Media Release

WOMEN USE DOUBLE DEGREES TO BREAK GLASS CEILINGS

12 March, 2002

Women are forging their way in non-traditional fields of University study through combined courses and double degrees, according to a new report.

The report, Combined Courses of Study: Equity Group Access and Participation at the Bachelor (Honours/Pass) Level, has found that combined courses are providing many women with an attractive pathway to traditionally male fields of study: study; engineering, science, architecture, agriculture and economics. The vast majority of those pursuing combined courses are working towards a double degree.

In 1990 a target of 40% of enrolments was set for women in all these non-traditional courses, with the exception of engineering, where a target of 15 % was set. Women have now exceeded all the targets set for the non-traditional fields of study.

Almost 46,000 women commenced study in the non-traditional fields in 2000. This was an increase of 42% on the numbers of women commencing in these subjects in 1991.

The report, commissioned by the Department of Education, Science and Training, was undertaken by the Hawke Institute and the Research Centre for Gender Studies at the University of South Australia.

It also found that business studies, in combination with other courses such as arts or science, is beginning to attract substantial numbers of women students.

Australia still does not have enough women choosing to study computing science, maths or physical science at university. I encourage women to look at the opportunities provided by enrolling in combined courses of study.

The report also found that, in general, the numbers of students enrolling in combined courses are increasing. In 1999, about 16,000 commencing students were enrolled in combined courses at the bachelor level - almost a 17% increase since 1997.

I encourage prospective students to consider the value of undertaking combined courses which can often meet students’ varied personal interests and also lead to improved employment opportunities.

The report can be accessed at: http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/eippubs.htm

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