Academics

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) offers courses in a variety of disciplines. UTS is particularly strong in communication and media studies, business, computer and data science and Aboriginal studies. 

Unique Study Opportunities

  • Learn about the history, politics, society, and culture of various countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain.
  • Gain insights into organizing and staging some of the world's most significant sporting events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup while taking the spring course, Olympic Games and Sport Mega-Events.
  • Explore the social and ethical implications of technology while examining the interplay between technology and social change through case studies on media, transport, and domestic technologies by while taking the fall course, The Social Life of Technology. 

Language

Language Study: Optional

Foreign language study is available. Check the university course catalog.

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: 24 quarter/16 semester UC units each semester, which is equal to 24 UTS points
    • A 6 point UTS course= 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
    • Since most UTS  courses are worth 6 UTS points, most UCEAP students will take 4 courses
  • You may take one course per semester for pass/no pass credit

Current Program Courses

Courses are available in a variety of disciplines from the following UTS faculties: 

  • Arts and Social Sciences: Communication; International Studies, and Education.
  • Business: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing.  
  • Design, Architecture and Building: Visual Communication, Product Design, Fashion, Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, Construction, Property and Real Estate, Urban Planning, and Architecture.
  • Engineering and Information Technology: Biomedical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Data Engineering, and Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.
  • Health: Public Health, and Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation.
  • Science: Food Science, Physics and Quantum Technology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Science, Mathematics, Statistics, and Quantitative Finance.
  • Law: Legal Studies.
  • Transdiciplinary Innovation: Entrepreneurship, Creative Intelligence and Innovation, Data Science and Innovation, and Innovation.  

Course Restrictions

UCEAP students cannot take psychology, nursing, midwifery, or Chinese medicine courses at UTS. 

Animation and media arts production courses have limited availability.

Catalogs and resources

  • University of Technology Sydney Course Catalog: Browse the full list of undergraduate offerings.
    • Autumn session is the spring term
    • Spring session is the fall term
    • UTS refers to courses as "subjects"
    • UTS refers to "courses" as a degree program
  • UTS pre-approved courses for exchange students: Students can take a course (subject) that does not appear this list, but will need to obtain UTS approval.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of some courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn about the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.  Please note that students often take courses not listed in the database.  The database is not fully updated and does not list all courses, even if UCEAP students have previously earned credit for it.  Contact your major advisor if you have questions.  Ultimately, your major advisor will determine the type of UC credit you'll earn for your classes abroad.   

Academic culture

To help you acclimate to Australian campus life and culture, there are a few key differences and similarities with UC to be aware of:

  • The Australian semester is longer and has a slower pace than the UC semester or quarter.
  • Students address Australian lecturers and tutors informally by their first name.
  • Similar to UC, the main forms of teaching are lectures (50-500+ students), tutorials (10-25 students), seminars (30+ students; half lecture, half tutorial), and labs/practicals.
  • All lectures are recorded—beware of waiting until the last minute to watch them.
  • In Australia, students are expected to be independent and show initiative. Instructors won't chase you up if you miss classes or assignments.
  • Assignments tend to require heavy research and critical analysis.
  • You’ll need to use Australian English for assignments.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Australian university grades are criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced (i.e., curved). This means that your performance on an assignment will be compared to a predefined standard, not to the performance of your classmates. Your lecturer will advise you of this standard via a grading rubric.

Most assessment is due toward the end of the semester. In a semester, it is not uncommon to have your first assignment due in the sixth week and not receive any grades back until the eighth week. Finals may be very heavily weighted (40-80% of your final grade). There is usually a study week (called swot vac) between the last week of the semester and the start of the exam period.

UCEAP converts your Australian grades to UC grades. Fall grades are usually available in January. Spring grades are usually available in August.