There are four new bachelor degrees for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students commencing at the University of Sydney in 2022. The new degrees have come about from a collaboration since 2020 between the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, and the Office of the DVCISS/NCCC.
Links to the new, four-year degrees are provided below:
Bachelor of Arts (Extended): https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-arts-extended.html
Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Extended): https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-liberal-arts-and-science-extended.html
Bachelor of Science (Extended): https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-science-extended.html
Bachelor of Science (Extended) (Health): https://www.sydney.edu.au/courses/courses/uc/bachelor-of-science-extended-health.html
The extended bachelor degrees have been designed to extend the BA, BLAS or BSc by one year with a series of culture-centred units of study in Foundation Year and through a reduced study load for the first two years. During first year, it is anticipated that students will engage in their studies via block mode, attending six, week-long blocks at the University (or online as per NSW Government COVID-19 requirements) and complete the balance of their studies online between blocks.
Typically, funding is available for travel and accommodation for ABSTUDY-eligible, rural/remote students to attend blocks during the Foundation Year. From Year 2, students will typically engage in on-campus, face-to-face studies.
The design of the extended bachelor courses means that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students will study together in the majority of their units of study in first year. Admissions details below can be found on each course page:
Admission requirements:
This course is an alternative entry program:
(1) Admission to this course is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who meet the process outlined in the Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.
(2) Admission to this course will be on demonstrated potential for tertiary study to a standard sufficient to undertake the course as demonstrated in:
- a numeracy and literacy diagnostic test;
- a structured interview;
- evidence of a secondary school leaving qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents) or Record of Student Achievement (RoSA), tertiary study or an approved preparation program; English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English;
- a portfolio of written work or support material including a personal statement of intent for studying the course.