Degrees of attraction

Graphic: Mindy Laube

All figures quoted are 2013 Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) cut-offs. Some cut-offs vary, depending on which campus you plan to study at and whether you plan to study full or part time.

University of Sydney

Combined Law (99.70) – students can combine law studies with a degree in arts, science, engineering, IT, economics, international global studies, commerce, arts (media and communications), or design in architecture.

Mind craft: Psychology is one of the most popular degree programs at Sydney's universities.

This is a competitive degree and applicants with a lower ATAR score can apply to transfer in after a year's study in another degree.

Alternatively, students can complete an undergraduate degree of their choice and follow up with a juris doctor.

Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) (98.50) – an alternative to this degree is to complete a Bachelor of Arts and then apply for entry into the one-year Master of Media Practice.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (98.35) – an alternative is to study a Bachelor of Health Sciences and then apply for the two-year Master of Physiotherapy.

Combined Medicine (99.95 plus an interview) – for students who want to be a doctor, but also have other interests, such as music studies, commerce or economics.

Bachelor of Psychology (97.00) – students interested in psychology can also major in psychology in other degrees, such as arts or science.

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Human Science (80.00) – a broad, flexible degree that doesn't require students to commit to a specific discipline or career, but offers an array of possible pathways into community services, including areas such as physiotherapy or audiology.

Bachelor of Laws (96.00) – a popular range of majors, including development studies and culture change, social justice, indigenous studies and psychological science.

Bachelor of Engineering (80.00) – students learn about electronic, software and mechanical engineering, before specialising according to their interests and goals.

University of Western Sydney (UWS)

Bachelor of Nursing (61.15-78.80) – this course provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as the professional experience and research skills necessary for a successful career in nursing. Students undertake clinical placement in a variety of healthcare settings.

Bachelor of Business and Commerce (65.00-65.90) – this course seeks to equip students with a good understanding of basic business issues, complemented by a high level of knowledge relevant to a specific business discipline, as needs to be applied in a global environment.

Bachelor of Policing (73.05-73.20) – developed in collaboration with the NSW Police Force, and based on real life, practical experience. This course provides students with essential knowledge and skills in policing theory and practice, to equip them for a career with the NSW Police Force or other policing agencies.

Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Primary) (70.00) – this consecutive combination of an undergraduate arts degree and postgraduate teaching qualification prepares students for a career in primary teaching.

Bachelor of Psychology (83.10) – this course is vocational, equipping students with the specialist psychological and research skills needed to enter the workforce as a provisional psychologist, or to proceed to advanced study.

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

Bachelor of Business (90.00-91.00) – a broad-based business education that allows students to gain a strong, academically rigorous and integrated education across all key business disciplines.
A part-time option is available, making this course ideal for those undertaking a cadetship or other full-time work commitments.

Bachelor of Science in Games Development (91.20) – this course offers a sound education in all aspects of information technology and develops the diverse skills necessary for a career in computer games development.

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (83.50) – this course meets the demand for professionals able to provide physical activity services to all sectors of the community.

Non-current school leavers are also encouraged to submit a personal statement to improve their chances of entry into the course.

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Law (99.65) – offered as a dual-degree program. Students can combine their law studies with a degree in arts, art theory, commerce, computer science, criminology and criminal justice, economics, engineering, fine arts, international studies, media, planning, science, social research and policy, or social work.

International Studies (93.20) – can be combined with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Media in Communication and Journalism, or Bachelor of Media in Public Relations and Advertising.

Psychology (98.00) – to become a registered NSW psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society, students must complete four years of undergraduate study, followed by two years of postgraduate study.

Criminology and Criminal Justice (83.00) – also available as a dual degree with law or social work.

Bachelor of Medical Science (94.00) – this can be an alternative entry into the medicine program.

A small number of students can gain entry into a medicine program if they complete a certain number of subjects by the end of stage 2. Indigenous students may gain entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Special Entry Scheme. A pre-medicine program is available to help prepare indigenous students for the medical course.