University of New South Wales
Encyclopedia
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) (informally New South), is a research-focused university
based in Kensington
, a suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
. The university is a member of the "Group of Eight
" coalition of leading Australian universities, and is also a founding member of Universitas 21
, an international network of leading research-intensive universities.
Despite its relatively short history, founded in 1949, UNSW is recognised as one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions, and has developed a strong reputation in a number of fields. Graduates from the university are held in high regard by employers and receive some of the highest starting salaries in comparison to other universities in Australia. As a result, greater than half of New South Wales' top HSC students each year consistently make UNSW their first preference, more than all other universities in the state combined.
UNSW currently has approximately 46,000 students studying in 600 undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs. Over 5,000 full-time staff work in its 76 schools, 69 research centres, six institutes, four teaching hospitals, eight residential colleges and many administrative departments.
Aside from the main campus in Kensington, UNSW has other campuses located throughout Sydney, including the College of Fine Arts campus in Paddington
. In addition, the affiliated Australian Defence Force Academy
is situated in Canberra
.
The idea of founding the University originated from the crisis demands of World War II
, during which the nation's attention was drawn to the critical role that science
and technology
played in transforming an agricultural society into a modern and industrial one. The post-war Labor government
of New South Wales recognised the increasing need to have a university specialised in training high quality engineers and technology-related professionals in numbers beyond that of the capacity and characteristics of the existing University of Sydney
. This led to the proposal to establish the Institute of Technology, submitted by the then New South Wales Minister for Education Bob Heffron, accepted on 9 July 1946. Instead of creating a completely new Institute, the government decided to have the existing Sydney Technical College
operating at Ultimo
substantially expanded.
The University, originally named the "New South Wales University of Technology", gained its statutory status through the enactment of New South Wales University of Technology Act 1949 (NSW) by Parliament of New South Wales
in Sydney in 1949. In March 1948 classes commenced operation with its first cohort of 46 students pursuing programs including Civil Engineering
, Mechanical Engineering
, Mining Engineering
and Electronic Engineering
. At that time the thesis programmes were innovative, in the sense that each course embodied a specified and substantial period of practical training in the relevant industry. It was also unprecedented for tertiary institutions at that time to include compulsory instruction in humanities
.
Initially the University operated from the inner Sydney city campus at Ultimo
(the current site of the University of Technology, Sydney
). However, in 1951, the Parliament of New South Wales
passed the New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act 1951 (NSW) to provide funding and allow buildings to be erected at the Kensington
site where the university is now located.
In 1958 the University name was changed to the 'University of New South Wales' to reflect its intention to transform itself from a technology-based university to an all-rounded generalist university. In 1960 it broadened its curriculum and student base with the establishment of Faculties of Arts
and Medicine
, followed by the Faculty of Law
in 1971.
The university's first director was Arthur Denning
(1949–1952), who made important contributions to the foundations of the university. In 1953 he was replaced by Professor Philip Baxter
, who continued on as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955. Baxter's dynamic authoritarian management was central to the University's first twenty years. His visionary - but at times controversial - energies saw the university grow from a handful to 15,000 students by 1968 http://unsw.edu.au/about/pad/history.html. He also pioneered new scientific and technological disciplines against an external background of traditionalist criticism. Growing staff levels, recruited both locally and overseas, conducted research which soon established a wide international reputation. By the time of Sir Philip Baxter
's retirement in 1969 the University had made a unique and enterprising mark on Australia. The new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rupert Myers
(1969–1981), brought consolidation and an urbane management style to a period of expanding student numbers, demand for change in University style, and challenges of student unrest.
The stabilising techniques of the 1980s managed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Birt
(1981–1992) provided a firm base for the energetic corporatism and campus enhancements pursued by the subsequent Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Niland
(1992–2002). The 1990s saw the addition of a Fine Arts dimension to the University and further development of the public and community outreach which has characterised the University from its beginnings. At present, private sources contribute 45% of its annual funding.
The University established Colleges in Newcastle
(1951) and Wollongong (1961), which eventually became two independent universities in 1965 and 1975 respectively, namely the University of Newcastle
and the University of Wollongong
.
The University is home to the Lowy Cancer Research Centre
, one of Australia's largest cancer research facilities. The centre, costing $127 million, is Australia's first facility to bring together researchers in childhood and adult cancer.
on 3 March 1952. The grant reads:
The lion and the four stars of the Southern Cross on the St George's Cross
have reference to the State of New South Wales
which established the University; the open book with "SCIENTIA" (knowledge) across its pages is a reminder of its purpose. The placement of "Scientia" on the book was inspired by its appearance on the arms of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, formed in 1907. Beneath the shield is the motto "Manu et Mente" (with hand and mind), which was the motto of the Sydney Technical College
, from which the University developed.
An update of the design and colours of the Arms was undertaken in 1970, which provided a more contemporary design, yet retained all the Arms’ heraldic associations. In 1994 the University title was added to the UNSW arms, as was the abbreviation "UNSW", to create the UNSW Symbol, which is used for everyday and marketing purposes.
