Year 10 Students
Choosing subjects for your HSC?
Generally speaking, you should consider choosing subjects based on:
- Your interests
- Your skills
- Your career choices
Try to keep your options open. You may find that your interests change between Year 10 and when you apply for university.
Assumed knowledge
Some programs and courses list certain HSC subjects as assumed knowledge. For example, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science has assumed knowledge of HSC Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. These subjects generally form the basis of a particular program and you will be assumed to have passed them before starting University. Without this basic knowledge, you may struggle to achieve in your program.
Recommended studies
Recommended studies are HSC subjects that are related to your degree. While these subjects are not compulsory, you may find that they help you prepare for your University studies.
Download our 2009 undergraduate prospectus (PDF 1.9MB).
HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme
The University of Newcastle has introduced the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme that aims to encourage Year 10 students to study particular subjects for their Higher School Certificate and award them for high achievement.
Bonus UAI points are awarded to students who perform well in HSC subjects that are relevant to the specific undergraduate degree program/s they wish to study at the University of Newcastle.
The HSC subjects that attract bonus points are:
- Aboriginal Studies
- English Advanced
- Languages (various)
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
Find out which University of Newcastle degree programs can give you bonus points by looking at the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme Table. You can only be awarded a maximum of four bonus points under the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme.
What is a UAI?
The Universities Admission Index (UAI) is a numerical measure of a student's overall academic achievement in the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) in relation to that of other students. UAI cut offs into university programs vary from year to year depending on demand for each individual degree program.
How many bonus points are awarded?
Students completing particular subjects for the HSC may be eligible to receive up to four additional UAI points for admission to most programs at the University of Newcastle. The number of points awarded is specific to each undergraduate degree program.
Applicants can only be awarded a maximum of four bonus points under the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme, no matter the combination of subjects. However, eligible applicants can also receive four bonus points under the University’s Regional and Rural Preference Scheme.
Please note: The UAI that students receive from UAC does not include the bonus points which are available under the HSC Subjects Bonus Scheme or the Regional and Rural Preference Scheme. These points are added by UAC when your application to study at the University of Newcastle is assessed.
