Flinders University’s undergraduate degree courses have yet again experienced increased demand. The University has responded by making a total of 5360 offers (up from 5025 offers in 2012) to date.
The 6.3 per cent increase continues a strong rise in demand for Flinders undergraduate courses over the past three years. Between 2010-11 and 2013-14 first preference demand for undergraduate courses at Flinders has increased by more than 12 per cent, well above the sector-wide increase of six per cent.
Professor Andrew Parkin, Flinders Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said that the University’s emphasis on high quality teaching and a strong profile in community engagement were evidently factors in creating the demand.
“We have also responded to perceived needs in the labour force and the community through the introduction of new courses,” Professor Parkin said.
There has been increased demand for engineering and science courses, behavioural science/psychology, and the University’s suite of health-related courses such as medicine, health sciences, medical science, nursing, and paramedic degrees.
There is also continuing strong interest in degrees related to education, generalist social sciences and humanities, and the creative arts.
With the heightened levels of interest, ATAR school-leaver entry scores for a number of courses such as Psychology (Hons), Speech Pathology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Midwifery, Law, Science (Hons) Enhanced, Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy, Engineering (Robotics)/Master Engineering (Electronics), Engineering (Mechanical)/Master Engineering (Biomedical), Arts – an enhanced program for High Achievers, Mathematical Sciences and Paramedic Science are over the 90 mark.
The University was pleased with the high quality of applicants for the Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine degree, Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry and Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy.
2013 will see the admission of the first cohort of students of the new Flinders/TAFE SA Dual awards, which are being made with offers to courses such as the Bachelor of Nursing (Pre – Registration), Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning, Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), and Bachelor of Information Technology (Digital Media).
Offers have been again been made to Year 12 applicants who had undertaken UniTest – an aptitude test – with the University considering an applicants’ performance along with their Year 12 results. Applicants have gained places in a range of Flinders degrees such as Law, Behavioural Science, Education, Health Sciences, Engineering (Robotics) and Arts.
“Flinders is has continued to provide access to tertiary education for students with the potential to succeed at University, and provides support to students who enter through these programs” Professor Parkin said.
Flinders will welcome students in new courses that include Arts – an enhanced program for High Achievers, Psychological Science, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering (Electrical), Engineering Technology, Clean Technology and Forensic and Analytical Science.
The University has had close to a 20 per cent increase in first preference demand for postgraduate courses, making 1624 postgraduate offers to date. The most popular postgraduate courses are the health sciences suite, including graduate entry nursing, speech pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, audiology, nutrition and dietetics, and mental health nursing.
Social work, education/teaching and psychology are also strong areas of interest.
Further offers will be made in coming weeks, and Professor Parkin said anyone considering tertiary study in 2013 should submit a late application.
“Many of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses have vacancies for qualified applicants through a variety of entry pathways,” he said.
Interested students can contact the Admissions/Prospective Students Office by phoning 08 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost), or email admissions@flinders.edu.au
