Prerequisites and assumed knowledge explained
Understand the differences between assumed knowledge and prerequisites, and explore the options available if you do not meet the course requirements.
Some of our degrees have specific prerequisites or assumed knowledge, so when you commence your studies you are well-prepared to succeed.
When applying, it is important to understand the entry requirements and what to do if you don't meet them.
Check the entry requirements section on your preferred course to see if it has subject prerequisites or assumed knowledge requirements.
In addition to an ATAR requirement, some of our courses have subject prerequisites.
These subjects must be completed to a certain standard before you can receive an offer to your course.
The most common HSC subject prerequisite at the University of Sydney is Mathematics Advanced for courses in study areas including education, engineering, law and health.
There are pathway options available if you didn't study maths in high school or if you don't meet the prerequisite.
Contact us if your course has another subject prerequisite, that you need help understanding.
For some courses, we assume you have reached a certain level of knowledge or have passed a relevant subject. Which often refers to a NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) subject. Relevant subjects in other recognised secondary education (Year 12) qualifications are considered equivalent.
Assumed knowledge is not required to receive an offer, but it will be helpful to you during your studies. If you do not meet the recommended assumed knowledge for your course, we have several bridging courses to help you get up to speed.
As a University of Sydney student, you can access support services to build academic communication, mathematics and statistics, and research and study skills through the Learning Hub.
We also have a range of dedicated maths learning support and resources to help you strengthen your foundational skills in mathematics and statistics prior to study and also as a student.
Review the key terms you should understand when your course has assumed knowledge or prerequisites.