There is also a university flag, which consists of the coat of arms centred on a mid blue field. The blue field of the flag is lined with a yellow band on the top, right hand and bottom sides only. There is a further band of black on the top, right hand and bottom sides which is equal in width to the yellow band.
or by Council itself. It is responsible for acting on the University’s behalf to promote its objectives and interests. The governance of universities has come under increasing scrutiny nationally in recent years, and UNSW and its Council are committed to meeting this scrutiny by demonstrating the highest standards.
The principal academic body is the Academic Board which receives advice on academic matters from the Faculties, College (Australian Defence Force Academy
), and the Boards of Studies. It is responsible for academic policy setting, academic strategy via its eight standing committees, approval and delivery of programs, and academic standards. The Board comprises 56 members, including the Vice-Chancellor, members of the Executive Team, Deans and Faculty Presiding Members, 24 members elected from the academic staff and four from the student body. Membership also includes ‘such other persons’ approved by Council. The Academic Board advises the Vice-Chancellor and Council on matters relating to teaching, scholarship
and research
and takes decisions on delegation from Council. Its purpose is to make academic policy; approve courses and programs; further and co-ordinate the work of the Faculties and other academic units; and support teaching, scholarship and research.
The chief executive officer
of the University is the Vice-Chancellor and President. The Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors are responsible for academic operations, research policy, research management, quality assurance and external relations including sponsorship. The Chancellor is usually an eminent member of society. (See UNSW Chancellors and UNSW Vice-Chancellors).
The Faculties and boards are responsible for the teaching and examining of subjects within their scope and the Academic Board co-ordinates and furthers their work.
The University also has an association with:
The main UNSW campus is situated in Kensington
, Sydney. Two of the University's faculties are situated elsewhere. The College of Fine Arts
, is located in the inner suburb of Paddington
. The Australian Defence Force Academy
is situated in Canberra
.
The University also has additional campuses and field stations at Randwick
, Coogee
, Botany
, Dee Why
, Cowan
, Manly Vale
, Fowlers Gap and Bankstown Airport.
The main UNSW campus is divided geographically into two areas: upper campus and lower campus. The site of the lower campus was vested in the university in two lots in December 1952 and June 1954, while the upper campus was vested in the university in November 1959. These two are separated mainly by an elevation rise between the quadrangle and the Scientia building. It takes roughly fifteen minutes to walk from one extreme to the other.
, Basser College
, Goldstein College
, New College
, Warrane College
, International House, Shalom College and Creston College
.
s, the UNSW Student Guild, Postgraduate Board, UNSW Union and COFA Students' Association were wound up and reformed as a new student organisation known as the Arc @ UNSW
. This new student organisation is a major service provider on campus, running a number of retail outlets, student media such as Tharunka
and the entertainment venue, the Roundhouse. The Arc
Student Representative Council represents students to the university and nationally and fights for their rights. Arc
also provides support and funding to university clubs and societies and runs student volunteer programs such as Orientation Week.
In 2008 the University of New South Wales Sports Association and UNSW Lifestyle Centre merged to become UNSW Sport and Recreation. It runs the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, provides health and fitness facilities and services, and supports the thirty UNSW affiliated sporting clubs that compete both at home and abroad.
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is conducted by Educational Assessment Australia, UNSW Global Pty Limited. UNSW Global is a not-for-profit provider of education, training and consulting services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales. It provides exams for students in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia[1], South Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and the Pacific region. It caters to students from year 3 (Australia) through year 12, examining skills in English, mathematics, science, computers, writing and spelling.
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). From 2003-05, ICAS-Mathematics was called Australasian Schools Mathematics Assessment. Prior to 2003, it was known as the Primary Schools Mathematics Competition and was targeted at primary schools.
Since 1997, The School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) as run the UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp. This competition has the overall aim of raising awareness amongst high school students of the craft of programming and to encourage students to develop and apply their computing knowledge and skills.
Established in 2011, the John Lions Award for Contribution to Open Software is open to high school and undergraduate university students enrolled in an Australian secondary or tertiary institution. Full time and part time students are eligible, as well as local and internationals students. The annual prize is valued at $1,000.
UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) has developed specialised robotic workshops for school students. They focus on the use of the Lego NXT technology combined with the popular RoboCup Junior competition for schools. UNSW COMPUTING is also a National and NSW State sponsor of RoboCup Junior
.
The University was ranked 49th on the 2011 QS World University Rankings
, receiving five gold stars for rated excellence.
UNSW was ranked Number 1 in Australia for Computer Science in the 2010 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and was the only Australian university to make the top 100 list.
UNSW was also the most cited Australian university in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths, and Psychology from 2002 to 2009 according to the Thomson Reuters-Indexed Journals.
In 2008, an analysis from Thomson Scientific, global research and development analysts, showed that UNSW is one of the top three institutions in Australia for leading in particular fields, dominating in mathematics
, psychiatry
and psychology
. In these areas, the top three Australian institutions were the University of Sydney
, UNSW and the University of Melbourne
, respectively.
In 2010, UNSW was the top performer in ARC Linkage grants, receiving $11.36 million for 28 projects involving collaboration with industry partners, and the largest share of grants ($47.8 million) went to UNSW as the lead institution in the country.
