The University of Newcastle is expecting to see another year of high growth in postgraduate enrolments, with many students opting to continue studying while the economy recovers from COVID-19.
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Last year the university recorded 28.3 per cent year-on-year growth for commencing enrolments in postgraduate coursework programs.
Health, education, environmental management and data science were among the most popular courses. There was also strong interest in postgraduate short courses (graduate certificates).
When added to the overall enrolment figure the growth rate was 42.9 per cent.
While 2021 enrolment data will not be known until after the April 30 census, a university spokeswoman said the strong growth was continuing.
"We continue to see strong demand for health and education programs and are on-track to see overall growth in enrolments for our January and February postgraduate intakes," she said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Mark Hoffman said the upward trend in postgraduate study would benefit both students and the economy.
"It's wonderful to see such a positive trend in applications for postgraduate study at the University of Newcastle, as these highly skilled professionals will go on to help our regions and industries pivot in the post-COVID economic recovery," Professor Hoffman said.
Australian National University higher education policy researcher Andrew Norton said postgraduate enrolments typically increased when the economy slowed down.
"In recessions more people look for education because it's harder to find a job," he said.
"People with postgraduate qualifications generally do better than those with bachelor degrees, regardless of their subject areas," he said.
Universities with the highest growth in enrolments for specialised courses in 2020 included UNSW, 26 per cent, James Cook University, 20 per cent, University of Queensland, 19 per cent, Charles Sturt University, 18 per cent and University of Melbourne, 13 per cent.
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