Swinburne University of Technology and Isobar launch Swintopia for second year running

Swinburne University of Technology, together with Isobar, has recently launched Swintopia. For the second year in a row, the award-winning platform is now live, providing prospective students with a virtual, interactive and gamified Open Day experience.

Swinburne is leading the way for universities and is challenging the way we think about traditional open days. After the success of Swintopia in 2020, the award-winning virtual campus has upgraded this year to take Open Day experience to a new level. Students will have the chance to explore the university and find out all they need to know about course options, to help make an informed decision about their career pathway.

In Swintopia, prospective students will see familiar faces including current students such as Richmond AFLW stars Monique Conti and Ellie McKenzie, talented content creator Maskit Mati, and Gogglebox’s own Holly Dalton.

A new survey by Swinburne University of Technology shows how COVID-19 has shaped Victorian students’ priorities and concerns, as many prepare to consider their plans for university.

A poll of Year 12 and first-year university students – dubbed “lockdown learners” – reveals the pandemic has changed what students want to study and their attitude towards university. It comes at a time traditionally dedicated to open days held at universities.

Almost half of Year 12 students (47 per cent) say the pandemic has changed their views on enrolling in university in various ways. Some are more interested in enrolling in university right now rather than later because lockdowns have put their gap year plans on hold. Yet others cite concern over finances and final marks achieved in Year 12 as barriers to further study.

The survey also found:
– One-third of Year 12 students say COVID-19 has increased their interest in health sciences and science-based courses, and away from lockdown-affected disciplines like hospitality
– One-third of first-year university students said they are more worried about being able to get a job after university since the pandemic
– Three-quarters of Year 12 students believe studying at university will make them more employable
– Half of Year 12 students felt studying at university would lead to greater financial security in the future.
The survey also shows 58 per cent of prospective university students rely on digital information just as much as physical open days to decide where to study.

Swinburne’s plans to hold an on-campus Open Day have been disrupted by the latest Victorian lockdown restrictions. However, the university is ready to connect with thousands of students through its award-winning virtual Open Day experience, Swintopia – a gamified and immersive campus experience.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (global and community engagement), Dr Andrew J Smith, said Swintopia had been upgraded this year to take the open day experience to a new level and respond to student needs: “Swintopia allows students to plan their future pathways by giving them an interactive taste of all aspects of university and campus life. Students can explore campuses, collect course information, meet other students and teachers, and make an informed decision about their future studies.

“Prospective students can also find out about Swinburne’s new Work Integrated Learning guarantee, which is really important at a time when so many young people are concerned about their employability. We are committed to making sure that every undergraduate student gets an internship, placement or opportunity to work with industry on a project.”

The survey also found 78 per cent of first-year students would like to have guaranteed work after study.

Lily Straker, a Year 12 Victorian student, said the university’s Work Integrated Learning guarantee was a major attraction to study at Swinburne: “The pandemic has definitely made me think about life after university and picking the right career that will lead to employment and financial security. Having a guaranteed opportunity to work with an employer as part of my course is a huge attraction in the current environment.”