Bridging Courses

UNSW Science bridging courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics are short, in-depth courses designed to strengthen your knowledge in the key areas required for your first year of study.  

The bridging courses are meticulously designed to help you attain the level of assumed knowledge required to successfully manage first-year course content. 

While the physics bridging course is taught entirely online, the chemistry and mathematics bridging courses give you the option of face-to-face tutorials. This lets you experience how they are taught at UNSW through 40 hours of tuition consisting of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • laboratory classes
  • demonstration sessions.

Registration for all bridging courses will open in November.

Our Bridging Courses

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge is what your lecturer or tutor will reasonably expect you to know from the beginning of your course. If you don't have the assumed knowledge for your course, you can still apply to UNSW, however, we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging or other preparation courses to ensure you get the most out of your first year of undergraduate study. 

If you’re not sure whether you meet the assumed knowledge requirements for your degree of choice, you can ask us a question or call us on 02 8263 8102.

Eligibility

UNSW Science bridging courses are open to domestic or international:  

  • school leavers 
  • mature-age students 
  • deferred students 
  • currently enrolled UNSW students. 

You may undertake the bridging courses at UNSW even if you’re intending to enrol at another university. 

However, we advise you to first ensure that the UNSW bridging course(s) you select is approved by that institution. 

Additional Information

Registration & Payment
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Registration for 2021 Bridging Courses. See individual pages for registration info:

Chemistry

Maths Registration opens 22 February 2021; complete prior to term 2 commencement at UNSW

Physics

Indicative cost: $380

Examinations, Results & Certificates
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  • The Physics & Mathematics bridging courses include an examination as outlined in the timetable below.
    Students who successfully complete the course(s) including the examination(s) by achieving a mark of 50 or above will be issued a certificate.
     
  • The Chemistry Bridging course requires completion of 85% of course activities and 3x task submissions in order be issued a certificate of completion.

Get in Touch
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 Email us at bridging@unsw.edu.au

 

Withdrawals & Refunds
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You can email Science Student Services to request a withdrawal or transfer from one bridging course to another. 

The last day to withdraw is 3 days after course registration closes.

Withdrawals and transfers will incur a $50 administration fee. 

Refunds are made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). 

For Maths bridging course refund requests, note they are only provided if student has not completed 20% of the course content and/or participated in 4 hours or more of the online activities.

2021 Timetable
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Physics: Next bridging course: Jan/Feb 2022

Chemistry: Next bridging course: Jan/Feb 2022

Mathematics:  Registration opens Tuesday 29 June and closes Sunday 15 August 2021. Online course opens from 29 June for self-study. Optional live classes from Wednesday 18 August to Friday 3 September 2021. (Fully Online)

It is recommended students aim to complete as much of the online material as they can before the live online classes start on Wednesday 18 August