CQUniversity Noosa is cementing its place as the campus for Noosa and the wider Sunshine Coast, with enrolments rising by more than a third in the past year...

A recent $2.5 million expansion, the roll-out of several new programs, and a campaign targeting local school leavers and TAFE students has seen this year's term one enrolments at the popular Noosa Campus reach 367- compared with 274 in 2012.

Multimedia student Dean Simonds finds the climate for study just right in Noosa

CQUniversity Noosa Head of Campus Professor Mike Horsley said a new Bachelor of Multimedia Studies program and on-campus Nursing degree had seen the biggest increases.

"This is the second year we've offered a wholly face-to-face delivery option for our nursing students," Professor Horsley said.

"That and the lure of our new hospital labs and simulation equipment has been a strong incentive to study nursing on-site at the Noosa campus.

"A lot of effort has been put into targeting school leavers at local high schools and students at TAFEs about the programs and facilities on offer - which is starting to pay dividends.

"Our solid reputation as an outstanding research campus is another key drawcard - we now have the most research intensive staff of all CQUniversity campuses, with five full professors and three associate professors."

Professor Horsley said Noosa's reputation as a lifestyle destination was also drawing students keen to enjoy a unique lifestyle while they get a degree.

"It is certainly a beautiful part of the region and anecdotally I hear regularly that students are attracted by the sun, surf and relaxing lifestyle," Professor Horsley said.

Former Townsville resident Dean Simonds moved to Buddina to study multimedia at TAFE last year and didn't think twice about staying when he heard CQUniversity was introducing a bachelor-level program.

"Representatives from CQUniversity visited the TAFE and gave a really impressive presentation about the new program - it was exactly what I wanted to do," Mr Simonds said.

"I really enjoy the lifestyle here, have made some really good friends and started working so I was really happy to stay on the Coast."

Mr Simonds said the smaller Noosa Campus provided greater exposure to CQUniversity staff.

"I think the smaller campus helps us to connect with the tutors and lecturers," Mr Simonds said.

"They are always looking to consult with students and take our opinions about the course and facilities seriously."