In this competitive and rapidly changing global economy students are having to make hard choices about whether they can really afford to study what they are passionate about. Choosing a degree just because it has a defined career outcome is becoming more prevalent, and students often feel they are forced into a narrow field of study before they’ve had a chance to explore options, in what should be an intellectually adventurous time of their lives.
But for the discerning student, who takes the time to research the incredible array of options that exist internationally, there are exciting choices to be made – ones that can serve both personal and career interests. One of those choices is at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney Australia. Bachelor of Arts students at UNSW are benefiting from a new breed of Arts degree, one designed to allow for scholarly exploration, knowledge specialisation and co-curricular opportunities which provide academic, personal and professional growth. The program is attracting high quality students who take advantage of being able to design a program to suit their needs and interests, within a more flexible and contemporary degree.
Fundamentally studying arts and social sciences is about learning to think more critically about key issues affecting our past, present and future, and developing the ability to research and communicate in a way that promotes positive change. So it is no surprise that arts students are the kind of individuals who make the most of the full student experience, both in and outside the classroom. Their choices include internships, exchanges, leadership roles, work experience, volunteering opportunities and much more. Combining these experiences with a progressive, high quality degree produces dynamic graduates who are attractive to employers. No arts graduate is the same, and that is the way they want it!
Amelia Street
Bachelor of Arts (English) / Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Honours
“I chose UNSW because I liked the flexibility…I wanted to be able to study less traditional subjects from different faculties. My favourite feature is the campus community. I know where ever I go I can find someone I know…I’ve done lots of volunteering which is a fantastic way of making friends. I’ve been the Editor of UNSW’s creative writing journal, played in the Music Society’s Jazz Combo, acted in a comedy show and helped at Orientation Week.”
Next step . . .Graduate Medicine
Emily Margo
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Philosophy) Honours
“Philosophy to me is like aerobics for the brain, it hones thinking and analytical ability. Politics seems much more concrete…considering a variety of viewpoints to reach conclusions with practical policy implications. I represented UNSW in New York at the Goldman Sachs Leadership Institute where I participated in workshops on social entrepreneurship and heard from extraordinary leaders. I spent 6 months in Washington DC at Georgetown University on international exchange and did an internship at the Brookings Institute.”
Next step . . . PhD
Kate Clark
UNSW Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
www.arts.unsw.edu.au or email: arts@unsw.edu.au
