Sea change leads to academic excellence

When Peter Haywood moved from Sydney to Banora Point for a sea change, he had no idea that his dream university lay at his doorstep – or that in a few short years he would be receiving one of its highest academic prizes.

In fact, he didn't even know that the Tweed Gold Coast campus of Southern Cross University existed.

But when Peter proudly received a university medal for academic excellence last month - as well as his Bachelor of Business with First Class Honours - he knew he had made the right choice to leave the big smoke and his boring government job.

"The best thing about the university is that it is small and personal, so everyone knows who you are by name and there is a tremendous amount of friendship and support offered by all of the staff. Your supervisors and lecturers know you personally and you are never intimidated or afraid to ask for help," he said.

"As a bonus I have been able to pick up casual work tutoring and as a research assistant.

"Now I am looking forward to doing my PhD and working towards my dream of teaching economics at the university."

A mid year admission information session for prospective students is being held at the Tweed Gold Coast campus on May 29, at 7pm.

It will provide information on how to gain entry to university, course options, application processes, associated costs of university study and the types of support services available to students, particularly those who have been out of study for a while.

Southern Cross University is offering mid year enrolment in the majority of its courses to allow for greater flexibility for potential students, many of whom have to juggle work and family commitments.

There are a wide range of programs which can be studied by distance education or on-campus on a fulltime or part-time basis.

Places are available in courses including arts, social science, music, media, education, law and justice, business, information technology and multimedia, tourism and hospitality, environmental science, exercise science and nutrition, naturopathy, nursing and psychology.

For information about mid-year enrolments contact 1 300 857 559 twenty-four hours a day or visit the website: beentiedupforawhile.com