Frances began her higher education study journey 24 years after finishing high school. She studied the first year of a Bachelor of Arts, before transferring to a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) majoring in politics and international relations at the University of Newcastle.

Studying at the Central Coast campus in Ourimbah, she enjoyed mixing with a broad range of students and meeting likeminded people. Frances said that the most exciting thing about her study experience was discovering her passion and dreaming of what a future career could look like.

“Finding your place in the world and giving a name to your passion are both exciting and rewarding,” Frances said.

Completing her honours year while raising three teenage children had its obvious challenges. Despite this, she was also able to complete a placement at HRMI - a research institute partnered with the University - which led to two paid short contracts as a research assistant. She also undertook a summer internship with the University.

Like many others, Frances lost her work contract due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A scholarship she received from the University of Newcastle, however, provided her with some financial certainly to help her get through.

Now equipped with a multitude of skills, Frances is contemplating her options for the future.

“I would like to teach and do field research in domestic violence prevention. I would also like to complete a PhD,” Frances said.

Study a Bachelor of Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle

Frances Joy `

Frances Joy

Frances began her higher education study journey 24 years after finishing high school. She studied the first year of a Bachelor of Arts, before transferring to a Bachelor of Social Studies (Honours) majoring in politics and international studies at the University of Newcastle.

Finding your place in the world and giving a name to your passion are both exciting and rewarding.