Program handbook
Description
Open Foundation is a free pathway program offered at the University of Newcastle for people who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree program.
Regardless of your background, you’ll develop the skills you need, not only to gain entry, but to find success at university and beyond.
You will receive a Certificate of Attainment from the University upon completing Open Foundation as evidence of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from the program.
Completion will also guarantee you admission to over 70 degrees at the University of Newcastle.
Open Foundation is available to study in a variety of flexible delivery options to best balance your study with work, social and family commitments – full-time, part-time, on-campus and online. Open Foundation is offered as a 40 unit program as well as a 60 unit program called Open Foundation Extended. Please contact enabling@newcastle.edu.au if you would like to discuss which program would best suit your circumstances.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Foundational competence in key academic skills in academic writing, research and communication skills.
- Foundational awareness of salient knowledge across at least two academic content areas.
- Foundational ability to successfully engage with the university teaching and learning environment.
- Foundational understanding of the requirements of academic integrity and ethical conduct.
Details
Information correct as at | May 6, 2024 10:59 am |
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Program code | 40379 |
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Term type | Semesters |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission applicants must:
- be turning 17 years of age or more in the year they commence Open Foundation Extended. Applicants turning 17 in the year of study require parental/guardian consent to proceed with enrolment;
- be an Australian citizen or have Australian permanent residency status;
- be residing in Australia for the duration of the program;
- not have successfully completed another enabling program at the University of Newcastle; and
- meet any other admission criteria prescribed at the time of application.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements
Pathways programs, such as Open Foundation, require students to have a good level of written and spoken English. If you are from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background, it is assumed that you have undertaken formal study in English prior to commencing.
English Language Academic Learning Support will be available to help you develop your English language skills including:
- Academic reading and writing (including essays and reports)
- Preparing for assignments and exams
- Academic language (grammar/vocabulary/learning strategies and practices)
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
Credit transfer
A maximum of 30 units of credit may be awarded for previous completion of University of Newcastle enabling courses within the last four years. Visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
60 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.
Program requirements
This program requires the successful completion of 60 units of directed courses (made up of 6 x 10 unit courses).
There are many courses to choose from, however they do vary depending on the location and delivery mode.
It is important to consider the undergraduate degree you’d like to study upon the completion of Open Foundation Extended, as the courses you choose help to prepare you for that area of study. You should explore the Recommended Courses to see what is suggested for the programs you are interested in.
There are many courses to choose from, however they do vary depending on the location and delivery mode.
It is important to consider the undergraduate degree you’d like to study upon the completion of Open Foundation Extended, as the courses you choose help to prepare you for that area of study. You should explore the Course Recommendations to see what is suggested for the programs you are interested in.
If you’re not sure what degree you’d like to study, choose courses that interest you and courses you think you’ll do well in.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Additional documents
- Recommended Courses 212.8 KB
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Course List
Complete 60 units from the following course list. | |||
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Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
EPABOR158 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: Cultures and Histories |
| 10 units |
EPABOR258 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: Contemporary Issues |
| 10 units |
EPARTS190 | Design Drawing | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPARTS191 | Design in Society | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPARTS192 | Graphic Design Fundamentals | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPBIOL130 | Introduction to Biology |
| 10 units |
EPBIOL140 | Foundations of Conservation Science |
| 10 units |
EPBIOL240 | Biodiversity and Conservation Management |
| 10 units |
EPBIOL259 | Introductory Human Bioscience |
| 10 units |
EPCHEM137 | Foundation Concepts for Chemistry |
| 10 units |
EPCHEM237 | Physical and Organic Chemistry |
| 10 units |
EPEDUC101 | Foundations in Education: Theories and Theoretical Perspectives |
| 10 units |
EPEDUC201 | Foundations in Education: Contemporary Issues in Schooling |
| 10 units |
EPENGG101 | Engineering Physics | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPHLTH170 | Science Essentials for Nursing and Midwifery |
| 10 units |
EPHLTH270 | Bioscience for Nursing and Midwifery |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA120 | Media and Communication Studies |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA131 | Australian History to Federation |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA135 | Research in Action |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA144 | Literature Foundations | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPHUMA147 | Law in Australia |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA149 | Language in Society |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA154 | Social Enquiry |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA160 | Screen and Cultural Studies |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA171 | Academic Literacies and Language Enhancement for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA172 | Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA173 | Creative Writing and Reading |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA231 | Australian History from Federation to Present |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA247 | Law in Action |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA249 | Foundations of Linguistics |
| 10 units |
EPHUMA254 | Social Insights |
| 10 units |
EPINFO150 | Information and Communication Technology |
| 10 units |
EPMANC120 | Managing People in Organisations |
| 10 units |
EPMANC220 | Project Management |
| 10 units |
EPMATH109 | Fundamental Mathematics |
| 10 units |
EPMATH110 | Applied Mathematics | Not currently offered | 10 units |
EPMATH153 | Advanced Mathematics 1 |
| 10 units |
EPMATH209 | Intermediate Mathematics |
| 10 units |
EPMATH235 | Statistics |
| 10 units |
EPMATH253 | Advanced Mathematics 2 |
| 10 units |
EPPHYS152 | Physics Essentials |
| 10 units |
EPPHYS252 | Modern Physics |
| 10 units |
EPSCIE140 | Psychology and Human Behaviour in Everyday Life |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka institute.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
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