Students welcomed to CDU in 2021

Charles Darwin University has woken from the wet season break to the buzz of new and returning students at its 2021 Orientation Week.

Due to COVID restrictions, a limited number of on-campus students engaged in tours and activities at Casuarina campus in Darwin. More than 9,600 higher education students are enrolled to date, 1,100 are international students based in Darwin.

Amongst the on-campus students were partners and instructors for Australian Air Force Cadets, Jess Lines and Liam Meyer, who are following different paths as they begin their higher education studies at CDU.

Darwin-born Jess is setting herself an extra challenge as she begins tertiary studies.

Despite her aptitude for Science and Mathematics (STEM), she is aiming to use her Bachelor of Education to teach secondary school English Studies and English Literature.

 “STEM subjects come very easily to me, but I thought I’d be a better teacher if I challenged myself,” Jess said.

Liam Meyer arrived in Darwin from Alice Springs late last year and will be studying an Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering, Science and Technology.

Undergraduate Certificates are six-month courses for students who did not achieve the required ATAR score for their chosen courses - or who don’t have an ATAR score and need a more flexible entry pathway.

On completion of their certificates, students can receive up to four subject credits towards a degree.

Liam hopes to pursue a Defence career in air traffic control or aviation engineering through a Bachelor of Engineering at CDU.

 After 13 years at school, he’s looking forward to focusing his studies.

“It will be good to be studying the things I’m really interested in rather than those I have to,” Liam said.