Western Sydney University makes largest number of offers in its history

A national focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is helping to boost the popularity of technology and business-oriented university courses this year, as Western Sydney University makes 12,183 offers to students in 2016 – the largest number of uni offers in NSW and the ACT, and the largest number of offers in the University's history.

The University is today making 4,885 offers, following the 7,298 offers it made in the earlier rounds – giving students even more chance to get into the course of their choice.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Denise Kirkpatrick says Western Sydney University courses in engineering, construction management, business, information and communications technology are in demand this year.

Other popular courses for 2016 include medicine, nursing, midwifery, law, psychology, criminology, policing, physiotherapy, podiatric medicine, occupational therapy, paramedicine, sport and exercise science, visual communication, and forensic science.

"Western Sydney University has one of the most comprehensive undergraduate programs in the country. More students are making Western Sydney University their first choice, particularly HSC students, with the University experiencing a 4 per cent increase in school leaver first preferences this year," says Professor Kirkpatrick.

"Many of the popular choices this year are being driven by future career prospects and emerging industries. We are seeing strong interest from prospective students in courses across the health, business, construction, science and technology sectors, as the nation transitions to a knowledge-based economy and we require more highly skilled workers, particularly in growing regions such as Greater Western Sydney. 

"Double degrees, as well as programs that foster students' leadership, communication, networking and critical thinking skills, also continue to be in high demand. We know more and more students are keen to combine areas of study to give them maximum flexibility in their future careers, and also want courses that develop those all-important 'soft skills' to give them a competitive edge in the employment market," she says.

Professor Kirkpatrick says the public's response to the University's rebranding and its 'Unlimited' campaign which was launched in 2015 and features stories of some of its inspiring alumni, has been overwhelming and has also reinforced the University's position as a leader in the Region.

"We continue to attract the best and brightest students from Greater Western Sydney which is reflected in our cut-offs for 2016 across many of our flagship courses, particularly in engineering, law, business and the University's suite of allied health programs," she says.

Professor Kirkpatrick says high-achieving students who are studying advanced courses and have ATARs of 85 and above are all admitted to The Academy at Western Sydney University– a unique program within the higher education sector, where students are immersed in leadership building programs in addition to their advanced studies. Every student who enrols at the University is also provided with a device – either a HP laptop, Apple iPad, HP Pavilion, or Microsoft Surface 3 – as part of the University's ground-breaking blended learning program.

Professor Kirkpatrick has advice for any student who may not have received an offer today or didn't receive an offer to the course of his or her first choice. 

"The important thing is that students shouldn't worry – we will also continue make more offers during the late and final rounds," says Professor Kirkpatrick. 

"There are also different pathways to university, so students should talk to the University and look at what options are available to them. The University has its own highly-regarded pathways College, which offers university foundation studies and diploma programs with tailored study support. On successful completion of a diploma program a student then has guaranteed entry into the second year of a related Western Sydney University undergraduate degree."

Students who would like to discuss their study options can contact Western Sydney University on 1300 897 669 or email study@westernsydney.edu.au

Ends

Amanda Whibley, Manager Media and Communications

20 January 2016