Newsletters

UAC News - May 2017

26 May 2017

ADMISSIONS 2017-18

UAC is gearing up for the opening of the 2017–18 admissions period in August.

Applications for undergraduate study will open on Wednesday 2 August. Encourage your Year 12 students to apply before on-time applications close at midnight on Friday 29 September to avoid rising application charges.

Remember, there are some important changes to the upcoming admissions period:

The maximum number of preferences will now be five.
There will be an offer round after ATAR release and before Christmas.
There will be an offer round in mid-January but no ‘Main Round’.
SRS offers will be made in November.
Cut-offs will be published for the pre-Christmas round and the mid-January round.

A flyer explaining the changes is available on Schoolink.

IB schools and students

We have had feedback from many IB schools about the changes for 2018 admissions and, as a result, we have prepared a specific flyer for IB schools about the changes. If you’re from an IB school and haven’t received the flyer, please contact us and we can email it to you.

Changes to SRS

As mentioned above, SRS offers will now be made in November – in November Round 1, on 16 November. In addition, awards and achievements will no longer be included in the SRS application as we have found the quality of documents provided to be variable, and institutions have decided they are not necessary for them to be able to make SRS offers.

Federal budget changes

The Higher Education Reform Package was announced in May as part of the Budget 2017–18. Changes include:

lowering the HELP repayment threshold to $42,000
increasing student contributions by 7.5% over four years
establishing the Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program
removing subsidies for permanent residents and NZ citizens but giving them access to HELP loans
expanding the demand driven system to university Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Associate Degree courses.

English studies and Mathematics General 1

Now that English Studies and Mathematics General 1 will become Board Developed Courses, we are awaiting advice as to whether they will now also be considered as ATAR courses. We will advise schools as soon as we have that advice. In the meantime, students who want to ensure their ATAR eligibility should avoid these courses.

Mathematics vs. Mathematics General 2

You may have seen a media report recently claiming that students have an ATAR advantage if they choose Mathematics General 2 rather than Mathematics. This claim is based on old data, which may or may not hold true for future cohorts. In any case, students should choose the level of maths that suits their ability and future plans. As some universities re-introduce Mathematics prerequisites for many of their courses, that advice becomes even more pertinent. In addition, performance in Mathematics (not Mathematics General 2) may attract bonus points which will be considered in addition to the ATAR when making offers.

Changes to PINs and ATAR advice notices

This year, NSW and ACT Year 12 students will receive their UAC PIN number by email instead of in paper form through the post. UAC will use the email addresses listed with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) or the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (ACT BSSS) to send students their PIN, so it’s important that students have provided a current email address to the relevant authority, and that they have allowed emails from the @uac.edu.au domain in their spam filter settings.

Students will also receive their ATAR Advice Notice by email this year.

Information about these changes will be available in the UAC Guide 2017–18. Students can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up-to-date with information about receiving their PIN and ATAR Advice Notice.

Up-to-date personal details

To facilitate a smooth transition to university, students should ensure they have provided their current personal details, including their legal name, to their school and NESA.

UAC Guide 2017–18

We’re excited to launch the revamped UAC Guide 2017–18, which will arrive at NSW and ACT schools in mid-July. Based on your feedback, we’ve condensed the Guide and made it easier to navigate. We’ve left all the important information in, including details of over 2,000 undergraduate courses, and moved most of the technical stuff, such as the tables, to our website.

The UAC Guide 2017–18 is provided free of charge to all current Year 12 students in NSW and the ACT. If your school would like to distribute the Guide to students in other grades, surplus copies of last year’s Guide are available: $20 (including GST) per box of eight. Call us on (02) 9752 0200.

Year 10 Booklets

You would by now have received your complimentary copies of University Entry Requirements 2020 for Year 10 Students. You can download it from our website or buy a hardcopy from our online shop for $7.50, plus postage and handling. Payments can be made by cheque, PayPal, Mastercard or Visa.

You can also download a handy flyer to provide to your students and parents, Top 10 Tips for Choosing HSC Courses.

UMAT reminder

Our UAC Day is a free professional development day (9am – 3pm) for careers advisers, year advisers and other staff who advise students in Years 10, 11 and 12 about subject selection, the ATAR and applying to uni. The morning session explores the calculation of the ATAR and strengthens your understanding of the scaling tables through practical exercises and discussion. The afternoon session provides an opportunity to work through case studies covering aspects of the UAC process. Morning tea and lunch are provided.

Professional development day

Sydney: Tuesday 6 June, St Ignatius College, Riverview
Glen Innes: Monday 19 June, Glen Innes and District Services Club
Nowra: Monday 31 July, Nowra Golf Club
Cowra: Friday 4 August, Cowra Services Club

UAC’s coming to an expo near you

UAC’s Community Engagement team have hit the road to visit the regional careers expos. Make sure your students come and see us for information on the ATAR and uni entry. View the detailed list of this year’s events.

Is your school in the Sydney metro area? We will be holding two daily info sessions at the HSC and Careers Expo at Moore Park (1-4 June) and the Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Olympic Park (22-25 June). This is a great opportunity for your students to engage with us.

