Health tertiary study popular
Early enrolment figures for the first semester at Whanganui UCOL show a growing demand for Health-related programmes in
the region.
UCOL’s Dean of Health and Science Penny O’Leary says enrolments are either steady or have increased for the three Health
programmes delivered at the campus Matapihi ki te Ao. They include the Bachelor of Nursing which has 46 enrolments
completed or in the pipeline, compared with 36 at the same time last year.
The National Certificate in Mental Health is also showing an increase in numbers. The Diploma in Enrolled Nursing is
also expected to meet its quota of 24 students when it starts in the second semester as enrolments are already coming
in.
Other programmes with steady or improved numbers include Computer Graphic Design, Business Administration and
Contemporary Music.
Enrolment levels are very similar to last year at this point taking into account that there are no first year enrolments
being taken for the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Diploma in Glass Design and Production, and the Barbering programme is not
being offered.
UCOL Communications Director Christine Beech says there are 579 enrolments completed for this semester, with another 70
in the pipeline. This compared with 625 completed and 53 in the pipeline at the same time last year. “Enrolments are
still being taken for some of the courses so anyone who is thinking about studying should come and see us now.”
“Overall, we are comfortable with the level of enrolments, given these changes. The growing demand for Health programmes
is of particular interest. It is also great to see the Whanganui community supporting new programmes like the
Certificate in Contemporary Music and Enrolled Nursing.”
ENDS