Do You Need HSC Physics for Engineering?

A student can receive an offer for an engineering degree without studying HSC Physics, then discover that their first-year electrical engineering subjects assume they already know it. Is that a contradiction?

No. University admission requirements and assumed knowledge do different jobs.

If you’re considering engineering at university in NSW, you do not universally need HSC Physics to get into an engineering degree. However, some universities expect you to have studied it before starting, and certain engineering specialisations rely on Physics more heavily than others.

The important distinction is between being allowed into a degree and being prepared for the subjects you’ll study once you’re there.

01First, what does ‘need Physics’ actually mean?

There are four different sets of rules worth separating before you choose your HSC subjects.

There is also a fifth category: recommended studies. These are subjects a university considers useful preparation, but they are not compulsory admission requirements.

What does NESA actually require?

Under NESA’s HSC course eligibility rules, students may enter an HSC course after satisfactorily completing its requisite preceding Preliminary course.

This is a statewide progression requirement. It does not establish an engineering-related requirement to study Physics.

Your school still manages its own subject selection process. It may have restrictions based on class availability, timetable clashes, staffing or its own advice about academic readiness.

If your school tells you that you cannot enrol in Physics, ask whether this is a school-specific decision or a NESA requirement. They are not the same thing.

Prerequisites versus assumed knowledge

A university prerequisite is an actual admission requirement. If a course requires Mathematics Advanced at a particular level, for example, you must meet that requirement even if your ATAR is otherwise competitive.

Assumed knowledge works differently.

Think of it like arriving at a workshop where everyone is expected to know how to use certain tools. You might still be allowed into the workshop without that experience, but the first project could be considerably harder.

Universities may provide bridging courses to help you catch up.

For a more detailed explanation, see What Is the Difference Between Assumed Knowledge and a Prerequisite?.

02What do NSW universities actually require?

Let’s compare three universities rather than assuming every engineering degree follows the same rules.

The examples below use published domestic undergraduate entry information for 2027, checked on 8 November 2026. These are course-specific requirements, not statewide rules. If you’re applying for 2028 or a later intake, check the relevant year’s UAC course description and university handbook again.

1. UNSW Sydney

The UNSW 2027 Domestic Undergraduate Student Guide lists Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics as assumed knowledge for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Flexible First Year.

The same pattern appears across many of its engineering specialisations, including:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering.

There is an interesting exception. UNSW’s 2027 guide lists Mathematics Extension 1, but not Physics, as assumed knowledge for Software Engineering (Honours).

So even within the same engineering degree structure, Physics is not automatically expected for every specialisation.

What happens if you haven’t studied it?

UAC’s UNSW admission information explains that missing assumed knowledge does not prevent enrolment. However, students without the expected background may be at a considerable disadvantage.

UNSW strongly advises students to consider bridging courses in subjects where they lack assumed knowledge.

The takeaway: HSC Physics is useful preparation for most traditional engineering specialisations at UNSW, but it is not automatically an admission barrier.

2. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS provides another useful example.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible) has Autumn and Spring 2027 intakes.

Its published assumed knowledge includes:

• Mathematics Extension 1
• Physics
• English Standard.

However, UTS explicitly states in its domestic undergraduate admission requirements that it does not have HSC subject prerequisites for its courses.

The distinction is important.

You can apply without HSC Physics, but the university expects you to have the relevant background when you begin studying.

UTS also provides bridging courses in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics for students who need additional preparation.

The takeaway: You do not need HSC Physics as a formal admission prerequisite for this UTS degree, but studying it beforehand gives you a useful head start.

3. The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney demonstrates why you need to look at the actual engineering specialisation.

For its Bachelor of Engineering Honours, the published course prerequisite is:

• Mathematics Advanced (Band 4), or
• Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E3), or
• Mathematics Extension 2 (Band E3).

Physics is not a universal course admission prerequisite.

However, its classification changes depending on the engineering stream.

For Flexible First Year, assumed knowledge includes Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics and/or Chemistry, depending on the engineering stream selected.

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, for example, assumes Chemistry rather than Physics.

These distinctions come from the University’s official course prerequisites and assumed knowledge table, approved on 11 November 2025.

There is another important detail in the 2027 University Handbook.

