University of Western Sydney

Welcome to one of Australia’s largest universities – The University of Western Sydney (UWS). UWS is a large research-led and comprehensive university serving a growing and diverse urban region, with a student population well in excess of 35 000. As a major urban university, UWS boasts six unique campuses spread throughout the Greater Western Sydney region: Bankstown, Blacktown*, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta and Penrith. While each campus offers a unique learning environment, they all share the same friendly, communal atmosphere that makes UWS a great place to study, make friends and gain real-world training and expertise in your chosen field.

Each self-contained campus offers a range of high-quality facilities: libraries, cafeterias, co-op bookshops, student services, sport and recreation areas, computer labs and specialist facilities. Some of our specialist facilities include multi-million dollar performance venues, law ‘moot’ courts, residential colleges, Olympic-sized swimming pools, medical facilities and wet labs, a health clinic, a food processing pilot plant, mechatronics facilities and much more.

As a student at UWS, you become a part of an exciting learning environment that attracts world-class staff and students from metropolitan and regional Australia, along with exchange students from our partner institutions all over the world. After class, students can relax over a coffee or get involved in the wide range of student groups: special interest groups, sporting teams, outdoor adventure trips — whatever suits your time and interest.

At UWS, we strive to play a key, supportive role in your academic growth. Our courses are taught by staff who are leaders in their field and work hard to share their knowledge and passion with every student, everyday. It’s simple. UWS is inspired by the promise and challenge of the future. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with a quality education delivered in an environment tailor-made for academic excellence.

UWS offers a wide range of courses across broad areas of study. They are designed to nourish your mind and prepare you for the ‘real world’. So you’ll enjoy an exciting, contemporary mix of theory and applied knowledge. This means you can be involved in your industry before your professional life even begins. In a recent audit by AUQA, the Australian Universities Quality Agency, UWS was commended for being ‘a University of the people’. This highlighted our commitment to embed ourselves in the culture of the communities supporting UWS and the powerful sense of identification and loyalty the community and UWS shares. The AUQA audit also found that our students enjoy innovative and flexible teaching programs and that our graduates benefit from strong employment rates, as they are ‘very well prepared to enter professional roles’. As part of the fabric of a vibrant and growing region, UWS seeks to ensure that its activities make a difference to the lives of individuals and the community by ‘Bringing Knowledge to Life’.

Head to pastures new. International opportunities.
To change the world, you have to know the world. That’s exactly what the UWS International Exchange Program is all about.

We have exchange partnerships with universities in over 35 countries throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. And your overseas study program could be anything from a four-week session to a full-year – both fully-paid. Either way, you’ll return to Australia with an international awareness and cross-cultural understanding that employers value highly.
For more details visit www.uws.edu.au/international/exchange.html or contact the Exchange and Study Abroad Officer on (02) 4620 3398.

* Blacktown campus will be closing in mid-2009. If your area of study is based on this campus, continue your enrolment. Once the campus closes, you will be transferred to the Parramatta campus. (If your key program is on Campbelltown you may elect to transfer there at the time).

Contact details

website: www.uws.edu.au
postal enquiries Course Information Centre University of Western Sydney Locked Bag 1797 Penrith South DC NSW 1797 tel: Freecall 1800 897 669 fax: (02) 9678 7160 email: study@uws.edu.au
in person
Bankstown Student Centre, Building 1 Bullecourt Ave, Milperra NSW	Hawkesbury Student Centre, Building G7 Bourke St, Richmond NSW
Blacktown Student Centre, Building U8 Eastern Rd, Quakers Hill NSW	Parramatta Student Centre, Building EJ Cnr James Ruse Drive and Victoria Road, Parramatta NSW
Campbelltown Student Centre, Building 12 Narellan Rd, Campbelltown NSW	Penrith Student Centre, Building K Second Avenue, Kingswood NSW

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Open Days in 2008

Sunday 17 August 2008 at the Parramatta campus

January Course Decision Day will be held on Monday 5 January 2009 following the release of HSC results in December 2008.

Campus visits
To register for a campus tour, contact the UWS Contact Service Centre on 1800 897 669. Registration is essential.

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Important dates for 2009

Autumn session: 23 February - 29 June 2009
Spring session: 27 July - 30 November 2009

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Admission requirements

To be offered enrolment in a course at the University you must meet the general requirements listed in one of the following categories, satisfy English language requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants.

