Uni Speak
Starting your university journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. This directory defines some useful concepts to help you along the way.
Applying to uni
Assumed knowledge relates to things you should have studied before starting your degree. Classes will be taught on the assumption that you have a certain level of knowledge when you begin. Recommended studies are directly related to a particular degree. It’s strongly suggested that you have undertaken the listed subjects as the course will be taught on the basis that you understand these subjects.
The subjects listed under Assumed Knowledge and Recommended Studies are HSC courses. Equivalent TAFE, interstate, registered training provider or international qualifications are also acceptable.
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 which reflects a current school leaver’s position relative to their age group. It serves as a ranking system for university admissions, representing overall academic performance in the final years of secondary education.
Our Direct Entry Portal is designed for applicants not transitioning directly from high school, such as if they’ve taken a gap year, gained work experience or studied elsewhere.
Our Early Entry Program allows domestic Year 12 students completing the NSW HSC to secure an offer based on Year 11 results before final exams.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It's a standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.
You can nominate five preferences in your UAC application. List your preferences in order of the course you’d like to study most, rather than the Selection Rank. Your dream degree should always be at the top of your preference list.
This is the lowest SR of any school leaver to receive an offer in Semester 1, 2025 based on ATAR plus adjustment points. You may meet the score listed using your ATAR alone, or your SR (your ATAR plus adjustment points).
Your SR is determined by combining your ATAR (or equivalent) with any eligible adjustment points, up to a maximum of 12 points. Additionally, other qualifications and relevant work experience are assigned a rank. The highest eligible rank is then utilised for admission purposes.
Please note, some degrees also have additional entry requirements or criteria (such as an audition), so check for these requirements in the degree listing for your chosen program.
If a SR is not considered for admission to a particular degree, the minimum and median SR will be listed as ‘N/A’. Selection Ranks are indicative and may change.
UAC is the central office that receives and processes applications for admission to most undergraduate degrees, advanced diplomas and diploma courses at participating tertiary institutions.
Types of study
If you’re looking to get a head start on your degree or refresh your knowledge on key subject areas, we strongly recommend completing a University of Newcastle Prep bridging and refresher course prior to starting your degree. The courses are free and are available both online and on campus.
A combined degree means you study two degrees at once. You will then graduate with two qualifications in less time.
- Bachelor degree: the university level qualification for entry into many professions.
- Undergraduate degree: any qualification up to and including the level of a Bachelor Honours degree.
- Associate Degree: a two-year full-time undergraduate qualification that sits just below a bachelor’s degree.
- Diploma: a program of study requiring 80 units to be completed.
- Doctorate: the highest postgraduate achievement an individual can earn and recognises a significant original contribution to a field of knowledge.
- Higher Degree by Research (HDR): is a postgraduate university degree involving a unique supervised research project. These degrees are either a Masters of Philosophy or a Doctoral degree (either Professional Doctorate or a PhD).
- Honours: some degrees allow you to get an additional qualification that helps boost your chances of employment. Embedded honours is included in many four year degrees or honours can be studied as a separate additional year for three year degrees.
- Masters: a qualification granted at the postgraduate level to individuals who have successfully demonstrated a high level of expertise in a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Postgraduate degree: any qualification being at the level of Graduate Certificate or above.
How uni works (classes and study)
The Census Date is the last day a student can withdraw from a course without financial penalty. Census Dates for each term can be found on our Enrolment Dates page.
An organisational unit with responsibility for academic programs, often with a number of sub-units called Schools. All degrees will be owned by a particular College of the University.
Blended Learning: enables you to master course content independently through a variety of online learning activities and then attend workshops to engage with materials on a deeper level and actively work with course materials.
- Laboratories: gives you a chance to practise and experiment with what you are learning.
- Lectures: provide the theory component of your area of study in an interactive and engaged environment.
- Tutorials: small classes run by tutors where students have the opportunity to explore and ask questions.
- Workshops: active classes that give you a chance to practise what you are studying in an engaged environment.
- Captured Lectures (through UONCapture): provide slides and audio recordings of your lectures to allow you to listen back and review lecture materials in your own time.
Some degrees allow you to major or specialise in a particular group of subjects. This focuses your area of study and ensures you are suitably qualified for jobs in your preferred field. Some degrees also give you the opportunity to complete a double major which is two specialty areas. A minor is a specialised area of study without the depth of a major.
You can apply to start selected degrees in second semester commencing in July. Mid-year applications are submitted through UAC.
This is the academic teaching period, which is approximately 13 weeks in duration. There are two semesters in a year.
Support and work experience
Work experiences built into most degrees where you can apply your classroom theory to a real-world setting.
Whatever your background and financial status, we have support systems available to help with the costs involved in studying, including scholarships and emergency loans. You also might be eligible for Australian Government assistance with HECS-HELP loans and income support.
We have a range of services available to help you, such as:
- Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS): one-hour weekly review sessions.
- Learning Support: for tips, workshops and resources from our Learning Advisers.
- Careers and Student Development: for access to valuable work experience opportunities and employment help.
- Studiosity: Offers online academic support for writing and many other subjects.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.