Studying science, engineering, technology and maths (STEM) at QUT opens a world of opportunities to achieve your full potential and forge a rewarding career.
Why study STEM at QUT?
Discovering how to improve lives by solving a range of real-world problems will be crucial in the
future. Many of the jobs of today were unheard of a decade ago: app developers, big data
analysts and sustainability engineers.
STEM careers provide the greatest opportunities to
succeed in the future.
No university is better placed to help you launch your STEM career
than Queensland’s only university of technology.
Why study STEM at QUT?
The fundamental underpinning of the skills you need for jobs of the future is STEM.
But did you know that there’s a secret formula to getting that great-paying, in-demand and stellar career that you’ll love? We call it STEM+X - where X is your passion, another field or a world-changing goal.
To help get you started on finding your perfect STEM+X combo, we’ve created a 60-page STEM+X guide in partnership with Careers with STEM.
Think about the future. What issues do we need to address, as a society, to ensure longevity? Climate change. Water scarcity. Food shortages. Species extinction. Affordable housing. With a predicted 75 per cent of future occupations needing STEM literacy, it means that a skilled STEM workforce is central to addressing these complex issues now and into the future.
Science and Advanced Science
Understand and tackle the greatest challenges facing our world and its future.
Lauren Blackwell, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science student
Double your career opportunities
A double degree can help you develop a portfolio of skills and capabilities so you will be flexible, prepared for change and able to maximise your career opportunities. Create your own specialist career niche by combining your STEM degree with a complementary study area that interests you.
The Careers with STEM Job Kits are free 8-page e-mags you can download, offering a complete introduction to individual STEM careers.
Discover what a job in STEM is all about, meet real people working in the field, and find out what you can do right now to set your career on the right path.
Tune in to hear from a great line-up of guest alumni from around the world, sharing their stories about the paths they’ve taken to get where they are in their STEM careers. Hosted by QUT STEM graduate, Mackenzi Oliver, these episodes will help you find your inspiration for a STEM career.
QUT alumnus Dr Abigail Allwood is at the cutting-edge of space exploration
Women in STEM
With only one in four STEM workers being women, we recognise the importance of supporting and celebrating women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
We're tackling this gender divide through a number of programs and initiatives, including #STEMtheTide.
Libby Hogarth is a passionate urban planner with a focus on inclusive and meaningful spaces. Libby uncovers the varied range of projects which use the expertise of urban planners to become the best possible developments for all users.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, QUT's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Sheil sat down for an interview with Minister Karen Andrews, Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
Donald Piggott-McKellar is an Associate Director at Forge Advisory, and one of the minds behind the evolving infrastructure of Brisbane for over 10 years.
Dr Naomi Paxton explains what biofabrication is, the importance of being in a supportive and diverse team and how she made the leap from physics to biomanufacturing.
You’ve got ideas that can help shape the world? Our courses will give you the tools, equipment and technology to bring your concepts to life.
We're Queensland’s only university of technology - future-focused and always exploring emerging disciplines and equipment. We'll help you push the boundaries of scientific development using cutting-edge facilities housed in our specialist precincts, labs and workspaces.
Our researchers work in key STEM areas, aiming to solve some of the major challenges facing society and the planet, including:
sustainable development and climate change
energy and food security
an ageing population and chronic disease
information dissemination and security.
Many of these leading researchers will be your lecturers. Their experience, passion and knowledge will be shared with you as part of your studies. They will inspire you to reach your potential and exceed your goals.
Naomi Paxton
"Combining polymer science and engineering innovations in biofabrication research has the potential to revolutionise how we treat tissue loss and improve the quality of care for patients."
Mardi McNeil
QUT PhD student Mardi McNeil was part of a team carrying out the first ever assessment of how a particular type of green macroalgae, Halimeda, affects the marine ecosystem in the Great Barrier Reef.
Evangeline Corcoran
"A highlight of my PhD studies so far is publishing my first lead author paper and receiving international honours as a ‘Woman to Watch’ in the drone industry for my role in researching the use of drones, thermal imaging and machine learning to monitor threatened wildlife."