UNSW had the top score for both excellence and improvement in computing, engineering, science and architecture in the 2009 Australian Government's Learning And Teaching Performance Fund. UNSW also achieved the top score for excellence in business, law and economics.
In 2009 the Financial Times
Global MBA
ranking placed the university's business faculty, The Australian School of Business 32nd worldwide, and top in Australia, with an average alumni salary of US$127,474. In the 2007 survey, the school's Executive MBA program was ranked 23rd worldwide. It is also the only Australian business school featured in the rankings for 7 consecutive years.
University
A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...
based in Kensington
Kensington, New South Wales
Kensington is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Kensington is located 6 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Randwick, in the Eastern Suburbs region...
, a suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. The university is a member of the "Group of Eight
Group of Eight (Australian universities)
The Group of Eight is a coalition of leading Australian tertiary institutions, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education...
" coalition of leading Australian universities, and is also a founding member of Universitas 21
Universitas 21
Universitas 21 is an international network of universities, established as an "international reference point and resource for strategic thinking on issues of global significance." Together, there are 500,000 students and 40,000 academics and researchers associated with these universities, which...
, an international network of leading research-intensive universities.
Despite its relatively short history, founded in 1949, UNSW is recognised as one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions, and has developed a strong reputation in a number of fields. Graduates from the university are held in high regard by employers and receive some of the highest starting salaries in comparison to other universities in Australia. As a result, greater than half of New South Wales' top HSC students each year consistently make UNSW their first preference, more than all other universities in the state combined.
UNSW currently has approximately 46,000 students studying in 600 undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs. Over 5,000 full-time staff work in its 76 schools, 69 research centres, six institutes, four teaching hospitals, eight residential colleges and many administrative departments.
Aside from the main campus in Kensington, UNSW has other campuses located throughout Sydney, including the College of Fine Arts campus in Paddington
Paddington, New South Wales
Paddington is an inner-city, eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Paddington is located 3 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district and lies across the local government areas of the City of Sydney and the Municipality of Woollahra...
. In addition, the affiliated Australian Defence Force Academy
Australian Defence Force Academy
The Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force .Tertiary education is provided by the...
is situated in Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
.
History
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, during which the nation's attention was drawn to the critical role that science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
played in transforming an agricultural society into a modern and industrial one. The post-war Labor government
Australian Labor Party
The Australian Labor Party is an Australian political party. It has been the governing party of the Commonwealth of Australia since the 2007 federal election. Julia Gillard is the party's federal parliamentary leader and Prime Minister of Australia...
of New South Wales recognised the increasing need to have a university specialised in training high quality engineers and technology-related professionals in numbers beyond that of the capacity and characteristics of the existing University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
. This led to the proposal to establish the Institute of Technology, submitted by the then New South Wales Minister for Education Bob Heffron, accepted on 9 July 1946. Instead of creating a completely new Institute, the government decided to have the existing Sydney Technical College
Sydney Technical College
The Sydney Technical College was a name used by Australia's oldest technical education institution.It began as the Sydney Mechanics' Institute in 1843...
operating at Ultimo
Ultimo, New South Wales
Ultimo is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Ultimo is located 2 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Sydney....
substantially expanded.
The University, originally named the "New South Wales University of Technology", gained its statutory status through the enactment of New South Wales University of Technology Act 1949 (NSW) by Parliament of New South Wales
Parliament of New South Wales
The Parliament of New South Wales, located in Parliament House on Macquarie Street, Sydney, is the main legislative body in the Australian state of New South Wales . It is a bicameral parliament elected by the people of the state in general elections. The parliament shares law making powers with...
in Sydney in 1949. In March 1948 classes commenced operation with its first cohort of 46 students pursuing programs including Civil Engineering
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
, Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
, Mining Engineering
Mining engineering
Mining engineering is an engineering discipline that involves the practice, the theory, the science, the technology, and application of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. Mining engineering also includes processing minerals for additional value.Mineral...
and Electronic Engineering
Electronic engineering
Electronics engineering, also referred to as electronic engineering, is an engineering discipline where non-linear and active electrical components such as electron tubes, and semiconductor devices, especially transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, are utilized to design electronic...
. At that time the thesis programmes were innovative, in the sense that each course embodied a specified and substantial period of practical training in the relevant industry. It was also unprecedented for tertiary institutions at that time to include compulsory instruction in humanities
Humanities
The humanities are academic disciplines that study the human condition, using methods that are primarily analytical, critical, or speculative, as distinguished from the mainly empirical approaches of the natural sciences....
.
Initially the University operated from the inner Sydney city campus at Ultimo
Ultimo, New South Wales
Ultimo is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Ultimo is located 2 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Sydney....
(the current site of the University of Technology, Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
The University of Technology Sydney is a university in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The university was founded in its current form in 1981, although its origins trace back to the 1870s. UTS is notable for its central location as the only university with its main campuses within the Sydney CBD...
). However, in 1951, the Parliament of New South Wales
Parliament of New South Wales
The Parliament of New South Wales, located in Parliament House on Macquarie Street, Sydney, is the main legislative body in the Australian state of New South Wales . It is a bicameral parliament elected by the people of the state in general elections. The parliament shares law making powers with...
passed the New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act 1951 (NSW) to provide funding and allow buildings to be erected at the Kensington
Kensington, New South Wales
Kensington is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Kensington is located 6 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Randwick, in the Eastern Suburbs region...
site where the university is now located.
