Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions

Studying mathematics at university is very different to high school. To ensure that you are appropriately prepared, you should choose your HSC subjects carefully and check the assumed knowledge required for your chosen program.

What level of maths should I take for my HSC if want to study Mathematics at university?

We suggest that you take the highest level of mathematics that you can at school. While there are no prerequisites for the BMath, the assumed knowledge requirement is currently HSC Mathematics Extension 1 with results in Band 4, or the equivalent in your state or country. You will fmd it difficult to undertake the advanced first-year mathematics courses MATH1210 and MATH1220 if you do not have this assumed knowledge.

What if I don't have the assumed knowledge, or if HSC Mathematics Extension 1 was not available at my school?

You can still enrol in the BMath if you have not met the assumed knowledge criteria. The flexible structure of the degree includes an alternative program, which allows you to take the foundational mathematics courses MATH1110 and MATH1120 in first year. Combined with the second-year course MATH2340, this structure provides an alternative pathway to more advanced topics in mathematics.

Are there any other HSC subjects I should take?

If you have a clear idea of what you want to do in the future, then you should make appropriate choices of subjects at school. For example, if you know that you are interested in studying Engineering as a combined degree with Mathematics, taking science subjects such as Physics and Chemistry will help you meet the assumed knowledge for that discipline.

If you are not sure what you want to do in the future, then you should study a broad base of enabling subjects such as Physics and English. Remember that the BMath gives you a wide choice of electives and can prepare you for diverse career paths, so you can explore your areas of interest at university as well as high school.