Visitors to the 2023 QUT Open Day will get behind-the-scenes access to the university when it throws open its doors at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses on Sunday, July 30, from 9am to 3pm.
Facilities opening to the public will range from science labs, ambulance simulators, virtual production studios, health clinics, entrepreneurship spaces and uni libraries to QUT’s Esports Arena, rooftop sportsfield and the digital mega-displays of The Cube and The Sphere.
Experiences on offer also include tours of both campuses, live music from QUT students, science demonstrations of quantum levitation, a droid racing challenge, performing CPR on life-size mannequins, munching free fairy floss and popcorn, and even meeting some Queensland Reds rugby players.
The QUT Open Day is aimed at high school students, mature-age students, and their families.
Gardens Point campus and Kelvin Grove campus will both host information tents and general seminars that will cover getting into uni, study costs, student clubs, international exchanges, scholarships, course and career decisions, making the transition to uni, postgraduate research opportunities, and support services for mature-age, First Nations, regional, or low-income students.
Each campus will also host seminars, student panels, information tents and facilities tours for specific study areas. Free shuttle buses will run between the two campuses on the day.
Tips to prepare for QUT Open Day
- Visit www.qut.edu.au/open-day and check out what’s happening on each campus
- Register for updates and go into the draw to win a MacBook Pro
- Make a shortlist of what you want to attend at Open Day, either using the online planner or the printed/PDF program
- Factor in extra time if you’re going to travel between campuses
- Email yourself a copy of your online planner schedule
Gardens Point highlights
- Visit information tents and seminars on Architecture and Built Environment, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Languages, Law, Mathematics, Science, and Health (courses in biomedical science, health information management, medical imaging, medical laboratory science, pharmacy, public health, radiation therapy, social work and human services)
- Watch live demonstrations of quantum levitation at the Your Future in Chemistry and Physics seminars at 9am and 11am (P514)
- Catch live music by QUT students at D, P, V and U Blocks
- See the QUT Robotics Club’s new rover at the engineering seminars (Gardens Theatre, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm)
- Check out the high-tech Esports Arena (X Block) and Virtual Cycling Centre (Y Block)
- Tour the two on-campus courtrooms where law students sharpen their skills (C Block)
- Get an inside look at the medical imaging simulation lab and the 3D technology of the Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training lab (Q Block)
- Join a mini droid racing challenge (O Block, O134)
- Talk to experts on scholarships and international exchanges, and meet members of student clubs (East Lawn)
- Grab a bite to eat at one of the campus cafes
- Enjoy some free floss and popcorn
- Visit the library, pool, gym, and gallery spaces
- Gets hands on with The Cube in the Science and Engineering Centre (P Block)
- Inspire your inner entrepreneur and tour the QUT Foundry co-working space (B Block)
Kelvin Grove highlights
- Visit information tents and seminars on Communication, Creative Industries, Design, Education, Justice, and Health (courses on clinical exercise physiology, nursing, nutrition science, nutrition and dietetics, paramedic science, psychology, podiatry, optometry and vision science, and sport and exercise science)
- Visit one of the all-day ‘open houses’, including our expanded nursing simulation facility (N Block), the paramedic science simulation lab (O Block), and the new H2 web lab (H Block)
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of studios and facilities in the Creative Industries Precinct (Z Blocks)
- Watch an acting rehearsal (Z2)
- Explore the state-of-the-art Education Precinct (E Block) and take a selfie with The Sphere
- Hear education students talk about their teaching pracs at 10.30am and 1pm (E Block)
- Learn about the QUT-Queensland Rugby Union partnership and meet some Queensland Reds players and staff (outside A Block)
- Talk to experts on scholarships and international exchanges, and meet members of student clubs (outside A Block)
- Visit the QUT Health Clinics (U Block) where students work with the public in exercise physiology, podiatry, psychiatry, nutrition, and optometry
- Enjoy some free floss and popcorn
- Check out the campus food court
Dozens of QUT student ambassadors will be working at Open Day to answer questions and help provide information for prospective students.
We caught up with four of our student ambassadors and asked them about their courses and what they’ll be doing at Open Day.
MINUKA MENDIS – civil engineering and architecture student
What will you be doing at Open Day?
“I’ll be on Gardens Point campus. I am lucky to be on the student panel for the Open Day seminars for architecture and built environment. Looking forward to hearing your questions!”
Why did you choose your course and what are the best practical elements?
“I chose to study a double degree in civil engineering and architecture because it gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for maths and physics with my flair for design. I love being able to go from sketching and designing buildings in a studio to solving complex engineering problems. Studying my degree has given me a well-rounded perspective on the built environment sector and has led me to many industry opportunities such as my current position as a structural engineering intern at Mott MacDonald. Both my degrees are very practical. I have really enjoyed the 3D modelling and rendering aspects of the architecture degree and the hands-on materials testing whilst studying civil engineering.”
