The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) is designed for students who need support to reach the entry requirements for their desired undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney. You will gain an insight into relevant topics as well as the academic knowledge you’ll need to progress. Here, you can read about the variety of modules you can study on each structure of this program.
Academic English | Social Research and Inquiry
Core Mathematics | Enhanced Mathematics | Accounting and Financial Management | Applied Computing | Art and Design | Biology | Chemistry | Cultural Studies | Economics and Development | International and Global Studies | Physics |
The Academic English Skills module prepares students for university by enhancing language-related competencies, including academic writing, reading, listening, and presentation skills. It focuses on improving language precision and versatility, encourages reflective learning, and ensures students meet English language requirements (minimum IELTS 6.5). Successful completion is essential for progression to the university, contingent on achieving the required GPA and meeting language proficiency standards tailored to the chosen degree.
The Academic English Skills module prepares students for university by enhancing language-related competencies, including academic writing, reading, listening, and presentation skills. It focuses on improving language precision and versatility, encourages reflective learning, and ensures students meet English language requirements (minimum IELTS 6.5). Successful completion is essential for progression to the university, contingent on achieving the required GPA and meeting language proficiency standards tailored to the chosen degree.
Social Research and Inquiry is the study of the research process and development of research skills in preparation for university study. The module is designed to enhance language ability through the investigation of society and culture. Students will develop critical thinking and draw on self-reflection to justify interactions between human behaviour and course concepts.
Students will undertake research in an area of personal interest with their peers and present data in a Research Project. Students will explore and analyse a variety of media forms and research methods and utilize creative formats to express their ideas.
In this module students will develop skills to think critically through the analysis and interpretation of data collected using primary research methods and secondary research. Students will assess the validity, usefulness, reliability, and bias of sources to make informed decisions during the research process. Students will investigate contemporary social issues and pose solutions through problem solving and group collaboration.
This module provides students with an understanding of mathematical functions and their applications and the fundamentals of calculus with emphasis on applications to problems in Economics and Finance. This module also introduces students to statistics, probability and applications including probability distributions.
This module gives students an understanding of mathematical functions and their applications and the fundamentals of calculus with emphasis on applications to problems in rates and trigonometry. This module also introduces students to statistics, counting techniques, probability and applications including probability distributions.
The Accounting and Financial Management module is a foundational course designed to equip business students with essential skills in recording, classifying, and summarising financial transactions. The module lays the groundwork for effective resource management and strategic decision-making in business by providing a general understanding of accounting principles and practices.
In this module, students will develop an understanding of key accounting terms and concepts, emphasising the recording and reporting of financial data within business contexts. The module introduces basic financial and management accounting tools and techniques, such as budgeting, break-even analysis, and ratio analysis. These tools are essential for planning, organising, controlling, and evaluating financial resources and activities.
With a focus on real-world application, the module prepares students to analyse financial information, evaluate accounting practices, and communicate recommendations effectively. Practical scenarios and case studies enhance students’ ability to apply theoretical concepts in business contexts.
The module provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of digital design and production, with a focus on video game development. Students will delve into the fundamentals of video game production and design, gaining insights into the entire process from concept to execution. Additionally, the curriculum covers essential skills such as logo design, image editing, and website creation specifically tailored for marketing games. Participants can expect to acquire a well-rounded skill set that combines creative design elements with practical knowledge for effectively promoting and showcasing video games in the digital landscape.
In this module, students will be introduced to the role of the Digital Visual Arts Process Diary (DVAPD) which will support their exploration of different concepts developing Material and Conceptual Practice.
They will use a range of drawing, painting, and mixed media to develop an original concept to be resolved in artworks, one resolved artwork will explore the theme “The Human Condition,” and a second resolved artwork exploring “The World from My Window,” in innovative and imaginative ways.
Following this, students will explore traditional and/or contemporary material and techniques of their choosing to begin forming their individual Bodies of Work. To assist their development of ideas, students will engage in a series of Art Critical and Historical research that explore the practice of a variety of modern and contemporary artists. Research, reflection and experiments are documented in their Digital Visual Arts Process Diaries supporting the development of their artworks.
The biology module is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and processes of living organisms and a study of modern biology in the context of the world around us.
The module develops practical, research, analysis, and presentation skills. The module facilitates the development of critical skills including collaboration, creativity, data analysis, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
The chemistry module is designed to assist students to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills in the scientific discipline of chemical sciences. This module includes an introduction to the fundamental concepts, developing practical, research, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
The Chemistry module is organised as a series of lecture sessions followed by discussions, practical laboratory sessions and research tasks of related content.
Cultural studies investigate the study of the development of Australia through an inquiry into the historical and geographical context. Students will embark on a journey of exploring Australian history whilst evaluating how these noteworthy events have impacted on the changing nature of Australian environment, landscape, and culture.
Students will develop a sense of place in Australia through investigation into historical and contemporary case studies and their relevance in an ever-changing world.
In this module students will develop skills to think critically through the analysis and interpretation of historical sources and contemporary case studies. Students will collaborate with peers through workshop lessons to problem solve.
Students will experience two fieldwork opportunities in Sydney. They will visit Taronga Zoo and Hyde Park Barracks. These unique experiences will form part of the assessment task requirements but will also assist students with developing a sense of belonging in an Australian learning environment.
This module at the Foundation Level for business students provides a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic concepts, models, theories, and policies. The module delves into microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to navigate fundamental economic issues.
Microeconomics is the study of the relationships between consumers and firms in markets. In this module students will analyse economic models that explain consumer choices, firm behaviour, and address current economic issues. The module also examines the impact of government intervention in correcting market failures and ensuring fair outcomes in the free market system.
Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that studies the overall performance of an economy. It examines the factors that affect national income, employment levels, inflation rates, and economic growth. In this field, students analyse how government spending or taxation changes impact macroeconomic variables such as GDP and inflation rate.
Development economics explores global trade patterns, investigating why certain countries possess absolute or comparative advantages in specific industries. The module evaluates various trade policies governments employ to safeguard domestic industries or boost exports. Furthermore, it assesses economic development strategies tailored to less-developed countries to foster sustainable economic progress.
International and Global Studies encompasses the historical evolution of international relations through an investigation into major political and government issues that have shaped the modern world. Students will decipher the intricate relationships between power, government, institutions, and information within an international and global context.
This module is designed to shift student perspective as they develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in a global context to become active and informed citizens. Students will examine domestic and international contexts to prepare them for the diverse future challenges and opportunities presented by our interconnected world.
This module will offer learning experiences that help the students develop an understanding of physicists’ work. The students will be introduced to the knowledge and applications across a range of physics topics. This module covers an introduction to motion, electrostatics, electrodynamics, waves, electromagnetic spectrum, and astronomy. The module provides learning experiences that help students develop practical, research and critical thinking skills. Experiments are designed to introduce students to modern technology for the study of undergraduate degree in science, engineering, and some health science fields.
These modules relate to USFP courses commencing from July 2024.
For students studying USFP courses commencing January 2023 – April 2024 please find module information here.
University of Sydney Foundation Program – Standard Course. CRICOS Course Code: 022310D.
University of Sydney Foundation Program – Extended Course. CRICOS Course Code: 048302A.
University of Sydney Foundation Program – Standard Intensive. CRICOS Course Code: 036126M.
These courses will be delivered by Navitas Australia Pty Limited trading as Taylors College on behalf of the University of Sydney.