In 1958 the University name was changed to the 'University of New South Wales' to reflect its intention to transform itself from a technology-based university to an all-rounded generalist university. In 1960 it broadened its curriculum and student base with the establishment of Faculties of Arts
UNSW Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia.It comprises five schools:*School of Education*School of English, Media and Performing Arts*School of History and Philosophy...
and Medicine
UNSW Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia.The Faculty was established in July 1960. It has nine schools:* School of Medical Sciences* School of Psychiatry* School of Public Health and Community Medicine...
, followed by the Faculty of Law
UNSW Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales is a law school situated in Sydney, Australia. The Faculty is one of the most innovative and prestigious law schools in Australia....
in 1971.
The university's first director was Arthur Denning
Arthur Denning
Arthur Denning was the first director of the University of New South Wales from 1949 - 1952. In 1955 the title of director was changed to vice-chancellor.-References:...
(1949–1952), who made important contributions to the foundations of the university. In 1953 he was replaced by Professor Philip Baxter
Philip Baxter
Sir John Philip Baxter, KBE , better known as Philip Baxter, was a British chemical engineer. He was the second director of the University of New South Wales from 1953, continuing as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955...
, who continued on as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955. Baxter's dynamic authoritarian management was central to the University's first twenty years. His visionary - but at times controversial - energies saw the university grow from a handful to 15,000 students by 1968 http://unsw.edu.au/about/pad/history.html. He also pioneered new scientific and technological disciplines against an external background of traditionalist criticism. Growing staff levels, recruited both locally and overseas, conducted research which soon established a wide international reputation. By the time of Sir Philip Baxter
Philip Baxter
Sir John Philip Baxter, KBE , better known as Philip Baxter, was a British chemical engineer. He was the second director of the University of New South Wales from 1953, continuing as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955...
's retirement in 1969 the University had made a unique and enterprising mark on Australia. The new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rupert Myers
Rupert Myers
Sir Rupert Horace Myers KBE AO was the third vice-chancellor of the University of New South Wales, between 1969 and 1981. -Honours:...
(1969–1981), brought consolidation and an urbane management style to a period of expanding student numbers, demand for change in University style, and challenges of student unrest.
The stabilising techniques of the 1980s managed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Birt
Michael Birt
Lindsay Michael Birt, AO, CBE was the inaugural vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong between 1975–1980, and the fourth vice-chancellor of the University of New South Wales between 1981 - 1992.- Biography :...
(1981–1992) provided a firm base for the energetic corporatism and campus enhancements pursued by the subsequent Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Niland
John Niland
John Rodney Niland AC is an Australian academic and company director. He is currently on the Board of Macquarie Group and Macquarie Bank. Niland obtained a Bachelor and Master of Commerce from the University of New South Wales and was President of the University Union and Students Union when he...
(1992–2002). The 1990s saw the addition of a Fine Arts dimension to the University and further development of the public and community outreach which has characterised the University from its beginnings. At present, private sources contribute 45% of its annual funding.
The University established Colleges in Newcastle
Newcastle, New South Wales
The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas...
(1951) and Wollongong (1961), which eventually became two independent universities in 1965 and 1975 respectively, namely the University of Newcastle
University of Newcastle, Australia
The University of Newcastle is an Australian public university that was established in 1965. The University's main and largest campus is located in Callaghan, a suburb of Newcastle in New South Wales...
and the University of Wollongong
University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong is a public university located in the coastal city of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia, approximately 80 kilometres south of Sydney...
.
The University is home to the Lowy Cancer Research Centre
Lowy Cancer Research Centre
The Lowy Cancer Research Centre is a facility at The University of New South Wales. It is Australia's first facility bringing together researchers in childhood and adult cancers, and one of the country's largest cancer research facilities, housing up to 400 researchers...
, one of Australia's largest cancer research facilities. The centre, costing $127 million, is Australia's first facility to bring together researchers in childhood and adult cancer.
Symbols
The Grant of Arms was made by the College of ArmsCollege of Arms
The College of Arms, or Heralds’ College, is an office regulating heraldry and granting new armorial bearings for England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
on 3 March 1952. The grant reads:
- Argent on a Cross Gules a Lion passant guardant between four Mullets of eight points Or a Chief Sable charged with an open Book proper thereon the word "SCIENTIA" in letters also sable.
The lion and the four stars of the Southern Cross on the St George's Cross
St George's Cross
St George's Cross is a red cross on a white background used as a symbolic reference to Saint George. The red cross on white was associated with St George from medieval times....
have reference to the State of New South Wales
Coat of arms of New South Wales
The Coat of arms of New South Wales is the official coat of arms of the Australian state of New South Wales. It was granted by a Royal Warrant of His Majesty King Edward VII dated the 11 October 1906.-Description :...
which established the University; the open book with "SCIENTIA" (knowledge) across its pages is a reminder of its purpose. The placement of "Scientia" on the book was inspired by its appearance on the arms of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, formed in 1907. Beneath the shield is the motto "Manu et Mente" (with hand and mind), which was the motto of the Sydney Technical College
Sydney Technical College
The Sydney Technical College was a name used by Australia's oldest technical education institution.It began as the Sydney Mechanics' Institute in 1843...
