Not every student follows a straight path from high school to university. For Alex, taking a gap year after high school was an important step before starting his journey at UNSW College.
Now studying a Diploma of Science, he’s gaining the skills, experience, and confidence to transition into the second year of a Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney. His story shows that there’s more than one way to reach university.
Beyond the traditional ATAR route
After finishing high school in Bathurst, Alex knew he wanted to study science, but he wasn’t in a rush to start university right away.
“I took a gap year because I needed a break from studying,” he says. “It gave me time to work, save money, and build life skills before moving out of home.”
That time off helped him adjust to living independently, but when it was time to apply for university, Alex discovered a different way to reach his goal—through UNSW College’s Diploma of Science.
“I heard about it through the Gateway Pathway, since I’m from a rural area,” he explains. “Students from UNSW came to my high school and gave a presentation about alternative ways to get into university.”
The Diploma of Science would allow him to complete first-year university subjects in a smaller, more supportive environment before progressing to the second year of a Bachelor of Science at UNSW. It was the perfect solution.
Smaller classes made a big difference
A major reason Alex thrived at UNSW College was the small class sizes, which helped him overcome a personal challenge.
“I have hearing loss, so big lecture halls would have been really difficult for me,” he shares. “Having smaller classes has been a game changer. I can focus better, understand the content more clearly, and have real conversations with my teachers.”
Beyond that, he found the teaching style at UNSW College more personalised and engaging than he expected.
“In big universities, you might feel like just another student in the crowd,” he says. “But here, the teachers actually get to know you. You can ask as many questions as you need without feeling lost in a huge lecture.”
He also appreciates how the challenging coursework is setting him up for success.
“I’ve heard that the first year of university is the hardest,” he says. “But because the Diploma really pushes you to understand the content, by the time you move into second year, you’re already ahead of the curve.”
Exploring different areas of science
One of the biggest advantages of the Diploma of Science is that it gives students a broad foundation before they choose a specialisation.
“The course isn’t too specialised in the first few terms,” Alex explains. “I have classmates studying engineering, computer science, and other STEM subjects, so we all get exposed to a bit of everything.”
For students who are still figuring out their major, this can be a huge advantage.
“You get a taste of different areas of science, so by the time you choose your major, you’re making an informed decision,” he says. “It’s helped me feel more confident about what I want to do in the future.”
Balancing study, work, and life in Sydney
Like many students, Alex had to adjust to the reality of working while studying full-time.
“I have to work at least 12 hours a week just to afford rent,” he says. “With three full-time courses, that adds up to a 40-hour work week.”
The workload was challenging, but UNSW College provided flexible options that helped him manage.
“As a domestic student, I can drop down to part-time study if I need to,” he says. “That’s what I’m doing next term—it’ll give me more time to focus on my subjects and really understand the content.”
Despite the busy schedule, he’s found time to enjoy student life.
“I joined the Tabletop Games Society, which was a great way to meet people,” he says. “It’s a really welcoming and friendly environment, and every Friday night we play different board games.”
A stepping stone to a UNSW science degree
After completing his Diploma of Science, Alex will move into the second year of a Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney—without having to repeat any subjects.
“All the subjects I’m studying now count as first-year university credits, so I go straight into second year,” he says. “That was a big factor in my decision to come to UNSW College. I didn’t want to add extra time to my degree.”
He’s still deciding which major to pursue, but he’s confident that the Diploma has set him up for success.
A unique pathway that works for you
For students who might be feeling uncertain about their options, Alex has some advice:
“There’s no one-size-fits-all way to get into university,” he says. “For me, UNSW College was a stepping stone—not a setback.”
Looking back, he sees the Diploma of Science as a valuable experience that helped him adjust to university life, meet people from all over the world, and get the support he needed.
“If you didn’t get the ATAR you wanted, or you’re just looking for a different way into university, this is a great option,” he says. “It’s a chance to build your confidence, gain real university experience, and set yourself up for success.”
Ready to start your journey to university?
If you’re looking for a pathway to UNSW Sydney, explore the Diploma Programs at UNSW College. With small class sizes, academic support, and direct entry into second-year university, it could be the stepping stone you need to reach your dream degree.
With over 50 years of experience, UNSW College is UNSW’s premium pathway provider, trusted by 40,000+ graduates who have progressed to university and beyond. Take the first step with UNSW College and secure your future at UNSW Sydney.
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Diploma & Foundation Studies
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From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2024 UNSW Global Pty Limited.