First-round offers 2022: Deakin's top ten courses for school-leavers

The ten most popular courses range across the University's four faculties and demonstrate the enduring popularity of arts and science and the continuing growth in business and health.

Nursing has cemented its top spot, with Exercise and Sport Science jumping from fourth to second and Business leaping from sixth in 2021 to third this year.

The renewed interest in Exercise and Sport Science came as Deakin's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences was ranked the world’s best by the prestigious ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Sports Science Schools and Departments. The accolade marked the third time Deakin has topped the list, with the title also bestowed in 2017 and 2016.

The interest in careers in health-related fields is no surprise given the unfolding global pandemic and the increasing need for experts in these professions. Additional popular courses in health include Psychological Science, Biomedical Science, Medical Imaging and Occupational Therapy.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said that while 2021 had been another challenging year for the sector and society, the continuing appetite for university study showed that, more than ever, students and their families valued the future opportunities higher education could create.

"The experiences of the past two years reinforced the value of an education that prepares graduates for a rapidly changing and increasingly digital world. The jobs of the future will require a combination of specialist and transferable skills, entrepreneurialism and a mindset of lifelong learning," Professor Martin said.

"Deakin is an attractive destination for both students and researchers because we are accessible and engaged in work that is important both nationally and globally, including advancing society, culture and the economy, creating smarter technologies, and improving health and wellbeing.

"We look forward to welcoming new and returning students to our campuses and offering them Deakin's outstanding education that blends the best of learning on-campus, online and in workplaces. This is an exciting time for new university students, and we are excited in helping them realise their goals."

Professor Martin reminded potential students it was still early in the application process, with Round Two offers to come and further opportunities to apply directly to study at Deakin.

Additional offers for applicants including school-leavers, mature-age students and those coming from other non-school environments will be made in late January and February, followed by opportunities for direct applications.

Deakin remains committed to a flexible and contemporary education, which considers the needs of learners at all career stages, including career starters, advancers and changers.

School leavers' overall most popular courses at Deakin for 2022:

1. Nursing
2. Exercise and Sport Science
3. Business
4. Science
5. Psychology (Honours)
6. Occupational Therapy
7. Biomedical Science
8. Arts
9. Psychological Science
10. Criminology/Psychological Science

--

School leavers' overall most popular courses at Deakin for 2022 (Burwood):

1. Nursing
2. Exercise and Sport Science
3. Business
4. Science
5. Psychology (Honours)
6. Biomedical Science
7. Arts
8. Psychological Science
9. Criminology/Psychological Science
10. Commerce

--

School leavers' overall most popular courses at Deakin for 2022 (Geelong - combined):

1. Nursing
2. Occupational Therapy
3. Biomedical Science
4. Medical Imaging
5. Vision Science (Bachelor) / Optometry (Master)
6. Health Sciences
7. Business
8. Zoology and Animal Science
9. Commerce
10. Forensic Science/Criminology

ENDS

Natalia Dembek Sanchez – Deakin student available for media interviews

Natalia is a third-year Law and Science student at the Deakin Burwood Campus. Natalia is available to comment about her university experience thus far, and her belief that incoming students should consider selecting a course that aligns not only with their career goals, but also with their individual passions.

"If it wasn't for my course and then subject selection, I never would have been able to realise what was just an idea and turn it in to a business. By chatting to my lecturers at Deakin, I was able to apply my knowledge of biodiversity to my passion of continuing to protect the Great Barrier Reef," Natalia said.

With the aim of working as an environmental lawyer when she graduates in two years' time, it was while studying the subject Biodiversity that Natalia realised her passion for the restoration and protection of the Great Barrier Reef would translate into a viable business.

Inspire International launched as a result. With a plan to sell eco-friendly socks, Natalia is now working with the Great Barrier Legacy team to support their Living Coral Biobank. Up to 40 per cent of all her sales will be donated to the restoration program.

Please contact the media team via email: media@deakin.edu.au should you wish to interview Natalia.