Study at USYD, never have any issues at uni, even walked to Redfern Station at midnight by myself several times. Often stay in the lab overnight before assignments due and had no problem at all. I have seen police/security guards turn up and check everyone's student card in the lab before. I...
Definitely do something you love! Nobody knows what the job market will be like in 5 years time.
It will be painful to work in a job that you don't have great interest in for the next 30 years.
If you are still unsure, go for the more generic degree now and do a specialised postgraduate course...