The Electrical Engineering stream includes PHYS1001, Physics 1. Its assumed knowledge includes HSC Physics or equivalent. Students without that background are strongly advised to take the University’s Physics Bridging Course, offered in February.

The Mechanical Engineering stream also contains a later unit, MECH2400, which lists HSC Mathematics and Physics as assumed knowledge.

This illustrates something students often overlook: a subject can be unnecessary for admission to the degree but still be useful, or even expected, for individual university units.

The takeaway: At the University of Sydney, Mathematics has a formal admission requirement across engineering, while Physics requirements depend on the stream and the units you study.

Comparing the three universities

The main differences are worth keeping in mind.

These examples demonstrate why there is no single NSW-wide answer to the question.

You need to check the exact degree, specialisation and entry year.

03Why is Physics useful for engineering anyway?

If you can enter engineering without HSC Physics, why do universities keep listing it as assumed knowledge?

Because engineering involves understanding how physical systems behave.

Physics gives you some of the fundamental models used to describe those systems.

Consider three examples.

Mechanical and civil engineering

Imagine designing a bridge.

You need to understand how forces act on its structure, how loads are transferred through supporting members, and how materials respond to stress.

These ideas connect directly to Physics topics such as:

• Forces and Newton’s laws
• Motion and acceleration
• Energy and momentum
• Equilibrium
• Mechanical properties of materials.

Mechanical engineering uses similar ideas when analysing moving machinery, engines, vehicles and mechanical systems.

Without some understanding of mechanics, the physical behaviour of these systems can seem rather mysterious.

Electrical and electronic engineering

Now consider designing an electric motor.

You need to understand electric currents, magnetic fields, electromagnetic forces and energy transfer.

These ideas come from Physics topics such as:

• Electric circuits
• Electric and magnetic fields
• Electromagnetism
• Electromagnetic induction
• Energy transformations.

HSC Physics introduces the fundamental principles behind these systems.

University engineering then develops them into much more complex applications.

Mechatronics and other engineering fields

Mechatronics combines mechanical systems, electronics, computing and control systems.

A robot, for example, needs sensors to measure its environment, motors to create movement, and control systems to coordinate its actions.

Physics helps you understand the motion, forces and electrical systems involved.

Other specialisations have different priorities. Chemical engineering, for instance, places substantial emphasis on chemistry, while software engineering relies heavily on programming, mathematics and logical reasoning.

Physics is valuable, but it is not the entire foundation of engineering.

04Two worked examples: Should you take Physics?

Let’s apply the requirements to two realistic subject-selection decisions.

05What if you decide not to study HSC Physics?

You have several options. The important thing is to make a deliberate decision rather than assuming you can work everything out after receiving an offer.

1. Check your intended engineering specialisation

Start with the actual degree you want.

If you’re interested in electrical, mechanical, civil, aerospace or mechatronic engineering, Physics is particularly useful.

If you’re more interested in software or chemical engineering, the subject requirements and preparation priorities may be different.

If you’re undecided, consider whether studying Physics would keep more of your preferred pathways comfortable.

2. Check whether bridging courses are available

Universities such as UNSW, UTS and the University of Sydney offer Physics bridging opportunities.

These courses are designed to help students develop knowledge they haven’t gained through their previous studies.

However, don’t assume that a bridging course is equivalent to completing two years of HSC Physics.

Check:

• When the bridging course runs.
• Which topics it covers.
• Whether it is recommended or required for your particular situation.
• Whether you need additional preparation before starting your first semester.

Also remember that bridging courses do not automatically satisfy formal course prerequisites. You must still meet any actual admission requirements.

3. Don’t neglect Mathematics

This is particularly important.

Across the university examples above, Mathematics appears consistently in assumed knowledge or formal admission requirements.

At the University of Sydney, Mathematics Advanced at Band 4 or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 at Band E3 is a formal engineering course prerequisite.

UNSW and UTS also list Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge for their respective engineering examples.

Studying Physics does not compensate for missing a formal Mathematics prerequisite.

If you’re choosing between subjects, make sure you understand the Mathematics requirements of your intended degree before making a decision.

4. Consider your strengths and interests

Physics is a demanding subject, particularly when you are learning to connect mathematical calculations with physical explanations.

