Foundation Year
UNDA
UNDA
UNDA
UNDA
Course
Course
Course
Course
Code
Code
Code
Code
0107
0108
0110
0106
–
–
–
–
Arts & Sciences
Business
Nursing
Education
Introduction
The Foundation Year (FY) is an alternative entry pathway to
undergraduate studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia,
Sydney Campus. The Foundation Year is an enabling course designed
specifically for students who have not met the minimum entry
requirements for undergraduate study. FY is especially recommended for
those who have experienced educational disadvantage or disruption.
Educational disadvantage or disruption may be the result of economic,
cultural, social, health or emotional factors.
The Foundation Year is an innovative course that offers students:





The opportunity to apply for entry into undergraduate studies
upon completion
A study environment that is challenging, yet achievable
A course that provides ongoing support
Coursework that is contemporary and engaging
An excellent foundation for lifelong learning
After successful completion of the FY, dependent upon their results,
students may gain entry to undergraduate studies in Arts and Sciences,
Business, and Nursing.
The FY is available to students who:

Did not achieve the ATAR/HSC result expected, or

Can demonstrate educational disadvantage which impacted
on their academic success, or

Can demonstrate academic ability which is not reflected by
their current results, and/or

Have been away from study for some years and are keen to
undertake undergraduate studies.
Course Outline
The Foundation Year is designed to introduce students to the demands
of academic study. It covers fundamental topics such as research, critical
thinking, mathematics, academic writing and learning skills. The units
offered in semester two of the FY are derived from different academic
disciplines. Completion of a particular Foundation Year course however,
will not restrict a student’s choice of undergraduate study: Arts and
Sciences, Business, or Nursing may be applied for on completion of any
FY course.
The first semester of the FY is focussed on academic literacy and core
skills needed for success in undergraduate studies.
In the second semester, students undertake undergraduate units from
their anticipated future course, plus a support unit. This makes students
eligible, upon successful completion of the FY course, to apply for
Advanced Standing towards a relevant undergraduate degree.
Students will not be restricted in their choice of undergraduate
study as a result of the Foundation Year course that is chosen. For
example, students may enrol in FY Nursing but may subsequently
choose to apply for undergraduate study in Arts & Sciences or Business.
Course Structure
Students will be able to select from one of the following Foundation
Year courses:
Foundation Year Nursing
Semester One:

Literacy Competency

Academic Writing

Research Skills and Information Literacy

Mathematical Competency
Semester Two:

Themes and Perspectives in Behavioural Science
(Compulsory unit)

Learning Skills

Plus any two approved first year undergraduate units as
directed by the Dean of Nursing.
Foundation Year Business
Semester One:

Literacy Competency

Academic Writing

Research Skills and Information Literacy

Mathematical Competency
Semester Two:

Themes and Perspectives in Behavioural Science
(Compulsory unit)

Learning Skills

Plus any two approved first year undergraduate units as
directed by the Dean of Business.
Foundation Year Arts and Sciences
Semester One:

Literacy Competency

Academic Writing

Research Skills and Information Literacy

Mathematical Competency
Semester Two:

Themes and Perspectives in Behavioural Science
(Compulsory unit)

Learning Skills

Plus any two approved first year undergraduate units as
directed by the Dean of Arts & Sciences.
Foundation Year Education (*please see below
information regarding Education requirements)
Semester One:

Literacy Competency

Academic Writing

Research Skills and Information Literacy

Mathematical Competency
Semester Two:

Themes and Perspectives in Behavioural Science
(Compulsory unit)

Learning Skills

Plus any two approved first year undergraduate units as
directed by the Dean of Education.
Course Length
The course runs for a full year over two semesters. There is a mid-year
intake for the Foundation Year, so students may enrol in either

Semester 1, which commences in February, or

Semester 2, which commences in July.
Mode of Study and Assessment
This course is only offered in internal mode.
Part-time study is not available during the first semester of the
Foundation Year; however the second semester may be completed
on a part-time basis, providing that a minimum of two units are
undertaken in each semester.
Students will be provided with a copy of a Unit Outline for each unit
in a given semester. This outline will provide the assessment method
for the unit, which may include: assignments, work portfolios, essays,
presentations, tests, and examinations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide evidence which demonstrates the following
requirements to the satisfaction of the Manager, Admissions Office:

Completion of Year 12 subjects with results which equals, or
exceeds, the minimum set by the University for Foundation
Year admission in a given year. An ATAR is not compulsory for
entry into this course.

A Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result which equals,
or exceeds, the minimum set by the University for Foundation
Year Courses (135 in Multiple Choice & Written English). This
option is applicable if the applicant is 20 years old (or above) as
at 1 March in their year of commencement, or

Where the applicant has undertaken school subjects that are
not externally examined (i.e. Wholly School Assessed), and the
achievement of grades is deemed sufficient, or

Where the applicant has other experience deemed relevant and
acceptable, or

A completed Certificate III

As part of the admissions process, applicants may be required
to complete a Foundation Year Entry Test.
Students receive regular feedback on their work and progression in
the course. Students will also be given the opportunity to reflect on
their personal learning needs and formulate relevant learning goals.
In order to successfully pass each unit, students are required to
attend at least 85% of all classes, including lectures.
Successful Completion
In order to be admitted into the first year of undergraduate studies at
The University of Notre Dame, Australia, students must achieve the
approved University benchmark in each unit.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year may not necessarily
guarantee automatic entry into undergraduate studies at The
University of Notre Dame. Entrance into some Schools is highly
competitive and places available in individual undergraduate courses
vary.
Application for Enrolment
Applicants must be at least school leaving age in order to apply for the
Foundation Year. To apply you are required to submit:
*Admissions to Education degrees for Future
Teachers
The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW
(BOSTES), which oversees teacher accreditation, has determined
new entry requirements for university initial teacher education
degrees.
From 2016, a minimum standard of three Band 5 HSC results,
including one in English, applies to undertaking an accredited
undergraduate teaching degree.
To study teaching, students will need to:
1.
achieve at least three Band 5 HSC results, including one in
English; OR
2.
pass bridging units benchmarked to a Band 5 HSC result;
OR
3.
enrol in an accredited degree and pass a full year of
academic studies in the subjects you will teach; OR
4.
complete a BOSTES approved alternative entry pathway.
To meet these requirements, the University offers a number of
options.
If students attain two Band 5s in subjects other than English and
have a Band 4 in English, they can undertake the University’s
English Band 5 bridging course. Otherwise, students can
undertake one of Notre Dame’s courses which have been
structured to allow applicants to meet the new entry requirement
within the degree program, which requires successful completion of
the first year to progress into year two of the degree.
Please note: ESL English will not count toward the required Band 5
English criteria.

An Application Form;

A Personal Statement – outlining your personal qualities, past
experiences and motivations to study at The University of Notre
Dame, Australia. Include in your statement any factors that have
impacted on your educational opportunities;

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (If applicable)

Certified copies of academic records; and

Where relevant, contact details of two referees able to support
an application for this program, such as a school principal,
careers advisor, psychologist or other medical professional.
Fees
The Foundation Year offers a limited number of Commonwealth Supported
Places (CSP) for those who wish to study the Nursing or Education
streams of the FY. Students who are eligible for a CSP will be able to enrol
in the FY at NO COST.
Students entering Arts & Sciences or Business Foundation Year courses
are required to pay for all units undertaken in the Foundation Year.
Students in these courses have access to FEE-HELP. Please refer to the
University website www.nd.edu.au for details and updates associated with
Foundation Year fees.
Further Information
The information contained in this flyer is designed as a general guide. If
you would like further information regarding admissions, fees or the
University itself, please contact the University directly.
We welcome visitors to the University at any time. If you would like to view
the University facilities please contact the Prospective Students Office on
(02) 8204 4404 or at sydney@nd.edu.au.
Visit our web site www.nd.edu.au.
February 2016