Charles Sturt University is helping waylay these nerves with many study options for every student at every level, along with pathways to ensure students can pursue their dream career, regardless of the ATAR result.

Whether it be an overarching course to try out different specialties within, a bridging course or a different career pathway altogether, we have you covered.

Science and health courses

Becoming a doctor, medical scientist or allied health professional is a career which requires many years of study and placements.  

For those students who are interested in a healthcare career but not quite sure which path they want to head down, the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science is the perfect option, taught both online and at Charles Sturt in Orange.

This course can be completed in as little as three years and requires an ATAR of 65, inclusive of regional bonuses or a previously completed Certificate III.

Course Director of Health Science in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences Associate Professor Patricia Logan said this degree was a platform to advance into everything from laboratory science and pharmaceuticals to general health and wellness, health policy development and more.

“The work undertaken in the Bachelor of Health and Medical Science degree builds an understanding of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, health and health communication,” Professor Logan said.

“Students also get to choose electives to suit their ultimate study and career plans.”

“The degree offers opportunities for those interested in a career in health but are undecided on a specialty or needing to improve their study achievements to ultimately arrive with grades that are competitive for applications to undergraduate programs like medicine, dentistry or physiotherapy.”

For more information on the courses available within the Faculty of Science and Health, visit the website.

Arts and education courses

Education is consistently popular as a study field and one which is much needed as classrooms struggle with ongoing teacher shortages across the state.

The Charles Sturt Bachelor of Educational Studies is the perfect starting point to get a taste of what level of education – primary or secondary, or specialty areas are right for you.

Course Director in the Charles Sturt School of Education Dr Daryl South said the degree illustrated just how versatile a pathway program can be and how many different student aspirations can be catered for.

“This degree is our most popular pathway into accredited initial teacher education as it meets students where they are and helps them progress to where they want to be,” Dr South said.

“It provides an excellent pathway for students to go on and study any of our other teaching degrees.”

The Bachelor of Educational Studies requires an ATAR of 60.

“For most students, they will study subjects that will be directly credited into the degree they are aiming for, so the pathway doesn’t take them any longer than it would to complete their teaching degree,” Dr South said.

This means the course is a great base before going on to study a more specialised area of education, be it:

• Bachelor of Education (K-12)
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
• Bachelor of Education (Technology and Applied Studies)
• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

For more information on the courses available within the Faculty of Arts and Education, visit the website.

Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences courses

Charles Sturt offers an extensive range of courses related to business, justice and behavioural sciences.

The Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) may be used as a pathway to the Bachelor of Psychology, or stand alone with graduates qualified to work in one of the many fields where psychological knowledge is highly valued.

Where the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) is a three-year minimum degree with an entry score of 65, the Bachelor of Psychology is studied over four years and requires an ATAR of 75.

Associate Head of School (Learning and Teaching) and Senior Lecturer in the Charles Sturt School of Psychology Dr Nicole Sugden explains the value of this pathway.

“The great thing about psychology and our courses is there is something for everyone,” she said.

“As our students have different levels of experience and qualifications, the University provides a range of supports to meet students where they’re at in their learning.

“We have students studying with us that have a range of experience, from school leavers with different ATARs through to those looking for a career change or to expand their skills, and we guide them every step of the way.”

For more information on the courses available within the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, visit the website.