How to use this handbook
An understanding of the information in this handbook will allow you to make more informed choices about your study at the University of Sydney. It will:
- ensure that you have the information necessary to make informed program and unit of study choices.
- ensure that you understand the rules that both govern and ensure your successful academic progress toward graduating at the end of your degree.
Most of the information presented under the tabs across the top of this web page will provide you with the information necessary to make major, minor, program and unit of study choices. These choices will enable you to attain a holistic and well-rounded understanding of your disciplinary area of interest, so that you may fulfil your academic and vocational ambitions.
When you browse the tabs from left-to-right, you will observe a Course rules tab, subject area tabs, and tabs for each of the three available streams.
The menu sets under each of the areas of study consist of general information about the courses and units of study on offer.
Unit of Study Tables and Descriptions
Unit of study tables for each undergraduate degree can be found under the tab corresponding to the area of study.
Unit of study descriptions for all units can be found under the Units of Study tab.
Students and professionals seeking to further develop their skills in a particular subject area in order to meet professional requirements may apply to undertake individual units of study as non-award students.
Other information under the Course rules tab for instance, including the learning outcomes, course resolutions, Senate and faculty resolutions, relating to the second concern: that of ensuring that your academic progress meets the requirements necessary for you to graduate at the end of your degree.
Senate and Faculty Resolutions
The Senate Resolutions and Faculty Resolutions specify general course requirements; the Senate Resolutions for the courses offered and conferred by the University of Sydney, and the Faculty Resolutions for those courses specifically conferred by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Faculty Resolutions also outline the general conditions of enrolment and progression that pertain to its degrees. These conditions are outlined under five broad areas:
- Course enrolment
- Unit of study enrolment
- Studying and assessment
- Progression, results and graduation
- Transitional provisions
Course rules
The Course Rules specify the enrolment, progression and completion requirements for each single and combined degree offered by the Faculty, and in so doing, expand upon and particularise the general course requirements contained in the Faculty Resolutions.
For instance, in order to prescribe the allowable enrolment of a student in a particular course, course rules outline the particulars of the following:
- the attendance pattern
- the streams offered within the particular degree
- admission and award requirements
- requirements for the Honours degree
- transitional provisions
Please take the time to become familiar with the course rules and resolutions for your degree.
It is recommended that the Senate Resolutions for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences be read in conjunction with both the appropriate Faculty resolutions and the individual course rules relating to your degree.