A degree is a degree no matter the institution that gave it to you. Any employer who prioritises a University name before
your academic record and personal attributes, quite frankly, isn't worth your while.
I am a first year Law student at UOW and can promise that the degree is just as rigorous, challenging and (if you put in the effort) just as rewarding than if you were to pursue legal studies anywhere else.
Using the UAI is a poor indicator of reputation. Because any given university's UAI represents student demand and the popularity of that course two things must be considered:
1) In part, some people interpret high UAI cut offs as indicative of a university's quality/reputation
- UOW is not a sandstone institution, where other universities can ride on their historical integrity our academics realise that UOW can only recruit students based on quality curriculum, teaching and graduate employment schemes. This approach focuses on delivering services to the student - that is what any kid should look for when considering their university options.
2) Because UAI is determined by student DEMAND greater numbers available to students will decrease UAI, eg UWS may have an intake three times more than Usyd so the UAI cut off for Usyd will logically be higher.
- UOW only accepts commonwealth supported places for every degree in every faculty. Not catering for Domestic fee paying students means a greater ability to raise student intake and therefore lower the UAI cut off.
- Lastly, a lesser UAI makes a perceptively high brow degree such as Law accessible to students who may discover that they are interested and passionate about something they never considered within their breadth . It gives some the option of bringing a different perspective to another degree they are undertaking and expands career opportunities in later life.
We have a beautiful campus in Wollongong and a newly furbished library. I personally am thankful for mydecision to study here for the next four and a half years. Your choice of university should be well considered and researched because dedicating the next couple of years to wherever may mean the difference between loving or hating tertiary education. Every university is different, each has its own vices and virtues - there is one out there for you. It may not be UOW that takes your fancy but bear in mind reputation is merely a subjective characteristic that extends beyond any statistical or ranked analysis. Because many people fail to see this i think they overlook a gem of an institution and an awesome chance to truly enjoy their studies.
Hope this helps