Note: Authoritative information can be given in writing only by the Academic Registrar. The University will not accept responsibility for any consequences that may result if advice is sought from any other source.

Australian Secondary studies

2008 Australian Year 12
If you are a 2008 Australian Year 12 student you will be considered for admission on the basis of your UAI or interstate equivalent. Refer to individual course entries for any additional selection criteria.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI below the published cut-off
UWS has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow 2008 Australian Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI or interstate equivalent below the published cut-off.

They include:
• Educational Access Scheme - Special Consideration Scheme
• Elite Athletes or Performers
• Muru Admissions Scheme (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants)
• UWS Regional Bonus Scheme
• UWS Subject Bonus Scheme
• UWS Early Offer and Priority Offer.

Note: The maximum bonus that any applicant can receive is 10 points. This includes Regional Bonus, Subject Bonus and Educational Access Scheme (EAS) points. Bonus points are added automatically, no separate application is required. For details read the relevant sections below.

For details read the relevant sections below.

UWS Regional Bonus Scheme
If you currently live or study in the Greater Western Sydney region, you will receive an automatic 5 point bonus when you apply for a UWS course through UAC.

To be eligible you must:
• be sitting the NSW HSC or IB in 2008 and qualify for a UAI or IB Diploma
• live in or attend a high school in the Greater Western Sydney region .

The Regional Bonus is applicable to all UWS courses except those with additional selection criteria. For more detailed information, visit http://yourfuture.uws.edu.au/tripleadvantage.

UWS Subject Bonus Scheme
Bonus points may also be awarded to a limited number of students on the basis of outstanding performance in a nominated range of HSC or IB subjects. To be eligible, you must achieve excellent results in Year 12 subject subjects relevant to the UWS course you have applied for. For more detailed information, visit http://yourfuture.uws.edu.au/tripleadvantage.

UWS Early Offer and Priority Offer
An early offer may be made if your UAI equals or exceeds the 2008 cut-off for the UWS course you have applied for. You will receive this offer before the Christmas holidays. Details on eligibility for an Early Offer are available at http://yourfuture.uws.edu.au/tripleadvantage.

A priority offer may be made if your school has nominated you as having the potential to succeed at university. You will receive this offer before you start your HSC exams. Details on eligibility for a Priority Offer are available at http://yourfuture.uws.edu.au/tripleadvantage. A Priority Offer is made on the condition that your UAI equals or exceeds the 2008 cut-off for the UWS course you have applied for. For more detailed information, visit http://yourfuture.uws.edu.au/tripleadvantage.

Previous Australian Year 12
If you have completed an Australian Year 12 before 2008 you may be considered for entry on the basis of your UAI or equivalent. This includes studies accumulated over consecutive years with the approval of the appropriate state education board.

Australian tertiary studies

If you have completed or part-completed any tertiary studies, including TAFE course/s, accredited AQF course/s from private providers or previous university studies, you may be considered for admission on the basis of those studies. Refer to individual course entries in the course search for any additional selection criteria.

Where individual course entries refer to a guarantee of admission following completion of a relevant diploma or registered nurse status, this guarantee does not override English language proficiency requirements. Guaranteed entry to courses will only be applied in the Main Round of offers.

Exclusion: A current exclusion from a higher education course may lead to your application for a course at UWS being unsuccessful.

Current UWS students
If you are studying a course at UWS in 2008 and wish to transfer to another UWS course for 2009, you must apply through UAC.

Overseas qualifications

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications can contact UWS to discuss eligibility for admission. Refer to table 7 - Commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications for information on overseas secondary qualifications.

If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Alternative entry

If you do not have any of the formal educational qualifications outlined in the above categories you may be eligible for entry into the University on the basis of the following. These categories do not apply to international students.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you have not completed an Australian Year 12, do not possess any formal qualification, or want to improve your chances of selection, you are advised to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test. Refer to the individual course entries for any special STAT requirements.

Employment experience
Your application can be considered on the basis of work experience. A vocational rank, based on paid employment of one year or more, is determined by the type of work and the length of service. For further details read the information under 'Employment Experience' in the Apply-By-Web Instructions.