If you enjoy understanding how things work, analysing forces, investigating electrical systems and solving unfamiliar problems, it may be a good fit.

If you dislike the subject, or if adding it would create an unsustainable workload, don’t choose it simply because you think every engineer must have studied it.

Your HSC subjects should support your future plans while remaining a realistic combination for you to study well.

If you’re already in Year 11 and reconsidering your subject choices, see Can You Change HSC Subjects After Year 11 Starts?.

06Should you choose Physics because it scales well?

You may have heard that Physics is a good subject for your ATAR because it scales highly.

There is some truth behind this reputation, but it is not a reliable reason to choose a subject on its own.

According to UAC’s explanation of ATAR calculations, your ATAR is calculated using the aggregate of scaled marks from:

• Your best 2 units of English.
• Your best 8 units from your remaining HSC courses.

Physics traditionally scales well because students studying it tend to perform strongly across their subjects.

However, this does not mean Physics gives every student a fixed bonus.

Scaling depends on the performance of the entire subject cohort, and you still need a strong HSC result to obtain a high scaled mark.

For example, imagine you are studying 12 units and Physics is your weakest subject. If its scaled mark falls below the other available units, it may not contribute to your ATAR aggregate.

You could spend a substantial amount of time studying Physics without receiving the ATAR benefit you expected.

There is also a distinction between scaling and university subject adjustments. Some universities offer additional selection rank adjustments for strong results in relevant HSC subjects. These schemes are separate from ATAR scaling and vary between institutions and courses.

You can check the details through UAC’s selection rank adjustment information.

The sensible approach is to choose Physics because it interests you, suits your strengths or provides useful preparation for your intended degree. Its scaling reputation should not be the deciding factor.

07One important syllabus change for students choosing Physics

If you’re starting Year 11 in 2027, you’ll be studying the new 2025 Physics syllabus.

NESA’s implementation schedule is:

• 2027, Term 1: The new Physics syllabus begins for Year 11.
• 2027, Term 1: Students continuing into Year 12 remain on the 2017 Physics syllabus.
• 2027, Term 4: The new syllabus begins for Year 12.
• 2028: The first HSC examination under the new Physics syllabus.

The new Year 11 course includes Fundamentals of Mechanics, Waves, and Electricity and Magnetism.

Year 12 introduces Advanced Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Nature of Light, and Matter, Energy and the Cosmos.

You can check the official NESA Physics 11-12 Syllabus (2025).

There is a separate timing difference for Chemistry: the new 2025 Chemistry syllabus begins in Year 11 in 2028, with its first HSC examination in 2029. Students starting Year 11 in 2027 will still study the 2017 Chemistry syllabus.

You can find the official NESA Chemistry 11-12 Syllabus (2025).

Be careful when using older study resources. References to Physics Modules 1-8 belong to the 2017 syllabus, not the new 2025 course.

08Questions and solutions

Question 1

A student wants to study the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible) at UTS in 2027. They have not studied HSC Physics.

Does this automatically make them ineligible for admission?

Solution 1

No. UTS does not have HSC subject prerequisites for its courses, although Physics is listed as assumed knowledge for this engineering degree.

The distinction is important. A student can meet the university’s admission requirements without having completed every subject listed as assumed knowledge.

However, UTS expects students to have a reasonable background in Physics before beginning the degree. Its Physics bridging courses provide an option for students who need additional preparation.

The student should therefore distinguish between being eligible to apply and being academically prepared to start the course.

Question 2

A student wants to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sydney.

They have Mathematics Advanced at Band 4 and Mathematics Extension 1, but have chosen Chemistry instead of Physics.

A friend tells them that all engineering degrees require HSC Physics.

Is the friend’s statement correct? Explain the student’s actual position.

Solution 2

No. The student can meet the published admission requirements for Mechanical Engineering without HSC Physics.

The University of Sydney’s course table identifies Mathematics Advanced at Band 4 or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 at Band E3 as the formal Mathematics prerequisite.

For Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics Extension 1 is assumed knowledge, while Physics is recommended study.

The student therefore satisfies the stated course requirements.

However, there is a second consideration. The 2027 Mechanical Engineering handbook lists HSC Physics as assumed knowledge for MECH2400.