Scholarships
We recognise the achievements and potential of our students, and encourage you to apply for our scholarships, bursaries and development programs. Scholarships offer both financial support and a wealth of invaluable experience. They can help shape and support your time at university. All you need to do is apply.
Vanessa and Riva are both recipients of the prestigious Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship. Only five universities across Australia offer this $15,000 scholarship. The scholarship includes a personalised enrichment program, giving you access to paid internships, inspiring mentors and an international leadership development experience, and membership of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
Brody Foy, a QUT mathematics graduate and past Dean’s Scholar and Rhodes Scholar, is using his PhD to apply his maths skills to computational biology. Specifically, lung function testing. Brody has also co-founded a non-profit consultancy that uses data analytics and machine learning to solve problems in healthcare, energy and social services.
Saskia Mathers
Saskia Mathers, a current Deans Scholar and computer software systems engineering student, is a Women in Engineering scholarship recipient and past president of Women in Technology (WiT) at QUT. Saskia has used her experiences in the program to build networks with sponsors and combine her leadership experiences and passion for STEM.
Are you an international student?
Discover more about studying with us as an international student. Find out how to apply, information about scholarships and pathway programs, and what student life is like at QUT.
A common misconception about university is that you have to do it ‘on your own’. You’ll be relieved to know that QUT offers many opportunities to get involved, make new friends, and receive proactive and timely support services to help you succeed.
Join a range of student-led projects and clubs: QUT Aerospace, QUT Construct, Girls in Engineering Making Statements, QUT Maths Society, QUT Motorsport, QUT Planning Student Association, Women in Science, and QUT Women in Technology are just some.
Why wait until you graduate to create your business, social enterprise or side hustle? QUT Entrepreneurship is the perfect place to collaborate, network and share ideas with fellow budding entrepreneurs and like-minded students from across the university.
The Oodgeroo Unit is QUT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success unit, providing admission pathways, dedicated study spaces, tutors, cultural support and scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
News
5th August 2021
QUT students Jack McLoughlin and Bronte Campbell have won medals at the Tokyo Olympics. The two are part of the eight QUT students and two alumni, who have been supported with their studies through the QUT Elite Athlete Program, and are representing their country in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Medal tally for QUT students: 2.
Jack McLoughlin - silver medal in 400m freestyle.
Bronte Campbell - a member of the 4 x 100m gold medal winning freestyle relay team.
QUT student Bronte Campbell, left, part of the gold medal winning 4 x 100m freestyle relay team.
Emily Rosemond, Coordinator of QUT Sport and its Elite Athletes Program, said QUT had a strong and diverse athlete representative group and it was great to see the athletes representing Australia and Papua New Guinea on the highest sporting stage.
The QUT students and alumnus representing Australia at the Olympics and Paralympics are:
Bronwen Knox, alumnus, water polo
Jack McLoughlin, Bachelor of Engineering, swimming
Mitch Larkin, Bachelor of Property Economics, swimming
Matthew Lydement, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, weightlifting
Henry Frayne, Bachelor of Laws (Honours), athletics
Hsuan-Yu Wendy Chen, Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Badminton
Bronte Campbell, Bachelor of Business, swimming
Isis Holt, Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology), running T35
Rachael Watson, alumnus, swimming S4
Ryan Maskelyne, who is studying a Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours), will represent Papua New Guinea in swimming.
Jack McLoughlin won silver in the 400m freestyle.
For Jack McLoughlin, Tokyo will be his second Olympics after competing in Rio in the Men’s 1500m Freestyle and winning gold in the event at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
“I have always believed to be at the top of my game I have to have a balanced life and that involves my study,” Jack said.
“I am extremely passionate about both swimming and engineering and being a part of QUT has allowed me to do both at the highest of levels.”
Mitch Larkin was part of the 4 x 100m medley relay at the Tokyo Olympics.
