University Extension Programs (UEP)

University Extension Program

University Extension Programs provide academically capable and motivated students with the opportunity to experience genuine university study while completing their SACE studies. Students can enrol in selected university subjects across a wide range of disciplines and complete these alongside their Year 12 studies.

Students accepted into a UEP can choose to replace or supplement their Year 12 subjects with university subjects.

University grades are recorded, and students are able to credit these grades towards their SACE Stage 2 studies and ATAR.

Participating in a University Extension Program offers students a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Experiencing university-style learning and expectations while still supported within the school environment
• Exploring future study and career pathways before commencing university full-time
• Developing advanced independent learning, research and time management skills
• Accessing a broad range of subject areas beyond the traditional school curriculum
• Gaining confidence and familiarity with university systems and environments
• Potentially receiving university credit towards future tertiary studies
• Boosting SACE and ATAR outcomes through successful completion of university subjects

University results can directly contribute to a student’s SACE and ATAR

• High Distinction (HD) = 10/10
• Distinction (D) = 9.9/10
• Credit (C) = 9/10
• Pass (P) = 7.9/10

UEP pathways are designed for high achieving students who are seeking additional academic challenge, have a strong interest in a particular field, or would benefit from early exposure to university learning. Studying a UEP requires students who have the maturity to adjust to a university-style environment, where significant independent learning is required. Participation in a UEP subject requires considerable commitment (on average 10+ hours a week).

In general, Year 11 students need to be achieving at a consistently high level to be eligible to apply.

At Pulteney, students are supported throughout the process by the Futures Office and Senior School staff to ensure subject selections align with their interests, strengths and future aspirations.

There are a variety of subjects that can be taken at the different tertiary institutions offering UEP’s. Students interested in studying a UEP and encouraged to visit the individual websites to gain information on the current subject offerings.

It’s important to note that SACE have approved most Flinders University Extension Studies courses and Adelaide University Activate subjects for inclusion in SACE Recognised Learning. However, there are some combinations of subjects that are not approved yet and/or create a precluded with current Year 12 subjects. It is the student’s responsibility to check all course selections to ensure they are choosing subjects that will contribute to their SACE and ATAR.

Below is a list of some of the subject areas on offer, including:

• Psychology
• Marketing
• Nutrition
• Human Anatomy
• Business and Management
• Law and Criminology
• Accounting, Economics and Finance
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Politics and History
• Critical Thinking
• and many more.

A UEP can contribute 10 or 20 credits to a student’s SACE, depending on whether they study one or two UEP’s.

One UEP = 10 SACE Stage 2 credits, while two UEP’s = 20 SACE Stage 2 credits.

The result gained from studying a UEP subject will determine how it contributes to a student’s ATAR.

If a student achieves a High Distinction for their UEP, they will receive a subject score of 10/10 to contribute to their ATAR.

If a student achieves a Distinction, they will receive a subject score of 9.9/10.

If a student achieves a Credit, they will receive a subject score of 9/10 and if they achieve a Pass, they will receive a subject score of 7.9/10.

Pulteney Grammar’s standard for the selection process for a UEP is purposely set high to ensure that students can successfully combine their SACE and university studies. While students undertake the course independently, schools are required to provide a recommendation, which is why it is crucial that we have a rigorous selection process; exemplary behaviour and attitude are also expectations.

There is a detailed application process that Year 11 students need to adhere to, should they wish to apply. This is outlined on the Pulteney Futures website and students will also receive an email during Term 3, with all of the information and application process outlined.

Please note that a minimum B grade in all subjects, including any accelerated Stage 2 subjects, is required, with a minimum A grade being required for some programs.

In the first instance, students need to complete a Pulteney Grammar application form, outlining their study and career path, their motivating factors for their selected UEP subjects, their plans for 2028 and beyond, and how their UEP subject(s) support their pathway.

UEP subjects can be studied online or face-to-face at a tertiary institution, namely Adelaide University or Flinders University, depending on the university and course selected.

Students can enrol in a maximum of one university topic per semester while completing Year 12.

Each UEP subject is studied for a semester, but the university dates do not necessarily align with school terms/semesters.

Each institution and UEP subject will have their specific dates outlined on their websites.

No. Application to study a UEP is competitive and the final decision is solely managed and awarded at the discretion of each individual tertiary institution.

No. Students undertaking a UEP do so as ‘independent learners’.

While there is a Pulteney school contact available for students to contact if they require assistance, this does not include general or weekly supervision.

Students undertaking a UEP need to be self-motivated and organised to ensure all work is completed and deadlines met.

Students who successfully complete a UEP may also receive credit towards their university degree, if they enrol in a related university course after attending Pulteney Grammar.

This enables them to complete their university study early or study a wider range of courses than usual.

Families are responsible for the cost of any UEP.

Successful Extension Studies applicants (at Flinders University) will receive a 50% scholarship, reducing the cost of the course.

Students studying at Adelaide University currently receive a 100% scholarship (no tuition cost to families).

Successful applicants for both programs will be exempt from the student services and amenities fee for one course per semester.