, from which the University developed.
An update of the design and colours of the Arms was undertaken in 1970, which provided a more contemporary design, yet retained all the Arms’ heraldic associations. In 1994 the University title was added to the UNSW arms, as was the abbreviation "UNSW", to create the UNSW Symbol, which is used for everyday and marketing purposes.
There is also a university flag, which consists of the coat of arms centred on a mid blue field. The blue field of the flag is lined with a yellow band on the top, right hand and bottom sides only. There is a further band of black on the top, right hand and bottom sides which is equal in width to the yellow band.
Governance
The University is governed by Council of 22 members including parliamentary and ex-officio members, members elected by staff, students and graduates of the University, and members appointed by the Minister for EducationMinister for Education, Science and Training (Australia)
The Australian Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth has responsibilities which include the following areas:*Education policy and programs including schools, vocational, higher education and Indigenous education, but excluding migrant adult education*Education and training...
or by Council itself. It is responsible for acting on the University’s behalf to promote its objectives and interests. The governance of universities has come under increasing scrutiny nationally in recent years, and UNSW and its Council are committed to meeting this scrutiny by demonstrating the highest standards.
The principal academic body is the Academic Board which receives advice on academic matters from the Faculties, College (Australian Defence Force Academy
Australian Defence Force Academy
The Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force .Tertiary education is provided by the...
), and the Boards of Studies. It is responsible for academic policy setting, academic strategy via its eight standing committees, approval and delivery of programs, and academic standards. The Board comprises 56 members, including the Vice-Chancellor, members of the Executive Team, Deans and Faculty Presiding Members, 24 members elected from the academic staff and four from the student body. Membership also includes ‘such other persons’ approved by Council. The Academic Board advises the Vice-Chancellor and Council on matters relating to teaching, scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
and research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
and takes decisions on delegation from Council. Its purpose is to make academic policy; approve courses and programs; further and co-ordinate the work of the Faculties and other academic units; and support teaching, scholarship and research.
The chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of the University is the Vice-Chancellor and President. The Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors are responsible for academic operations, research policy, research management, quality assurance and external relations including sponsorship. The Chancellor is usually an eminent member of society. (See UNSW Chancellors and UNSW Vice-Chancellors).
The Faculties and boards are responsible for the teaching and examining of subjects within their scope and the Academic Board co-ordinates and furthers their work.
Faculties
The University has nine faculties:- Arts and Social SciencesUNSW Faculty of ArtsThe Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia.It comprises five schools:*School of Education*School of English, Media and Performing Arts*School of History and Philosophy...
- Australian Defence Force AcademyAustralian Defence Force AcademyThe Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force .Tertiary education is provided by the...
- Australian School of BusinessAustralian School of BusinessThe Australian School of Business is a research institution for business in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. It is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees along with MBA and Executive programs....
- Built EnvironmentUNSW Faculty of Built EnvironmentThe Built Environment is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia. The school of architecture was one of the founding schools of UNSW...
- College of Fine Arts
- EngineeringUNSW Faculty of EngineeringThe Faculty of Engineering is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia. It is the largest engineering faculty in Australia, offering the widest range of engineering programmes.-Organisation:The Faculty comprises ten schools:...
- LawUNSW Faculty of LawThe Faculty of Law of the University of New South Wales is a law school situated in Sydney, Australia. The Faculty is one of the most innovative and prestigious law schools in Australia....
- MedicineUNSW Faculty of MedicineThe Faculty of Medicine is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales, Australia.The Faculty was established in July 1960. It has nine schools:* School of Medical Sciences* School of Psychiatry* School of Public Health and Community Medicine...
- ScienceUNSW Faculty of ScienceThe Faculty of Science is a constituent body of the University of New South Wales , Australia. It is the UNSW's second largest Faculty . It has almost 400 academic staff, of whom 160-plus are designated research only. It has a constant cohort of about 520 research students , of whom about 450 are...
The University also has an association with:
- National Institute of Dramatic ArtNational Institute of Dramatic ArtThe National Institute of Dramatic Art is an Australian national training institute for students of theatre, film, and television, based in the Sydney suburb of Kensington. It is supported by the federal Office for the Arts, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. NIDA is located adjacent...
Campus
Kensington, New South Wales
Kensington is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Kensington is located 6 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Randwick, in the Eastern Suburbs region...
, Sydney. Two of the University's faculties are situated elsewhere. The College of Fine Arts
College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts is the creative arts faculty of the University of New South Wales and is located on Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney, Australia.- History :...
, is located in the inner suburb of Paddington
Paddington, New South Wales
Paddington is an inner-city, eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Paddington is located 3 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district and lies across the local government areas of the City of Sydney and the Municipality of Woollahra...
. The Australian Defence Force Academy
Australian Defence Force Academy
The Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force .Tertiary education is provided by the...
is situated in Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
.
