Student Highlights
Nine children, almost two degrees, and a passion for Human Services

Amanda, who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Human Services, is now taking on the challenge of Honours in Sociology and Anthropology.

After a long break from formal education while she raised nine children, Amanda completed the Open Foundation Course at the Ourimbah campus, intending to then study a Bachelor of Nursing.

“I fell in love with the Social Enquiry course in Open Foundations and was diverted into Social Science majoring in Human Services,” Amanda said.

“I was passionate to investigate more about people, society, politics, and the issues surrounding inequality, both locally and globally.”

Amanda said the Ourimbah campus’s proximity to her home on the Central Coast made it the perfect choice for her studies given her parental responsibilities.

Studying Social Science at the University of Newcastle has taught Amanda many imperative skills, relevant to industry practice.

“The Human Services element of my degree taught me important skills to facilitate employment within varied environments, whether it be youth, children, women, families, the homeless, unemployed, or those with disabilities,” she said.

Amanda said her most life-changing moment was completing a course on future societies (SOCA2400) by Dr S A Hamed Hosseini.

“It was through this course that I gained a fuller understanding of the social justice and ecological issues that were occurring, due to a globalised neoliberal capitalism. I became passionate about bringing change,” she said.

As a result of her high achieving results in the Open Foundation course, Amanda received a University of Newcastle academic scholarship.

“As I had finished high school in year 10, the recognition received through this scholarship spurred me onto continue achieving high results.

“Possibly the greatest highlight for me on this journey has been receiving the University Prize for Sociology and going on to receive the Faculty Medal,” she said.

Overall, Amanda’s teachers and mentors have contributed to her study experience at Newcastle.

“For anyone thinking of an honours year, you would be extremely lucky to have any of the teachers I’ve had, they are not only fantastic, but are approachable and supportive,” Amanda said.

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Amanda Falconer

While raising nine children and studying full time, Amanda continues to excel in her studies.

Possibly the greatest highlight for me on this journey has been receiving the University Prize for Sociology and going on to receive the Faculty Medal.