This means the student may need additional preparation when they reach that unit.

The tempting mistake is to assume that a subject recommended for university admission must be compulsory for the entire degree. The actual requirements are more specific: course admission and individual unit expectations are separate.

Question 3

Consider two students:

• Student A wants to study Software Engineering at UNSW.
• Student B wants to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Sydney.

Neither has studied HSC Physics.

The UNSW 2027 guide lists Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge for Software Engineering, but not Physics.

The University of Sydney lists Physics as assumed knowledge for Electrical Engineering.

Are both students facing the same preparation problem? Explain the difference.

Solution 3

No. Student B has a more significant Physics knowledge gap than Student A.

For UNSW Software Engineering, the 2027 guide lists Mathematics Extension 1 as assumed knowledge. Physics is not listed as assumed knowledge for this particular specialisation.

For the University of Sydney’s Electrical Engineering stream, Physics is explicitly assumed knowledge. The 2027 handbook also lists HSC Physics as assumed knowledge for PHYS1001, Physics 1.

The absence of Physics therefore creates different preparation demands for the two students.

Neither student should assume that missing Physics automatically makes them ineligible for admission. However, Student B should investigate the University’s Physics Bridging Course before starting the Electrical stream.

This example demonstrates why the name of the engineering degree matters. You cannot reliably determine subject requirements from the word ‘engineering’ alone.

Question 4

A student is already studying 12 HSC units and is considering adding Physics because it traditionally scales well.

They expect their Physics result to be considerably weaker than their results in their other subjects.

They argue that adding Physics must improve their ATAR because it is a high-scaling course.

Is this reasoning correct?

Solution 4

No. Studying a traditionally high-scaling subject does not guarantee a higher ATAR.

UAC calculates the ATAR using scaled marks, not raw HSC marks or a fixed bonus attached to individual subjects.

Physics may scale well, but the student still needs to achieve a strong result to benefit.

If their scaled Physics mark is lower than the other available units, it may not contribute to their best eight units outside English.

There is another cost to consider: the extra time spent studying Physics could reduce their performance in other subjects.

The correct decision depends on their ability, interests, expected performance and workload, rather than the subject’s scaling reputation.

Question 5

A student receives an offer for the University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Engineering Honours.

They did not study HSC Physics, but they satisfied the Mathematics prerequisite.

After receiving their offer, they select the Electrical Engineering stream.

They then discover that the 2027 handbook lists HSC Physics as assumed knowledge for PHYS1001, Physics 1, and strongly advises students without HSC Physics to complete the February Physics Bridging Course.

Two people offer conflicting explanations:

• Their parent argues that receiving an offer proves Physics is unnecessary, so the university should teach all the required Physics from scratch.
• Their friend argues that because PHYS1001 assumes HSC Physics, the university should never have admitted them without it.

Which explanation is correct? What should the student do?

Solution 5

Neither explanation is correct. The student can be admitted without HSC Physics while still being expected to know Physics when they begin a particular university unit.

There are two separate requirements operating here.

First, degree admission.

The University of Sydney’s formal engineering admission prerequisite is Mathematics Advanced at Band 4 or Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 at Band E3.

The student satisfied this requirement.

Physics is assumed knowledge for the Electrical stream, not a general formal admission prerequisite.

Second, preparation for individual university units.

The 2027 Electrical stream handbook explicitly lists HSC Physics as assumed knowledge for PHYS1001.

This tells students that the unit is designed with an existing Physics background in mind.

It does not promise to teach the entire HSC Physics course from the beginning.

The university can therefore admit the student while expecting them to undertake additional preparation.

The sensible response is to complete the February Physics Bridging Course, as strongly advised by the handbook, and contact the faculty if they are unsure whether they have the necessary background.

The deeper lesson is that university admission and university readiness are not identical.

You can satisfy the requirements to enter a degree and still need to prepare for its individual subjects.

The decision to make before choosing your HSC subjects: Check the formal Mathematics prerequisites for your intended engineering degrees, then investigate whether Physics is assumed knowledge for your preferred specialisation. If it is, studying HSC Physics can make your first year considerably more manageable. If it isn’t, you may have more flexibility in choosing a subject combination that suits your strengths and interests.