The University also has additional campuses and field stations at Randwick
Randwick, New South Wales
Randwick is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Randwick is located 6 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the City of Randwick...
, Coogee
Coogee, New South Wales
Coogee is a beachside suburb of local government area City of Randwick. It is located 8 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is also a part of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney....
, Botany
Botany, New South Wales
Botany is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Botany is located 10 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district and is part of the City of Botany Bay....
, Dee Why
Dee Why, New South Wales
Dee Why is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Dee Why is located 18 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of Warringah Council, and along with Brookvale is considered to be...
, Cowan
Cowan, New South Wales
Cowan is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Cowan is located 40 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Hornsby Shire and is part of the North Shore region. Cowan shares the postcode of 2081 with Berowra...
, Manly Vale
Manly Vale, New South Wales
Manly Vale is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Manly Vale is located 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Warringah Council, in the Northern Beaches region....
, Fowlers Gap and Bankstown Airport.
The main UNSW campus is divided geographically into two areas: upper campus and lower campus. The site of the lower campus was vested in the university in two lots in December 1952 and June 1954, while the upper campus was vested in the university in November 1959. These two are separated mainly by an elevation rise between the quadrangle and the Scientia building. It takes roughly fifteen minutes to walk from one extreme to the other.
Accommodation
The University has a number of residential colleges, including: Philip Baxter CollegePhilip Baxter College
Philip Baxter College, University Of New South Wales is a residential college at the University of New South Wales in Kensington, Sydney, Australia.-The college:...
, Basser College
Basser College
Basser College, University of New South Wales is a residential college at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Basser College and its two neighbouring Colleges, Goldstein and Phillip Baxter, are collectively known as the Kensington Colleges...
, Goldstein College
Goldstein College
Goldstein College, University of New South Wales is one of the residential colleges of the University of New South Wales, Australia, and is one of the three Kensington Colleges...
, New College
New College, University of New South Wales
New College, University of New South Wales is a residential college, located in the UNSW campus in Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 1969 as part of the work of the New University Colleges' Council...
, Warrane College
Warrane College
Warrane College is an affiliated residential College at the University of New South Wales, Australia. The name of the College is derived from the Aboriginal word for the Sydney Cove area, "Warrang", highlighting the recognition by Warrane and UNSW of Australia’s indigenous people as original...
, International House, Shalom College and Creston College
Creston College
Creston College: Live. Learn. Lead.' is a residential college associated with the University of New South Wales. Founded in 1970, Creston College is a project of Foundation for Education and Training , which aims to promote education and the development of character in accordance with the...
.
Venues
There are a number of theatre and music venues at the University, many of which are available for hire to the general public.Facilities
- UNSW Lowy Cancer Research Centre is a facility at The University of New South Wales. It is Australia's first facility bringing together researchers in childhood and adult cancers, and one of the country's largest cancer research facilities, housing up to 400 researchers.
- The Analytical Centre is a high-grade centre for the Faculties of Science, Medicine and Engineering. It is used to study the structure and composition of biological, chemical and physical materials.
- The UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre provides health and fitness facilities and services to both students and the general public.
- The L5 Building houses NICTA, the UNSW Foundation Studies Program, and the UNSW Institute of Languages.
Student Projects
Students of the University are involved in a number of high-profile projects, including:- rUNSWift, the University's team in the international RoboCup Standard Platform LeagueRoboCup Standard Platform LeagueThe RoboCup Standard Platform League is one of several leagues within RoboCup, an international competition with autonomous robotic soccer matches as the main event.-Overview:...
competition, is the most successful team in the world with wins in 2000, 2001 and 2003 as well as coming second in 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2010. - SunswiftSunswiftThe UNSW Solar Racing Team is a solar car racing team from the University of New South Wales. The team has built four cars since 1996...
Solar Car (officially the world's fastest solar-powered vehicle at 88 km/h and second place in the Sunrace from Adelaide to Sydney) - BLUEsat SatelliteBLUEsatThe Basic Low Earth Orbit UNSW Experimental Satellite project is an engineering project being undertaken by students at the University of New South Wales. It aims to raise awareness of space and give students the opportunity to investigate, design, build and launch a satellite...
(Development in Progress) - UNSW Redback Racing UNSW's entrant into the SAE-Australasia Formula SAE-A Competition (National winners in 2000)
- The MAVSTAR (Micro Aerial Vehicles for Search, Tracking And Reconnaissance) project to develop a team of cooperative micro aerial and unmanned ground vehicles.
- The Developing Country Project makes a significant difference to people's lives and living conditions. Second year thesis students doing Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering are able to get involved. The project aims to assist villagers in developing countries to gain access to electricity to satisfy their energy needs in a clean and sustainable manner.
Student Organisations
In 2007, the four previous student organisationStudents' union
A students' union, student government, student senate, students' association, guild of students or government of student body is a student organization present in many colleges and universities, and has started appearing in some high schools...
s, the UNSW Student Guild, Postgraduate Board, UNSW Union and COFA Students' Association were wound up and reformed as a new student organisation known as the Arc @ UNSW
Arc @ UNSW
Arc @ UNSW Limited is the student organisation at the University of New South Wales and is a not-for-profit public company based in Sydney, Australia. The organisation supports the activities of student clubs, student volunteer programs such as orientation week, student publications, a student...