Foundation Studies
Australian applicants can apply to undertake Foundation Studies and diploma courses, conducted by the University's pathway college, UWSCollege. Foundation Studies (Standard - two semesters, or Fast Track - one semester) and diplomas in Business and IT are offered at the College, located at UWS Westmead. Upon successful completion, students in Foundation Studies enter first year at university; students in diploma programs articulate to the second year of a Bachelor degree at UWS. For further information call UWSCollege in Sydney on (02) 9685 9785, fax (02) 9685 9700.

UniTrack-non-award study
The UniTrack program is an option if you want to make yourself more competitive for university entry, would like to upgrade your skills in a specific area, or would like to pursue a particular interest.

UniTrack gives you the opportunity to enrol in individual units from a wide range of degree programs at UWS. You may apply for up to two units per session. This is equivalent to a part-time study load.

On completion of two or more individual units you can apply for a degree program in the normal manner through UAC. Call 1800 897 669 for further information or visit www.uws.edu.au/studyoptions/alternativeentry.

Limited UAI
If you are eligible for a Limited UAI your application will be considered on this basis. For information on Limited UAI read the UAI section on this website.

Elite Athletes or Performers
UWS is recognised as an elite athlete-friendly university. The UWS Elite Athletes or Performers Special Consideration Scheme encourages applications from students who have been disadvantaged during their current or previous Year 12 studies due to performance and training commitments. To be considered, you need to complete the Educational Access Scheme application form and submit it directly to UWS, marked to the attention of UAC Admissions. You must supply documentation supporting your application, such as: training/practice schedules endorsed by your coach/trainer; programs of competitions in which you have participated; nomination advice for participation at State or National level. More detailed information is available on the web at www.uws.edu.au/admissions.

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Educational Access Scheme

The UWS Special Consideration Scheme encourages applications from students who have been disadvantaged during their current or previous Year 12 studies, including from students with a disability.

For more information about the scheme read the Educational Access Schemes (EAS) booklet produced by UAC, which includes an application form. EAS booklets are available from UAC or Student Centres at participating institutions. If you are a 2008 Year 12 student you can obtain a copy of the booklet from your school or TAFE college. The booklet and application form can also be downloaded from this website.

The main closing date for EAS applications is Tuesday 30 September 2008. You must submit your EAS application by 30 September to guarantee that it will be considered in time for the Main Round of offers. The late closing date for EAS applications is Friday 28 November 2008.

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Equity Scholarships

UWS offers the following Equity Scholarships:
• Commonwealth Scholarships (CS) and
• Institution Equity Scholarships (IES), comprising the UWS Opportunity Scholarships for commencing and continuing students, UWS College of Business Opportunity Scholarships and UWS Indigenous Achievement Scholarships.

For more information about Equity Scholarships, read Course costs and financial assistance or visit Equity Scholarships Online.

All Equity Scholarships applications for UWS are processed centrally through UAC. This includes applicants for courses at UWS who are applying directly to the University, or through UAC. It also includes students who are currently enrolled at the University.

You only have to submit one online application to UAC to be considered for all Equity Scholarships for which you are eligible at UWS. To submit your application go to Equity Scholarships Online.

The main closing date for Equity Scholarships applications is Tuesday 30 September 2008. The late closing date is Friday 28 November 2008.

UWS also offers a number of other scholarships - read 'Financial assistance' below.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

UWS offers a wide range of services, including academic and support programs, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These programs are aimed at providing assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students during their study at UWS.

In addition to submitting an application to UAC, Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants may wish to be considered for alternative entry through the Muru Admissions Scheme. For more information call Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education on Freecall 1800 032 923.

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International fee-paying applicants

Some international fee-paying applicants apply through UAC; others apply direct to UWS. Visit the UAC International website for more information.

Tertiary preparation courses and English courses are available on a fee-paying basis at UWSCollege. Foundation Studies (Standard - two semesters, or Fast Track - one semester) and diplomas in Business and IT are offered at the College, located at UWS Westmead. Upon successful completion, students in Foundation Studies enter first year at university. Students in diploma programs articulate to the second year of a Bachelor degree at UWS.

For further information call the UWSCollege in Sydney on (02) 9685 9785 or fax (02) 9685 9700.

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Fee-paying courses for Australian students

The Australian Government is phasing out places in undergraduate domestic fee-paying (DFEE) courses from 1 January 2009.

Therefore there are no DFEE courses available for 2009 admissions.* All courses available are Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses.

