foundation offers a range of courses in both the part-time and intensive programs, which provide preparation for entry across all Faculties of the University. Courses are available in the sciences, in mathematics and in the humanities, which includes courses such as History, Literature, Sociology and Studies in Law.

Students must complete and pass 40 units to complete the Program. In the part-time program students take 20 units in each semester: a total of 4 courses each of 10 units. In the Intensive program students take 2 courses of 20 units in semester 2. There are two Design courses offered in the Intensive program, each valued at 10 units which together make up half of the 40 units required. Students in the part-time program may also access the Design courses.

Part-time Open Foundation:

A 40 unit program is conducted in Semesters 1 and 2 each year at both Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses.

Students take 4 hours per week of classes and are expected to be able to allocate a further 10 - 15 hours per week to preparation, assignments and out of class study throughout the program. Students are also encouraged to attend a one-hour tutorial with their lecturer each fortnight.

Both day and evening times are scheduled for many of the courses. Consequently if you work full-time, you should still be able to undertake the program.

Most courses in the part-time program have Part 1 in Semester 1 and Part 2 in Semester 2. Students are expected to take both parts of a course, though there is provision to change a course at the beginning of Semester 2 in consultation with the Open Foundation Co-ordinator or the Executive Officer of the Centre.

Exams take place at the end of each 10 unit course - i.e. in June and November. Assessment is made up of 50% from progressive assessment (assignments, essays and class tests) and 50% from final exams. Students need to pass all four 10 unit courses to pass the program.

Intensive Open Foundation:

Intensive Open Foundation is a full-time 40 unit program which is conducted in Semester 2 each year at both Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses. The Intensive program is not recommended for people who are in full-time employment. (Refer to Part-time Open Foundation.) As this is a full-time program classes are only available in the day time.

Students take 10 hours/week of classes and are expected to be able to allocate a further 15 - 20 hours/week to preparation, assignments and essays through the 12 weeks of the program. Students are also encouraged to attend a one-hour tutorial with their lecturer each fortnight.

Assessment is made up of 50% from progressive assessment (assignments, essays, class tests) and 50% from final exams. Exams take place during the University's formal examination period in November.