A humble arts degree from the University of Melbourne is the most sought-after qualification for Victorian school leavers.
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The course has always been popular, but its appeal has been boosted by the so-called Melbourne Model, which lets bright students transition into specialist graduate degrees including law after completing the generalist degree.
The course was listed as the No.1 preference by 2275 students, down from 2529 the previous year.
On Wednesday afternoon, more than 63,000 Victorian school leavers will discover whether they have secured a spot in their favoured courses when first-round university offers are released.
Data from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre’s website shows that science at the University of Melbourne is Victoria’s second most popular course, with 1965 students listing it as their first preference.
It was followed by medicine at Monash University, which was the first option of 1696 students.
Other popular courses included applied science/ physiotherapy at La Trobe University and nursing at the Australian Catholic University and Deakin University.
Mollie McKenzie, who has her heart set on biomedicine at the University of Melbourne, is excited about the release of first-round offers.
The 18-year-old is attracted to Victoria’s fifth most popular course because it lets students major in bioengineering, a field that involves growing limbs, skin and ear implants.
“I find that so interesting,” she says. “They are looking at growing organs and better implants. It’s open to so many research opportunities, and you can travel.”
Ms McKenzie completed year 12 at Northcote High School last year and received an ATAR of 95.4.
She says the key to her VCE success was asking teachers questions, and balancing her study with hockey and part-time work as a swimming instructor at the local pool.
“I didn't have a goal ATAR; I just wanted to do my best and see where it got me,” she says.
Her second preference is science at the University of Melbourne.
She still hasn’t decided whether she will pursue a career in medicine or science. “I want to keep my options open,” she says.
Some paramedicine courses have received a big boost in interest among students.
Monash University’s paramedicine offering at its Frankston campus was the first preference of 470 people (151 more than last year), while 458 people put Australian Catholic University’s stream as their top choice (83 more than last year).
And with 207 first-preference applications, Victoria University’s paramedicine course was the institution’s most popular offering in 2019.
Architecture was RMIT’s most popular course, with 285 first-preference applications. Film and television was the most sought-after option at Swinburne, with 162, while 100 students were hoping to get into nursing at Federation University’s Berwick campus.
A total of 63,782 people have applied through VTAC for a place in one of 2000 courses offered at universities and tertiary education institutions in Victoria. Year 12 leavers from 2018 make up the bulk of applications through VTAC, but mature-age students also apply to study via the state government admissions body.
Monash University was the destination of choice for almost one-quarter of applicants (15,105 people), followed by Melbourne University (11,332) and RMIT (10,858).