Continuing students
Students who enrolled in a DFEE course before 1 January 2009 will be able to continue their studies on a fee-paying basis in 2009.

Continuing students who wish to transfer to another UWS course in 2009 must apply direct to UWS. Students are eligible to apply to transfer to a CSP after successful completion of one year of full-time study. Transfer to a CSP is not guaranteed and selection will depend on the student’s academic performance and course availability.

Continuing students who wish to transfer to a course at another institution in 2009 must apply through UAC.

Deferred students
Students who were offered a place in a DFEE course in 2008 and deferred until 2009 will be able to continue their studies on a fee-paying basis in 2009. Information about enrolling in a deferred DFEE course will be available from UWS.

Deferred students who wish to apply for other courses in 2009 must apply through UAC.

* There are some exceptions, including arrangements for continuing and deferred students, for students who enrol in employer-reserved places and for students who have consumed their Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

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Bridging courses

If you do not have the assumed knowledge indicated in a course description you are still eligible to apply for that course. UWS runs a number of bridging courses in February each year before the start of semester. Course materials are included with the bridging courses or may be purchased throughout the year. For further information call the Course Information Centre on Freecall 1800 897 669.

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Courses available by direct application

In addition to the courses listed on this website, other courses at UWS are available by direct application. These include honours years in most undergraduate courses, some postgraduate coursework, and research programs. For closing dates and the application processes for direct applications visit www.uws.edu.au/studyinfo/admissions.

For more information and an application form contact the Course Information Centre on Freecall 1800 897 669.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are eligible to apply for any UWS course by direct application. Specialist programs include: B Community Welfare (Family and Community) AREP/METRO; B Teaching (Primary) AREP. For more information Freecall 1800 032 923.

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Enrolment

Acceptance of offer

Information about acceptance of offer and dates and procedures for enrolment are available on the UWS website at www.uws.edu.au/newstudents.

Advanced standing/academic credit

UWS will consider applications for advanced standing on the basis of previous studies or other experiences that have been successfully completed within 10 years of the date of your application for advanced standing.

You must submit your application at or before enrolment and attach relevant supporting documents. For more information visit www.uws.edu.au/advancestanding.

Deferment

(A) Applicants who receive an offer based on their performance in a 2008 Australian Year 12	(B) Applicants other than those described in (A)	Comments
Yes, but see comments	Yes, but see comments	· one year only (for applicants admitted mid-year, six months only) · will not lapse if tertiary studies undertaken · there is an application fee

Fees and charges

All students must pay either student contributions for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) – read Course costs and financial assistance.

In addition, students can choose to pay student services fees. Contact the relevant student organisations for information on membership and fees.

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Financial assistance

Youth and student allowances

For information about Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY read Course costs and financial assistance.

Scholarships

UWS recognises and rewards students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, leadership and community service through the University’s merit-based scholarships and recently launched Aspire Leadership Program. UWS also offers a wide range of scholarships which reflect the University’s strong commitment to providing access and opportunity to the students of Greater Western Sydney who might otherwise struggle to gain a university education.
UWS also awards donor-funded scholarships, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations.

Some of the scholarships available include:
• UWS Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarships – $10 000/year for 5 years
• Dean's Scholars – $5 000/year for 4 years
• UWS Academic Excellence Scholarships – $5 000/year for 4 years
• UWS College of Business – Academic Excellence Scholarships – $5 000/year for 4 years
• UWS Emerging Careers Scholarships – $5 000/year for 4 years
• UWS Honours Scholarships – $5 000 one-off payment
• UWS International Exchange Scholarships
• UWS Opportunity Scholarships – $5 000/year for 4 years
• UWS College of Business – Opportunity Scholarships – $5 000/year for 4 years.

For further information on our scholarships and the Aspire Leadership Program, and to download an application form visit http://www.uws.edu.au/scholarships. Applications close on 16 January 2009.
For scholarship enquiries, email study@uws.edu.au or Freecall 1800 897 669.

Other scholarships
Read 'Equity Scholarships' above for information on Equity Scholarships.

