Programs at the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus have again experienced a strong surge in demand.
Overall Position (OP) scores required by school leavers to enter UQ Gatton programs have risen for many programs with the Diploma of Applied Science recording a jump of three places to OP 15 this year.
UQ Gatton Campus Manager Stephen Weller says the increases signify a marked upturn in the calibre of applicants for undergraduate places at UQ Gatton.
“We are particularly pleased with the progress of the diplomas,” he said. “Two years ago they had an OP entry of 20 which improved to OP 18 last year. This year’s cut-off of OP 15 means that almost all of them are now at an all time high.”
Four- year bachelor degrees in Environmental Management and Agricultural Science are also popular with an OP of 10 this year, up from OP 11 last year and OP 12 two years ago.
“What is interesting is that we’re achieving these results in a difficult environment where many other universities are struggling to hold students in agriculture and environmental studies,” Mr Weller said.
Statistics from the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) reveal that state-wide, the number of applicants for programs relating to agriculture and the environment actually fell by 7.3 percent from last year.
“The University has invested more than $16 million in new facilities at UQ Gatton over the past couple of years and we are well on track to our goal of strengthening the campus’ already strong reputation as a centre of excellence in our disciplines,” Mr Weller said.
UQ Gatton offers degrees, diplomas and certificates in a range of areas including agribusiness, agriculture, animal studies, horticulture and environmental management.
Media: For more information, contact Stephen Weller (telephone 07 5460 1512) or Anthony Smith (telephone 07 5460 1229).
