MUSSE

By Christina Buckridge

The University of Melbourne’s New Generation degrees have won a resounding tick of approval from prospective students for 2009.

Early 2009 VTAC preference data show first preferences for 2009 for Melbourne Model courses have risen by 10 per cent and total preferences by 17 per cent.

In only their second year, these six courses have captured more than 10 per cent of all first preferences in the VTAC system (and more than 5 per cent of total preferences).

The University’s New Generation degrees – Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Environments, Music and Science – have attracted a total of 5,803 first preferences.

Melbourne Arts, Science, Biomedicine and Commerce all have a record number of timely first and total VTAC preferences. Biomedicine has seen a 47 per cent increase and Science a 20 per cent increase in first preferences for 2009.

Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis says Science’s strong performance is very pleasing.  “This is against a sector decline in students choosing to study sciences and highlights the strength and reputation of sciences at Melbourne.”

Professor Davis says the VTAC data show the popularity of the University’s New Generation degrees. ”Students have clearly embraced the Melbourne Model, which backs up our own feedback that students see the value of being able to undertake depth in their discipline plus breadth of study, and they like the flexibility of career pathways that this offers.”

Seven courses not being offered at undergraduate level in 2009, including Medicine and Education, accounted for more than 2,000 first preferences in the previous year.

Therefore although Melbourne received a total of 9,771 first preferences – a reduction of just over 800 on the previous year – compared to  the equivalent courses in 2008 there has been an increase of around 1,200 first preferences.

“It’s inevitable that overall applications will fall but when you take the preferences for discontinued courses out of the 2009 equation, you can see just how strong Melbourne’s performance is,” Professor Davis said.

In 2009, Melbourne’s undergraduate intake will be similar to the 2008 intake of around 5,000.

The New Generation undergraduate courses are the cornerstone of the University’s Melbourne Model. Some other Australian universities are now embracing both substantial and partial elements of this significant educational reform.