High school graduate gains early entry into new engineering course

Jake Bentley is set to realise his dreams after accepting an offer for early entry to Southern Cross University’s new Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering degree.

The 18-year-old from Ashford, a small NSW rural town northwest of Glen Innes, is among more than 1900 year 12 students who applied for early entry in 2013 to Southern Cross University through its STAR Entry Scheme.

“I want to be a civil engineer. I want to design structures,” said Jake. “With engineering I’ll be able to combine both maths and design to analyse problems.”

Jake studied advanced English, 3-unit maths, engineering studies, timber, physics and chemistry for the Higher School Certificate at Ashford Central School. All of his subjects were completed via distance education through Dubbo School of Distance Education.

“It’s a relief to have gained entry into SCU to do the new engineering course. I’m not stressing as much over my ATAR marks.”

The STAR Entry Scheme is designed to assist senior high students in the University’s regional footprint to gain admission to SCU on the basis of their high school principal’s recommendation before their year 12 results are finalised, easing some the pressure ahead of examinations and assessments.

“I am confident I’ve done well in my HSC mark. I put in a lot of hours,” said Jake, who will relocate to Lismore next year to live with his grandparents while he studies.

The new Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering degree in on offer at the University’s Lismore campus from session 1 2013.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee, a qualified engineer, said he was pleased to see year 12 graduates like Jake apply for early entry into civil engineering.

“It is important that a regional university like Southern Cross provides an engineering degree that prepares our graduates for work on important infrastructure like bridges, dams, roads, pipelines and waste water treatment plants.”

Southern Cross University has made around 1617 early offers to students in New South Wales and Queensland for undergraduate degrees and associate degrees (through SCU College) for session 1 2013.

The top five most popular courses are Education (Primary), Nursing, Business, Sport and Exercise Science, and International Tourism Management.

The University’s Acting Director of Student Services, Fiona Wright, encouraged students to accept their STAR Entry Scheme offers.