What has your uni experience been like so far?
“It has been so fulfilling. I have found greatest value in the connections I have made throughout my degree. My involvement in GEMS (Gender Equity in Engineering Makes Sense Club), the College of Excellence, the Deans Scholars Program and my Ambassador work has given the opportunity meet some amazing people and grow my network not only in QUT, but in the wider engineering and architecture communities.”
Any advice for school students trying to choose what to study at uni?
“I think the most important thing is to follow your passion and to remember that you don’t have to have everything figured out straight away. Your time at uni is a great opportunity to explore your options and find a path which best fits you. The possibilities are endless!”
REMINGTON BROUGH – nursing and paramedic science student
What will you be doing at Open Day?
“I'll be running tours of the Clinical Simulation Centre at Kelvin Grove. These teaching and learning spaces provide nursing and paramedic science students the opportunity for hands-on skill development with industry standard equipment in facilities designed to mimic a hospital ward as well as life-sized mock ambulances.”
Why did you choose your course and what are the best practical elements?
“I choose to study at QUT for a couple of reasons. During high school I completed the START QUT program which allowed me to start studying university units while I was still in high school. This program allowed me to get a head start on my degree and test drive university study at QUT. I also chose QUT because of the convenience of the two inner city campus locations.”
What has your uni experience been like so far?
“I've really enjoyed my uni experience and a highlight of my degree has been the opportunities I've had to work alongside members from the Australian Defence Force and firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Service as part of training exercises. I've also been involved in many clubs and societies while at uni and I would recommend these as a great way to connect with other uni students who may share similar interest areas.”
Any advice for school students trying to choose what to study at uni?
“Speak to your school guidance officer and ask about opportunities to undertake work experience. During high school I completed two different work experience placements in the health industry and I found these opportunities valuable in helping me decide on my career pathway.”
HOLLY PEARCE – secondary education and drama student
What will you be doing at Open Day?
“I will be at the Kelvin Grove campus with the Education tent, answering questions about what it is like to study education within a double degree and also my experiences with uni.”
Why did you choose your course and what are the best practical elements?
“I chose to study secondary education and drama because I have such a passion for working with youth and wanted to be able to work in a professional career that allows me to help students learn, grow and succeed – not just as learners, but as people. My degree offers many practical learning opportunities in both learning areas, including the opportunity to go into schools and learn firsthand what it is like to teach and manage a classroom. With this degree I have had the opportunity to travel rurally for my placements, and through extracurricular uni trips, to enhance my knowledge and understanding of what it is like to teach in different parts of Queensland.”
What has your uni experience been like so far?
“Uni has been an incredible experience so far. You get to work towards a degree in an area that you are passionate about, along with many people that very quickly become your closest friends and have the same interests and passions as you. Being able to pick your own timetable that works with your own schedule creates a great work/life balance and allows you to work to your strengths.”
Any advice for school students trying to choose what to study at uni?
“Find your passion and go from there. If there is a career you really want to work towards but you are not sure how to find the degree/s that will get you there, talk to your schools, the university, the different faculties on open day and seek advice from people around you to find what might be the best fit for you. If you are passionate about something, go and find a degree that can help you grow that passion and learn ... because if you do what you love, you will love what you do.”
GEORGIA BERGIN – urban and regional planning student
What will you be doing at Open Day?
“At Open Day you’ll see me at the Faculty of Engineering tent at Gardens Point talking to students about my experience as a QUT student, and what their future in architecture, the built environment, or engineering might look like.”
Why did you choose your course and what are the best practical elements?
“I am fascinated by the relationships between the built environment, the natural environment, and society, and wanted to learn more about the development of cities both in Australia and overseas. The best practical elements of my degree have been the work integrated learning aspects, where I now have experience working in a private firm for urban planning advisory, and as a research assistant studying the impacts of climate change.”
What has your uni experience been like so far?
“My university experience has been very thrilling so far, especially when I undertook a study abroad semester in 2022. The semester I spent in the USA was quite possibly the most fun and rewarding experience of my life. Additionally, joining various clubs such as the Planning Students Association and the Cheer and Dance Society has really broadened my social network and given me great opportunities.”
Any advice for school students trying to choose what to study at uni?
“First of all would be: Don’t stress, you have plenty of time! When I was leaving high school I thought I had to have it all figured out, but I promise you’ll find your way. When choosing a degree I found it best to genuinely just ask anyone and everyone what they do – I never knew about urban and regional planning until I asked my friend one day and thought it sounded interesting!”
QUT Open Day will be held on Sunday, July 30, from 9am to 3pm at Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses in inner Brisbane. Download the program here and visit the Open Day site to plan your day using our online planner.
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
