What to expect
When you enrol in Headstart, you become a university student. You will find new and exciting opportunities and challenge as you experience university study first-hand. You can expect to:
- meet and study alongside other USC undergraduate students
- be independent and responsible for your own attendance and assessment
- attend lectures and tutorials on campus
- have full use of the university’s facilities and support services
- complete assessment tasks which may include written assignments, oral presentations, group projects or exams
Study at university is quite different to study at school. University can be academically challenging, but almost one-third of Headstart students receive a high distinction or distinction for their university work.
As a Headstart student, you will be required to:
- attend the Headstart Orientation sessions
- attend lectures, tutorials and workshops/laboratory sessions
- complete assessment items on time and contribute to group assignments and presentations
- check your University email account regularly
- pay fees due, including any late fees or fines incurred
- abide by the rules and policies of the University
- have regular meetings with your School Coordinator to discuss your progress, and
- notify USC Student Central in writing if you wish to withdraw from your course
Time commitments
You should allow at least 10 hours per week for your university study. This is divided between attending lectures and tutorials on campus (three to five hours) and individual study such as readings, research and assessment. Classes run between 8am and 9pm and most courses offer a number of class time from which to choose from.
It is important to maintain a balance of schoolwork, university work, exercise, family commitments and social activities. Use the commitment planner (PDF 36KB) to help you map out your weekly schedule.
You should also talk to your school about your options—you may be allowed to drop one of your high school subjects for a USC course, or change lines or class times to suit your schedule.
The University will:
- offer guaranteed entry to most USC degrees upon successful completion of two courses as part of the Headstart program, where the student has also successfully completed Year 12 *
- provide Headstart students with the rights, privileges and responsibilities granted to other USC students
- provide feedback to schools about student progress and results
- provide a copy of academic records to the school
- grant academic credit for a successfully completed course on subsequent enrolment to a related USC degree
* Additional entry requirements for programs with high entry cut-offs and/or prerequisites may be required.
In addition, USC is also is committed to providing appropriate support throughout your Headstart experience.
- Headstart Orientation will introduce you to university essentials before you get started.
- USC lecturers and tutors will provide you with feedback on your progress throughout the semester.
- Support staff may contact you during the semester to see how you are going, and they are always on hand if you need assistance.
Your school is there to help you balance school and university. You should talk to your Headstart Coordinator if you need help. In addition, your school is committed to:
- nominating students who have the ability, motivation and basic knowledge to successfully undertake the Headstart program,
- providing appropriate support including counselling and academic support,
- holding regular meetings to identify any problems and reporting these to USC, and
- notifying USC’s Student Central in writing of any problems, absences or the inability to complete a course.