Our students

Sophia Molodysky
B Landscape Architecture

Initially I was deciding between a few degrees within the faculty, but by talking to the course co-ordinator at Open Day, he showed me exactly what Landscape Architecture is – not just ‘gardening’ and pretty plants. I saw the difference I could make enhancing the spaces between places, combining theory and practice. UNSW was always my first and only choice for university. The campus is beautiful, the people are constantly happy and energetic, which is very refreshing, and the Built Environment has a modern approach to what I was (and am) interested in.

Susanna Wills
Civil Engineering

UNSW Camberra at ADFA

I have chosen ADFA because I believe it will give me great opportunities for my future career. I am training to be an Army Officer and I study Civil Engineering at UNSW Canberra. I am really enjoying being at ADFA and the Academy environment is fantastic for meeting some interesting people and making good friends.

Bobby Qiu

Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies)/Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics)

Only two universities offer my dual degree but UNSW stood out as the obvious choice with the numerous awards in academic and research excellence. My degree has allowed me to follow my passion for maths, while also offering strong career prospects (which keeps my parents happy).

When I finished high school, I had an expectation that university would just be another 4 years of study. There was no way I could have anticipated the sheer enjoyment that would come alongside the university experience. I have to say that being involved in clubs and societies has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my university career. Getting involved provides you with an excellent opportunity to learn from senior students, improve teamwork, communication and various other interpersonal skills, all this adds to your resume and builds your university network.

Thomas Chan

B. Economics

ASB has given me the opportunity to develop myself, both personally and professionally, with programs such as the ASB Career Mentoring program and Meet the Executive.  As  Vice President of Oxfam UNSW I have developed my skills of delegation, chairing meetings and promoting social justice awareness around campus.

Bachelor of Design

Keeping it Simple (but aiming high)

Elliot Bryce Foulkes

Elliot Bryce Foulkes came to COFA to study design because he was looking for a challenge.  As he explains, “Design is that messy and wonderful place between art and science: it’s poetic and pragmatic.  It seemed to be the only place I could explore all of my interests.”   

Elliot decided to major in both textiles and graphics during his Bachelor of Design at COFA.  “COFA’s interdisciplinary education was definitely the main attraction of the degree,” he says, adding, “Honing my skills and thinking across a range of design studios has equipped me to analyse, problem-solve, and most importantly, innovate.”

For Elliot, some of his most important lessons came from overcoming mistakes.  And he found that what you learn outside the classroom is just as important as what you learn in it, saying, “the times spent with friends and colleagues are the most memorable.  The life-long relationships I’ve made energise and inspire me daily.  I’m normally not one to gush, but I couldn’t design without them.”  

In terms of plans for the future, Elliot is keeping it simple but aiming high, “My main goal is always to surprise myself.”

Reyna Ge

Bachelor of Commerce/Law

I often get asked why I chose to study law. It may have been the allure cast by shows like ‘Boston Legal’ and movies like ‘Legally Blonde’. It may have been that I really wanted a chance to say ‘objection’ and wear those wigs and robes. Yet, the most substantive reason for me was this mystery about how society functioned. How did this special force called ‘law’ shape us and our countries? It’s  a very difficult question to answer. But I believe that is why law is so rewarding. It is not just the cases and legislation that we learn, but also the broader social and theoretical issues that give the law its complex and colourful nature.

Studying Law at UNSW has allowed me to engage in activities that turn what I have learnt in the classroom into reality. I have mooted and done client interviewing and have found that my interest and skill is really in negotiation competitions. UNSW Law has really encouraged me to do more than just the coursework, it has encouraged me to expand my skills, see the interplay between rules and reality and have fun along the way

There truly are so many good points about the UNSW Law Degree that it would fill a book. I enjoy my classes and social activities. I even admit that the exams can be interesting and rewarding. It is definitely a degree you should look forward to exploring.

Braedon Smith

Bachelor of Mining Engineering

A visit to an underground coal mine during high school sparked an interest in the industry, which has now grown to a passion, and led to me choosing Mining Engineering at UNSW instead of science which was my previous choice.

The location of UNSW, the quality of the Mining Engineering degree and the industry support available through the school cemented my decision to study here. Plus I am fortunate enough to be a recipient of a cadetship, where Centennial Coal has supported me financially throughout my degree, while also providing Industrial Training (IT) and graduate employment opportunities. Without this generous support I would not have been able to afford to attend university.

I found that university has a very different learning style than high school, which required some adjustment, as you are more directly responsible for your learning. In Mining this is helped by a very practical hands on course with lots of exposure to industry through field trips and work placements.

Having moved from Bathurst to study here, I expected it to be a stressful transition. Fortunately by living on campus in Basser College for the first 2 years of my degree, I gained a network of friends, support from academic mentors and great opportunities to get involved in college life. I spend my days balanced between classes, exercise or sport, the mining labs, committee responsibilities and social activities with friends.

To all the future students out there trying to decide what to do, remember to enrol in something you are interested in or if you’re not sure, look for a flexible option. Don’t pick a course based on job prospects or graduate salaries. If you don’t enjoy what you are studying its fairly likely that you won’t enjoy the jobs available to you once you graduate, regardless of the salary.

Note: Engineering offers a Flexible First Year option that allows you to explore your interests in first year before deciding on the best Engineering specialisation for you.

Daisy Lawrance Johnson

Bachelor of Music/ Bachelor of Arts

(Theatre & Performance Studies)

What attracted you most to the program?

The broad range of subjects that were on offer was a real attraction for me. In studying a music degree you weren’t limited to just music subjects. This broadens your education and means you can choose subjects that will really complement your music skills. I was even able to go a step further and take a double degree, which allowed me to really expand my knowledge base of the areas I was passionate about. This means that I can combine skills I have gained to present myself as a unique option for future employers.

What were the key skills and knowledge you have gained by studying the program?

The music program at UNSW has improved my technical knowledge of music remarkably. I have leant a lot of skills in a short amount of time, some in areas I never would have thought possible. I’ve learnt how to compose, analyse, review and perform music, and had the opportunity to work with ensembles such as the Collegium Choir and the Jazz group, which have given me skills in professional team work, and the opportunity to work with skilled musicians who share my passions. 

What do you enjoy most about the program and why?

What I enjoy most about the program is getting to work with people who share my interests and love of music. It’s an amazing environment to be in, everyday. The music community at UNSW is like a family; we learn from each other and support each other to grow and develop our skills to become better musicians.

What inspires you most about your area of interest/career?

What I find most inspiring about the music industry is how much it offers in the way of creative potential and possibility. We live in an ever-changing world, the music industry changes with us as we create new technology and develop new methods of listening to and creating music. People often don’t realise how much sound and music plays a dynamic part in their lives. I believe it is one of the most valuable artistic mediums available. I’m really excited to explore the possibilities that lie in music development, and work with the many amazing and creative people that there are out there in the music industry.