Improving transparency in higher education admissions

An Implementation Working Group is currently engaging with stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the Federal Government's report on the transparency of the admissions process. Some changes may be able to be made for 2018 admissions, with full implementation planned for 2019 admissions. The UAC Guide 2017–18 will not include any of these changes given the timeframes involved.

University news

AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY - Social Welfare major added to ACAP psychology degree

A new major stream is available within the Australian College of Applied Psychology’s (ACAP’s) Bachelor of Psychological Science. The extra subjects are available to students seeking marketable career skills particular to the social justice field.

“Students who complement their psychology qualification with the additional sequence of units from ACAP’s School of Social Work will be well-equipped for positions in health and welfare when they graduate,” said Lynne Harris, Professor and Head, School of Psychological Sciences.

“In their undergraduate psychology degree students develop critical thinking skills and learn about key areas of psychology and their application to understanding human behaviour. Combining social welfare theory, practice and policy to this foundation will prepare graduates for roles in human services, community-based programs and services, government departments and NGOs, corrections, justice and services assisting women, migrants, indigenous communities, children and families.”

The Social Welfare units cover social welfare systems, structures of power and decision-making, service provision and practice, as well as advocating for people’s rights as citizens. Students may complete the entire stream or choose electives from the sequence to satisfy an interest in the topic. ACAP offers three intakes per year — in February, May and September — for its Diploma-to-postgraduate courses and pathways in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Case Management, Coaching, Social Science and Youth Work.

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - Upcoming events + alternative entry programs

Upcoming events

Technology Taster Day (Year 11 and 12 students), 5 July 2017
Open Day (open to everyone), 19 August 2017
HSC in the Holidays (Year 12 students), July and September school holidays

More information about these events will be sent directly to schools and can be found here.

Macquarie Entry programs

We recognise that an ATAR doesn't necessarily reflect a student’s achievements or potential. Students can explore and compare their entry options through our Macquarie Entry Navigator.

Global Leadership Entry Program

Our Global Leadership Entry Program (GLEP) is designed to inspire Year 12 students to become the global leaders of tomorrow. Applicants will be assessed on academic results and extracurricular school and community achievements. Students selected for GLEP will receive an early offer. Applications are close 5pm, Monday 28 August.

Macquarie University International College

Our College is for students who aren't confident they'll achieve the required ATAR for direct entry into an undergraduate degree. Students can study a diploma, foundation or intensive program and will receive extra study and academic support to help with the transition into university study.

Cooperative education program

Our new Bachelor of Actuarial Studies with Bachelor of Professional Practice offers students the opportunity to participate in our cooperative education program. Throughout the course, students will alternate between classroom studies and workplace experience in the form of three vocational placements of three to six months each. They will develop professional skills and networks across different workplace settings. Students will receive a scholarship for the duration of the course.

SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY - New courses

B Digital Business* Gold Coast 332163

This is only one of two degrees of its kind being offered in Australia. The course prepares students for a career as a digital business specialist, with a strong focus on core issues facing the digital age, such as cyber security and innovation management. As technologies evolve, so does their influence on individuals, businesses and society. There remains a key shortage of business professionals with a core understanding of the impact and influence digital systems have on business models. Understanding how to identify innovation and drive it to remain at the forefront of the digital age will improve entrepreneurship and job market growth. Also available to study online.

B Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering* Lismore 334106

This course is one of just a few specialist undergraduate professional engineering degrees in Australia to train industry-ready graduates for work in water engineering, coastal engineering and catchment management. The course addresses an increasing need for engineering expertise in these fields that is currently only available through on-the-job training and/or postgraduate qualifications.

B Laws/B Creative Writing* Gold Coast 33616, Lismore 336115

This unique four-year combined degree provides graduates with clear professional pathways as both legal and writing practitioners. Students gain fluency in written and oral expression, reading and research skills and, above all, writing across a range of genres, both professional and imaginative. The course anchors creativity, imagination and expressiveness within a professional degree, with clear vocational outcomes in law, government and industry. Graduates will be highly competent and adept in these two locally significant and globally relevant fields. Also available to study online.

B Psychology/B Laws* Coffs Harbour 336150, Lismore 336105

The career opportunities for this five-year double degree include barristers or solicitors; or in law-related areas in private, corporate or government organisations. There are a range of career opportunities in government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies such as the CSIRO, and in education. Also available to study online.

*University approval pending.

UNSW - Law Admission Test (LAT)

UNSW Law Admission Test (LAT) Entry to undergraduate Law at UNSW has changed. Students wishing to study undergraduate Law at UNSW in 2018 will need to sit the Law Admission Test (LAT).

The LAT will be held on Tuesday 26 September 2017. The LAT is a two-hour test consisting of two questions requiring written responses. It is designed to assess aptitudes and skills related to success in studying law, including thinking critically, analysing material, and organising and expressing ideas in a clear and fluent way. It will not require any knowledge specific to law. UNSW Law will use the LAT in addition to academic results (e.g. ATAR) in the selection process to gain a more rounded view of an applicant’s capability. For entry in 2017 Year 12 students required a minimum selection rank (i.e. ATAR or equivalent rank plus EAS or AAA bonus points) of 95.00 and a high LAT score.