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Student services and facilities

Accommodation

Whether you’re living on the UWS campus or off, you’ll make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. You can choose from a range of quality, affordable accommodation including residential halls and townhouses, cottages and units. Not all services are available on all campuses. At this stage, we don’t offer accommodation on the Parramatta campus; however, UWS can provide you with accommodation search assistance. For more details visit http://residences.uws.edu.au, call UWS Residential Colleges on (02) 4570 1248, or email residentialcolleges@uws.edu.au

Careers

UWS provides a high quality online career and employment service for students and new graduates. Students can register online via Career Hub to access job vacancies, articles, web links, news and information on events. On-campus activities include career and employment events such as careers expos and graduate employer activities.

Chaplaincy

Chaplains are available on all campuses to cater for different religious groups and various needs. Activities include regular meetings/small group work, spiritual counselling and general support. Further information can be found at www.uws.edu.au/students/ods/chaplains.

Counselling

Free and confidential counselling is available to all students. Counselling services offer individual and group assistance in personal, social, and educational support. For further information contact your local campus counselling service or visit www.uws.edu.au/students/ods/counsellingservice.

Learning assistance

UWS provides a variety of workshops and online programs to assist students at tertiary level with academic writing and literacy study skills, maths skills, and critical thinking and research skills. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including assignment writing, note-taking, essay writing, thesis and report writing, examination techniques, and grammar. For further information on learning assistance services visit www.uws.edu.au/students/ods/lsu.

In February each year, UWS offers a two-week university bridging and preparation program called UniStep for students who have been accepted into UWS. Students can choose to do modules in writing and/or maths. For further information call the Course Information Centre on Freecall 1800 897 669.

Library/Computing services

UWS libraries have extensive modern facilities, including full text and indexing databases and online access to other Australian and international institutions. Students have access to one of Australia's largest electronic collections.

The collection is available to students and community members. The library makes available a wide range of learning resources, including books and periodicals, print and electronic. It also provides full professional support and assistance; both face to face and through its virtual email and web-based services.

Sports and recreation

Australia is renowned as a sports-loving nation. UWS realises the importance of a healthy lifestyle and supports the sporting, recreation and leisure pursuits of students by providing sporting and recreational opportunities at all campuses. Each campus has extensive sporting and recreation facilities, and numerous clubs and societies operate to cover a range of lifestyle interests. UWS is recognised as an elite athlete-friendly university and has a comprehensive Sporting Scholarships program engaging community sponsors.

Student equity

UWS supports students from DEST-designated equity groups through a range of targeted equity support programs and projects. Further information can be found at www.uws.edu.au/ods/student_equity.

Student organisations

Student organisations provide on-campus social, cultural and recreational facilities and they support students while they study. The organisations aim to promote the interests and welfare of all students and to provide amenities, activities and subsidised quality services.

Students with disabilities

UWS is dedicated to making tertiary study as user-friendly as possible for students with disabilities. Our services include peer note-taking, sign language interpreters, reader assistance, individual examination arrangements and alternative methods of assessment. A range of assistive technologies is also available. For more details contact your local campus Disabilities Service or visit www.uws.edu.au/students/ods/disabilityservic.

Summer session

UWS offers a summer session in which several subjects are taught over an eight-week period in January-February. The summer term makes it possible for students in some courses to undertake an accelerated degree pattern to complete their degree in 2.5 years. Other students take advantage of the summer term to redeem previous subject failures so as not to delay the completion of their degree.

Transport

All UWS campuses are easily accessible by public and private transport. All campuses have extensive facilities for student parking.

All UWS campuses are connected by a ‘ring road’ linking the M7 with the M2, M4 and M5. The M7, M4 and M5 are all tollways, so make sure you have a valid eTag or electronic pass. The M7 does not handle cash.

For travel directions to each UWS campus, visit http://uws.edu.au/campuses_structure/cas/campuses.

Union

The students’ union subsidises a diverse range of services across the six UWS campuses, which include cafeterias, bars, catering services and retail outlets. Students can get a haircut, buy textbooks, hot food and great coffee or just listen to live bands.

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Further information

For information brochures and more information on UWS events, call the Course Information Centre on Freecall 1800 897 669.

The University of Western Sydney reserves the right at all times to withdraw or vary courses listed on this website. Variations may include, but are not limited to, location of its courses on UWS campuses or other locations. In the event that a course is to be changed or withdrawn, applicants will be advised by mail to the address specified by them on their UAC application before the last date for the change of preferences for the Main Round. In respect of course location change students should be aware of the need to accommodate such changes for the whole or part of courses for which they enrol.

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