. This new student organisation is a major service provider on campus, running a number of retail outlets, student media such as Tharunka
Tharunka
Tharunka is a student newspaper published at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Established in 1953 at the then New South Wales University of Technology, Tharunka has been published in a variety of forms by various student organisations...
and the entertainment venue, the Roundhouse. The Arc
Arc @ UNSW
Arc @ UNSW Limited is the student organisation at the University of New South Wales and is a not-for-profit public company based in Sydney, Australia. The organisation supports the activities of student clubs, student volunteer programs such as orientation week, student publications, a student...
Student Representative Council represents students to the university and nationally and fights for their rights. Arc
Arc @ UNSW
Arc @ UNSW Limited is the student organisation at the University of New South Wales and is a not-for-profit public company based in Sydney, Australia. The organisation supports the activities of student clubs, student volunteer programs such as orientation week, student publications, a student...
also provides support and funding to university clubs and societies and runs student volunteer programs such as Orientation Week.
In 2008 the University of New South Wales Sports Association and UNSW Lifestyle Centre merged to become UNSW Sport and Recreation. It runs the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, provides health and fitness facilities and services, and supports the thirty UNSW affiliated sporting clubs that compete both at home and abroad.
High School and Primary School competitions and resources
UNSW is well known for its engagement with primary and secondary education, administering several national and international academic competitions for school age children. These include, among others:- The Australian Schools Science Competition
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is conducted by Educational Assessment Australia, UNSW Global Pty Limited. UNSW Global is a not-for-profit provider of education, training and consulting services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales. It provides exams for students in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia[1], South Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and the Pacific region. It caters to students from year 3 (Australia) through year 12, examining skills in English, mathematics, science, computers, writing and spelling.
- International Competitions and Assessments for Schools-Mathematics
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). From 2003-05, ICAS-Mathematics was called Australasian Schools Mathematics Assessment. Prior to 2003, it was known as the Primary Schools Mathematics Competition and was targeted at primary schools.
- The UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp
Since 1997, The School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) as run the UNSW COMPUTING ProgComp. This competition has the overall aim of raising awareness amongst high school students of the craft of programming and to encourage students to develop and apply their computing knowledge and skills.
- The UNSW COMPUTING John Lions Award for Contribution to Open Software
Established in 2011, the John Lions Award for Contribution to Open Software is open to high school and undergraduate university students enrolled in an Australian secondary or tertiary institution. Full time and part time students are eligible, as well as local and internationals students. The annual prize is valued at $1,000.
- The UNSW COMPUTING Robotics Workshops
UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering (UNSW COMPUTING) has developed specialised robotic workshops for school students. They focus on the use of the Lego NXT technology combined with the popular RoboCup Junior competition for schools. UNSW COMPUTING is also a National and NSW State sponsor of RoboCup Junior
RoboCup Junior
RoboCup Junior is a division of RoboCup, a not-for-profit robotics organisation. It focuses on education and aims to introduce the larger goals of the RoboCup project to primary and secondary school aged children...
.
Ranking and Performance
| Measure | Rating |
| Characteristics | |
| Non-government earnings | |
| Student Demand | |
| Research Grants | |
| Research Intensivity | |
| Access and Equity | |
| Access by equity groups | |
| Gender balance | |
| Indigenous participation | |
| Entry flexibility | |
| Proportion given credit for TAFE studies | |
| Proportion of entrants who are school leavers | |
| Who's There | |
| Cultural diversity | |
| The educational experience | |
| Student/Staff ratio | |
| Staff qualifications | |
| Teaching quality | |
| Generic Skills | |
| Overall satisfaction | |
| Graduate outcomes | |
| Graduate starting salary | |
| Getting a full-time job | |
| Positive graduate outcomes |
The University was ranked 49th on the 2011 QS World University Rankings
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings is a ranking of the world’s top 500 universities by Quacquarelli Symonds using a method that has published annually since 2004....
, receiving five gold stars for rated excellence.
| Category/Year | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 49 | 46 | 47 | 45 | 44 | 41 |
| Arts & Humanities | 61 | 78 | 52 | 51 | 35 | N/A |
| Natural Sciences | 54 | 53 | 45 | 39 | 58 | N/A |
| Engineering & IT | 39 | 42 | 33 | 29 | 28 | N/A |
| Social Sciences | 35 | 33 | 35 | 28 | 30 | N/A |
| Life Sciences | 48 | 46 | 43 | 50 | 50 | N/A |
UNSW was ranked Number 1 in Australia for Computer Science in the 2010 Academic Ranking of World Universities, and was the only Australian university to make the top 100 list.
UNSW was also the most cited Australian university in Computer Science, Engineering, Maths, and Psychology from 2002 to 2009 according to the Thomson Reuters-Indexed Journals.
In 2008, an analysis from Thomson Scientific, global research and development analysts, showed that UNSW is one of the top three institutions in Australia for leading in particular fields, dominating in mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, psychiatry
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. These mental disorders include various affective, behavioural, cognitive and perceptual abnormalities...
and psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
. In these areas, the top three Australian institutions were the University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
, UNSW and the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia and the oldest in Victoria...