Matthew Lydement took up weightlifting in 2014 after frequent injuries from playing a range of sports including cricket, rugby union and Australia Rules Football. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, focussed on preparing himself for a career in fitness and health for life after his sporting career.
Matthew, who started his course at QUT this year as a mature-aged student, said the support of the Elite Athletes Program had helped him to undertaking university study while preparing for his first Olympics, including support in rescheduling exams around his international competition commitments.
“Coming from working full time to being a student, it's definitely been different,” he said.
“But being mature aged has probably been the best thing for me rather than trying to do it straight from school,” Matthew said.
Henry Frayne will be competing in his third Olympics.
For Henry Frayne, Tokyo will be his third Olympics, after competing in the long jump in Rio 2016 and Triple Jump in London 2012.
“The Olympics are always at the top of my priority list when it comes to my sporting life. As such I am always grateful to anyone and everyone who supports me in my journey,” Henry said.
“The QUT Elite Athlete Program provides support to me around my studies and also with some financial support for competitions,” Henry said.
Wendy Chen is competing in her second Olympics.
Badminton player Wendy Chen will be competing at her second Olympics after representing her country at Rio 2016.
“It was opening my eyes to see competing at the top event in the sporting arena,” Wendy said.
Wendy said being a QUT scholarship recipient was particularly helpful with the cost of her education and with flexibility with her study, such as early class registration.
“I can adjust my training around my uni study loads,” she said.
Isis Holt made her Paralympic debut in Rio.
Isis Holt, who was breaking world records within 12 months of taking up running, will compete in the 100m and 200m running events in the T35 category.
Rachael Watson, who won a gold medal at the Paralympics at Rio, will be competing in the 50m freestyle S4.
Rachael Watson won a gold medal in the Paralympics in Rio.
Bronwen Knox, who completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Health and a Bachelor Laws (Honours) at QUT, is Australia’s most capped Water Polo player, as already a veteran of three Olympics in 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2016 Rio.
Bronwen Knox is is Australia’s most capped Water Polo player.
“My first Olympic experience was nerve racking. It was exciting, it was overwhelming at times, it was hectic,” Bronwen said.
“And now heading, into my fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo, all of those things are still there. The difference between the first and the fourth is I know what to expect. I can harness the things I need to and let go of things that they don't need.”
Ryan Maskelyne moved to Australia from Papua New Guinea where he grew up until he was 14, when he came to Australia for school.
Ryan Maskelyne will compete for Papua New Guinea.
“It's a small island nation in the Pacific so it does get looked over a fair bit. But for me, it's the place that I've always wanted to compete for and it's really an honour,” Ryan said.
“I've managed to balance sport and study at QUT through the Elite Athlete Program, which has allowed me to access classes early as well as study my degree part time.”
Bronte Campbell, who was part of the gold medal winning relay team at the Rio 2016 games and will be competing in her third Olympics, is another elite athlete who was inspired to pursue her sport after watching the 2000 Olympics.
Bronte Campbell will be competing in her third olympics.
Ms Rosemond, who represented Australia in speed skating at the 2006 Olympic Winter games before switching to track cycling where she won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, understands the challenges of balancing the demands of elite sport with the commitments of study.
“We’ve been very focused on working with our elite athletes to identify their individual challenges and ensure we can provide support wherever possible to give them every opportunity to achieve their best in both sporting and academic arenas,” Ms Rosemond said.
“It’s extremely exciting to see our student athletes achieve Olympic selection for Tokyo, it undoubtedly will inspire the next generation of Olympians, Commonwealth and Professional Player League representatives, many of whom are still developing in their respective sports whilst being supported within QUT’s Elite Athlete Program.”
QUT currently has 234 students on the Elite Athlete Program, 47 of whom are on scholarships.
The Program is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport as a member of the Elite Athlete Education Network. Students are supported through flexible enrolment, assessment and exams wherever possible. The university also offers personal and professional development, support services, financial assistance and a bonus point entry scheme for new students and current students wanting to change courses.
Media contact:
Rod Chester, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, rod.chester@qut.edu.au
