Continuing strong demand for health industry careers has contributed to an eight per cent increase in first preferences to study full-time at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2003.

The number of first preferences to study health courses at CSU has increased 22 per cent from 2002, up almost 40 per cent over the past two years. 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said CSU’s performance compared favourably with this year’s two per cent increase in total first preferences for all NSW universities. 

“Our allied health courses, such as pharmacy, medical imaging, nursing, paramedic studies and physiotherapy are experiencing a surge of interest, testament to their excellent reputation, and the quality of graduates we produce, many of whom have chosen to work in our regions,” he said. 

[Click here for highlights from each CSU campus]

Professor Goulter said a pleasing new trend was the increasing demand for business and arts courses, which have risen 15 per cent and 10 per cent respectively in first preferences.

“It is very pleasing to see this level of growth in these areas. The career flexibility offered by the Bachelor of Arts degree may be a reason for its strong rise, with a 48 per cent increase in first preferences.”

Late applications to study at university, or to change existing preferences are accepted by the NSW Universities Admission Centre until Monday 3 February. For further information about applying to study at CSU in 2003, contact the Student Administration office on the telephone numbers below:

• Albury-Wodonga Campus courses:  (02) 6051 6811
• Bathurst and Dubbo Campus courses:  (02) 6338 4318
• Wagga Wagga Campus courses:  (02) 6933 2240.

Highlights by Campus

Albury-Wodonga

The new Bachelor of Applied Science (Adventure Tourism) course has had a very strong start, attracting a total of 104 preferences in its first year. Early childhood teaching has also continued to grow for the fourth consecutive year.

Community health courses, including occupational therapy, podiatry, physiotherapy and speech pathology have all performed strongly. 

Bathurst

Faculty of Arts courses, particularly the communication, justice studies (policing) and psychology courses have performed well, while games technology, primary teaching and human movement studies have continued their strong performances of previous years.

Demand for nursing and paramedic courses has increased substantially, with the double degree in nursing and paramedic studies increasing its first preferences by 108 per cent in only its second year.

Dubbo

Preferences to study at the Dubbo Campus have increased by five per cent overall, with a 63 per cent increase in first preferences over the past two years. Strong course performers are the primary teaching, early childhood teaching and social welfare courses. 

Wagga Wagga 

Health courses, including medical imaging, pharmacy and nursing have performed strongly. 

First preferences to study business courses at the Wagga Wagga Campus have increased 39 per cent on the previous year, while agriculture and primary education have also attracted strong numbers of preferences.