, respectively.
In 2010, UNSW was the top performer in ARC Linkage grants, receiving $11.36 million for 28 projects involving collaboration with industry partners, and the largest share of grants ($47.8 million) went to UNSW as the lead institution in the country.
UNSW had the top score for both excellence and improvement in computing, engineering, science and architecture in the 2009 Australian Government's Learning And Teaching Performance Fund. UNSW also achieved the top score for excellence in business, law and economics.
In 2009 the Financial Times
Financial Times
The Financial Times is an international business newspaper. It is a morning daily newspaper published in London and printed in 24 cities around the world. Its primary rival is the Wall Street Journal, published in New York City....
Global MBA
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
ranking placed the university's business faculty, The Australian School of Business 32nd worldwide, and top in Australia, with an average alumni salary of US$127,474. In the 2007 survey, the school's Executive MBA program was ranked 23rd worldwide. It is also the only Australian business school featured in the rankings for 7 consecutive years.
Notable people
- Bob BellearBob BellearBob Bellear was the first Indigenous Australian judge.Bob was born in the far north-east of New South Wales, and grew up near the town of Mullumbimby...
, first indigenous judge - Bob CarrBob CarrRobert John "Bob" Carr , Australian statesman, was Premier of New South Wales from 4 April 1995 to 3 August 2005. He holds the record for the longest continuous service as premier of NSW...
, former Premier New South Wales - Kerry NettleKerry NettleKerry Michelle Nettle is a former Australian Senator and member of the Australian Greens in New South Wales. Elected at the 2001 federal election on a primary vote of 4.36 percent with One Nation and micro-party preferences, she failed to gain re-election at the 2007 federal election, despite an...
, Australian Greens senator - Lucy TurnbullLucy TurnbullLucinda Mary "Lucy" Turnbull, née Hughes AO , a former Australian politician and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, is a prominent Australian business leader and company director. Turnbull was the first female Lord Mayor of Sydney, between 2003 and 2004 and was Deputy Lord Mayor, between 1999 and 2003...
, former Lord Mayor of Sydney - Robert McClellandRobert McClelland (Australian politician)Robert Bruce McClelland is the Attorney-General of Australia. He has been an Australian Labor Party member of theAustralian House of Representatives since March 1996, representing the Division of Barton, New South Wales...
, Attorney-General of Australia - Gary NairnGary NairnGary Roy Nairn is a former Australian politician.Nairn was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and was educated at the University of New South Wales. He was a surveyor in private practice and managing director of a surveying and mapping consultancy before entering politics. He moved to the Northern...
, Member of the House of Representatives - Scott MorrisonScott Morrison (politician)Scott John Morrison is a member of the Australian House of Representatives, and is a member of the Liberal Party of Australia. He is the shadow immigration minister, and represents the Division of Cook, an electorate in the southern suburbs of Sydney, which include Cronulla, Caringbah, and Miranda...
, Opposition Shadow Minister for Immigration - Peter GarrettPeter GarrettPeter Robert Garrett, AM, MP , is an Australian musician, environmentalist, activist and politician.Garrett was lead singer of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil from 1973 until its disbanding in 2002...
, rock musician and politician - Monica AttardMonica AttardMonica Ann Attard OAM is an award-winning Australian journalist. She is of Maltese descent.-Education:Attard was educated at Bethlehem College in Sydney. She attended Sydney University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts...
, award-winning Australian journalist - Roger CorbettRoger CorbettRoger Campbell Corbett AO is an Australian businessman. From January 1999 to September 2006, Corbett served as CEO of Woolworths Limited, a large retailing conglomerate. He is now a director of Wal-Mart, the Reserve Bank of Australia and Fairfax Media...
, Chairman of the Reserve Bank of Australia - Karl KruszelnickiKarl KruszelnickiKarl Kruszelnicki AM is a scientist, who is best known as an author and science commentator on Australian radio and television. He is often referred to as Dr Karl....
, scientist and celebrity - Charlie Teo, neurosurgeon
- Tim FlanneryTim FlanneryTimothy Fridtjof Flannery is an Australian mammalogist, palaeontologist, environmentalist and global warming activist....
, mammologist, palaeontologist, activist and author - Geoff LawsonGeoff Lawson (cricketer)Geoffrey Francis Lawson, OAM is a former Australian cricketer and the former coach of the Pakistan cricket team....
, cricketer - Glenn MurcuttGlenn MurcuttGlenn Marcus Murcutt AO is a British-born Australian architect and winner of the 2002 Pritzker Prize and 2009 AIA Gold Medal.-Biography:...
, Architect - Foo Mee HarFoo Mee HarFoo Mee Har is a Singaporean Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC. She is a member of the Government Parliamentary Committees of both: 1) Finance and Trade & Industry; and 2) Manpower....
, Singaporean MP and Global Head of Priority & International Banking, Standard Chartered Bank - Nicholas Moore, CEO of Macquarie GroupMacquarie GroupMacquarie Group Limited is a global investment banking and diversified financial services group, providing banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services to institutional, corporate and retail clients and counterparties around the world...