Program Overview
Program Overview
The NUchance program is a free pathway program offered at the University of Newcastle for individuals who do not have the qualifications required for direct entry into an undergraduate degree program. This program is designed to help students develop the necessary skills to gain entry into university and achieve success in their academic pursuits.
Program Description
NUchance is available to study in a variety of flexible delivery options, including full-time, part-time, on-campus, and online. Upon completing the program, students will receive a Certificate of Attainment from the University, which serves as evidence of the skills and knowledge gained. Completion of the program also guarantees admission to over 70 degrees at the University of Newcastle.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the NUchance program, graduates will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
- Foundational competence in key academic skills, including academic writing, research, and communication skills.
- Foundational awareness of salient knowledge across at least two academic content areas.
- Foundational understanding of the requirements of academic integrity and ethical conduct.
- Foundational ability to successfully engage with the university teaching and learning environment.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the NUchance program is available via direct application for domestic applicants who were enrolled in the Open Foundation program and have been advised to transfer to the NUchance program.
Post-Admission Requirements
Students are required to engage in the "Progress to Success" process, which involves a supported advisory conversation to reflect on past study, set study goals, and identify key learning support activities.
Program Requirements
The NUchance program requires the successful completion of 40 units, made up of 4 courses worth 10 units each. Students must choose 40 units from the course list, considering the undergraduate degree they wish to pursue upon completion of the program.
Program Structure
The program is comprised of 40 units of courses chosen from the course list. The course list includes:
- EPABOR158: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: Cultures and Histories
- EPABOR258: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: Contemporary Issues
- EPARTS190: Design Drawing
- EPBIOL100: Biology: The Science of Life
- EPBIOL259: Introductory Human Bioscience
- EPCHEM137: Foundation Concepts for Chemistry
- EPCHEM237: Physical and Organic Chemistry
- EPEDUC101: Foundations in Education: Theories and Theoretical Perspectives
- EPEDUC201: Foundations in Education: Contemporary Issues in Schooling
- EPHLTH170: Science Essentials for Nursing and Midwifery
- EPHLTH270: Bioscience for Nursing and Midwifery
- EPHUMA120: Media and Communication Studies
- EPHUMA135: Research in Action
- EPHUMA147: Law in Australia
- EPHUMA149: Language in Society
- EPHUMA171: Academic Literacies and Language Enhancement for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
- EPHUMA172: Reading, Writing and Critical Thinking
- EPHUMA173: Creative Writing and Reading
- EPHUMA200: Introduction to Linguistics: The Science of How Language Works
- EPHUMA231: Australian History from Federation to Present
- EPHUMA247: Law in Action
- EPINFO150: Information and Communication Technology
- EPINFO250: Programming Fundamentals
- EPMANC120: Managing People in Organisations
- EPMATH109: Fundamental Mathematics
- EPMATH235: Statistics
- EPPHYS152: Physics Essentials
- EPPHYS252: Modern Physics
- EPSCIE140: Psychology and Human Behaviour in Everyday Life
Transition Arrangements
From 2026, the following courses will no longer be offered:
- EPARTS191: Design in Society
- EPARTS192: Graphic Design Fundamentals
- EPBIOL130: Introduction to Biology
- EPBIOL140: Foundations of Conservation Science
- EPBIOL240: Biodiversity and Conservation Management
- EPENGG101: Engineering Physics
- EPHUMA144: Literature Foundations
- EPHUMA160: Screen and Cultural Studies
- EPMANC220: Project Management
- EPMATH110: Applied Mathematics Pre-2026 students who have completed any of these courses can continue to count them towards their program.
Additional Handbook Information
The University provides a range of support services, including face-to-face and online academic advice, career advice, counselling, English language support, and library help. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can access programs and social activities through the Wollotuka Institute, with academic advice and support provided by the Indigenous Enabling Academic Advisor and the Indigenous Enabling Learning Advisor.
Credit Transfer Information
A maximum of 30 units of credit may be awarded for previous completion of University of Newcastle enabling courses within the last four years.
Students with Special Needs Information
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to students with a medical or health condition or disability. Students who require adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester.
Program Details
- Type: Single Program
- Study level: Enabling
- Program schedule: Enabling Program Schedule
- Units to complete: 40
- College: Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre
- Full-time duration (years): 0.5
- Max time to complete (years): 4
- Term type: Semesters
- Locations of offer: Callaghan Campus, Gosford, Online, Ourimbah