Standard registrations for the LAT 2017 close at 5pm on Friday 11 August 2017. Late registrations will open from 6pm on Friday 11 August 2017 and be accepted until 5pm on Wednesday 6 September 2017 on payment of a late fee.

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY - Architecture portfolio day

Architecture portfolio day Students may submit a portfolio to support their application for B Design in Architecture, B Design in Architecture/Master of Architecture and B Architecture and Environment. The portfolio will be considered as part of a student’s application if their ATAR is close to, but does not meet, the cut-off for their desired course.

To assist students in developing their portfolio, a Portfolio Information Session and Drop-in Centre will be held during Open Day, Saturday 26 August 2017 9.30am–4pm. Academic staff will be on hand to provide advice on how to prepare a portfolio that highlights students’ creative skills.

Portfolios must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 27 October.

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG - Upcoming events + early admission programs + guaranteed accommodation

Year 12 Information Evenings

These open events are designed for Year 12 students and their parents, or anyone who would like to know more about studying at UOW and living in Wollongong. UOW Information Evenings cover:

The UOW Early Admission program
UOW’s bonus ATAR points
Important dates and key things to remember for UAC applications
UOW scholarship opportunities
UOW Accommodation Guarantee for first-year students
The degrees and opportunities available for you at UOW
Options for students who don't get the ATAR they need for direct entry to UOW
UOW clubs, societies and Student Life

UOW staff, academics and current students will be on hand to answer questions. Cities, dates and venues;

Goulburn: 31 May 6:30pm, Goulburn Soldiers Club
Nowra: 1 June 6.30pm, UOW Shoalhaven campus
Griffith: 20 June 6:30pm, Quest Griffith
Wagga Wagga: 21 June 6:30pm, International Hotel
Albury: 22 June 6:30pm, Atura Hotel
Liverpool: 27 June 6:30pm, UOW South Western Sydney campus
Bankstown: 28 June 6:30pm, Bankstown Sports Club
Moss Vale: 28 June 6:30pm, UOW Southern Highlands campus
Parramatta: 29 June 6:30pm, Parramatta RSL Club
Coffs Harbour: 18 July 6:30pm, Coffs Harbour C.Ex Club
Tamworth: 20 July 6:30pm, Powerhouse Tamworth
Batemans Bay: 24 July 5:30pm, UOW Batemans Bay campus
Bega: 25 July 5:30pm, UOW Bega campus
Kogarah: Date and venue yet to be confirmed. Check booking website for details.

Make a booking.

UOW Open Day

UOW Open day will be held on Saturday 19 August at the UOW Wollongong campus, starting at 10am. There will be more than 100 information sessions during the day, including sessions on academic subject areas, the UOW Early Admission program, living on campus, studying abroad and scholarships. There will be opportunities to:

Speak to our staff about degrees, including our advanced programs
Find out about scholarships and grants
Find out about international travel and learning opportunities
Learn about UOW accommodation and our guaranteed places for eligible first-year students
Tour the campus and see our facilities

UOW Early Admission

With UOW Early Admission, we get to know Year 12 students, look at the results they’ve achieved in Years 11 and 12, and reward their hard work with a place at UOW before they sit their first exam. Applicants must be in Year 12 in 2017, completing the HSC or interstate equivalent, or the IB on-shore at an Australian High School; be under 21 years of age and eligible to receive an ATAR or IB Diploma. Applications will be open between 1–25 August. Details about this program and the application criteria relating to specific degrees are available at uow.edu.au/early.

Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students

UOW Living can guarantee eligible first-year students a place in a UOW residence. Knowing they are going to have a roof over their head is one less thing to worry about.

WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY - Upcoming events + Liverpool campus opening in 2018

Parent Information Evening

Western Sydney University’s annual Parent Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 20 June from 6.30–8.30pm at the Parramatta South campus. Parents, guardians and students can learn more about university and campus life and speak to our academic staff about the transition to tertiary study. From discovering how the ATAR works to finding out about courses, admission and scholarships, this is a great introduction to the exciting journey ahead.

Western Sydney U Day

Western Sydney University is running Western Sydney U Day events across three campuses this year. The events are designed for senior high school students who are considering university study. High school students have the opportunity to experience campus life with academic presentations, student panels and interactive activities.

Open Day

Save the date! Western Sydney University Open Day is on Sunday 27 August.

Western students start at Liverpool in 2018

Western Sydney University will begin course delivery from its new Liverpool campus in Semester 1, 2018.

The campus at 100 Macquarie Street will offer high-quality, flexible learning spaces, social and collaborative environments, a conference facility capable of hosting 150 people, a dedicated library service and a broad suite of other student services and amenities integrated across nine floors.

More than 2,000 students will study Social Science, Nursing and Midwifery degrees at Liverpool. There will be capacity for evening and weekend classes.