HSC courses
Which HSC subjects are offered by the University of Sydney?
The University of Sydney offers one HSC Board-endorsed course, Mind & Morality. This course offers you the opportunity to study a Year 11 HSC unit outside of your school’s program and is offered through both the University’s Summer School in January and at after-school sessions run by “host schools” in Semesters One and Two. Board-Endorsed Courses such as Mind and Morality offer the opportunity to extend the curriculum, providing enrichment of a subject area.
What is Mind and Morality about?
Mind and Morality is a philosophical investigation of who we are and how we should live. The course covers ethical, social, scientific and political issues. Students improve their research and critical thinking skills by engaging in problem solving and evidence-based learning.
You will use your research skills to write critical papers that communicate complex ideas.
Participants benefit most from this course if they are thinking about university study in the future.
Is this course recognised?
Mind and Morality is endorsed as a one-unit option. The course is recognised by the Board of Studies as a Year 11 preliminary unit and will form part of your final HSC record.
After successful completion of the course, credit will be given for six credit points (a semester-length unit of study) towards a degree in Arts or some combined degree programs.
You may also use study in the course to enable to you to gain entry to some degrees through the University’s Flexible Entry Scheme.
When is this course offered?
Mind and Morality is offered as part of the Summer School or in Semester One (terms one and two) or Semester Two (terms three and four) as an after-school program in host schools. External students are welcome to apply to take the course at host schools.
The courses run in three modules. The schedules for the 2008-9 programs are as follows:
Semester Two 2008
Offered at: Ascham School
Date:
Module 1: 5 August–16 September
Module 3: 14 October–25 November
Day/time: Tuesdays, 4pm–6pm
Module 2 is an on-campus session run at the University during the school holidays (29 September–3 October, 10am–2pm)
Summer School 2009
Offered at: University of Sydney, Camperdown campus
Date: 5 January–16 January
Day/time: Monday to Friday, 10am–2pm
There will be three final sessions held on Saturday mornings in February and March
Semester One 2009
Offered at: Sydney Girls High School
Date:
Module 1: 16 February–30 March
Module 3: 27 April–8 June
Day/time: Mondays, 4pm–6pm
Offered at: North Sydney Girls High School
Date:
Module 1: 17 February–31 March
Module 3: 28 April–9 June
Day/time: Tuesdays, 4pm–6pm
Offered at: Tara Anglican School for Girls
Date:
Module 1: 18 February–1 April
Module 3: 29 April–10 June
Day/time: Wednesdays, 4pm–6pm
Module 2 is an on-campus session run at the University during the first week of the school holidays (13–17 April, 10am–2pm)
Eligibility for the course
Any student who has an interest in the topics covered and the ability and aptitude to undertake university-level study is welcome to apply. Only students who will have commenced Year 11 may apply to enrol in the course.
How to submit your application
Candidates should complete the application form and then take it to their school principal for approval and submission to the University. Students must also attach a copy of their most recent school report.
Completed applications should be sent to the University by the school principal to the following address:
The Sydney Summer School
PO Box 446
Broadway NSW 2007
Applications are due by Friday, 27 June for Semester Two 2008 and Friday, 12 December for Summer School and Semester One, 2009.
Late applications will be considered subject to the availability of places.
Application Checklist
When preparing applications, students should make sure that they:
- Complete all relevant sections of the form
- Include all the required attachments, and
- Return the form to their school principal for approval well before the due date to ensure that the Summer School Office will receive the application in good time.
Submitted applications
Your completed application will be forwarded to the course convener for assessment.
Only 22 students will be accepted into each class at the host schools, so entry is competitive.
Offers of places
Semester Two 2008: Offers will be sent out to successful applicants by Friday, 18 July, 2008. You will need to accept and pay your fees by Friday, 1 August.
How much will it cost?
The courses are offered by the University on a cost-recovery basis. The cost of each course is:
- 2008 – $740
- 2009 – $775
The fee is payable once you are accepted into the course.
If you have any further queries please contact the University of Sydney Summer School on (02) 9351 5774.