University of New South Wales

University of New South Wales
Coat of Arms of UNSW
Latin: Universitas Nova Cambria Australis
Motto	Scientia Manu et Mente (Latin)
Motto in English	"Knowledge by Hand and Mind"
Established	1949 as the New South Wales University of Technology.
Type	Public
Chancellor	Mr David Gonski, AC
President	Professor Frederick G. Hilmer, AO
Vice-Chancellor	Professor Frederick G. Hilmer, AO
Admin. staff	5,300
Students	50,516
Location	Kensington, Paddington, New South Wales, Australia 33°55′4″S 151°13′52″E 33.88394°S 151.22032°E / -33.88394; 151.22032 (Paddington)
Campus	Urban, parks, 38 hectares (0.38 km²)
Former names	New South Wales University of Technology (1949)
Colours
Affiliations	Group of Eight, Universitas 21, Australian Defence Force Academy, Association of Commonwealth Universities
Website	unsw.edu.au

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), founded in 1949, 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. In 2012, it was ranked 52nd in the world; 2nd in NSW, behind The University of Sydney (39th) in the QS World University Rankings.

UNSW graduates hold more chief executive positions of ASX 200 listed companies than those of any other university in Australia.

Australian Government survey data of university graduates have indicated in the past that students who enter the Group of Eight come from higher income families, and that graduates largely have higher paid occupations or positions of influence, prompting claims of elitism and social division.

UNSW currently has approximately 50,516 students studying in 600 undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs. Over 5,300 full-time staff work in its 76 schools, 69 research centres, six institutes, four teaching hospitals, eight residential colleges and many administrative departments.^{[citation needed]}

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 UNSW Canberra campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy is situated in Canberra.

History

University council's first meeting in 1949

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.

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 with a first intake of 46 students pursuing programs including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering and Electrical Engineering. At that time the thesis programmes were innovative. 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 Technical College city campus at Ultimo. 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 transformation from a technology-based institution to a generalist university. In 1960 it established Faculties of Arts and Medicine, and shortly after decided to add a Faculty of Law, which came into being in 1971.

The university's first director was Arthur Denning (1949–1952), who made important contributions to founding the university. In 1953 he was replaced by Professor Philip Baxter, who continued as vice-chancellor when this position's title was changed in 1955. Baxter's dynamic, if 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. He also pioneered new scientific and technological disciplines despite the criticism of traditionalists.^{[citation needed]} Staff recruited both locally and overseas, soon established a wide international reputation.^{[citation needed]} 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 Fine Arts to the University. The University established Colleges in Newcastle (1951) and Wollongong (1961), which eventually became the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong in 1965 and 1975 respectively.

At present, private sources contribute 45% of its annual funding.

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.

Symbols

The Grant of Arms was made by the College of Arms 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 Flag of UNSW

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, Technology and Medicine, 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.

Academics

Selection and Entry

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs. ATAR is a percentile awarded to students based upon the student’s performance in their Higher School Certificate (HSC). The number functions as a rank of all students entering the tertiary education system, based on the number of students in year 7. The maximum rank attainable is 99.95. In 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, UNSW admitted more of the top 500 NSW HSC performers than any other university. Accordingly, UNSW and Sydney are arguably the most selective universities in Australia for undergraduate admission. The university offers a bonus points scheme, "HSC Plus", which enables most NSW high school applicants to gain an additional maximum of 5 ATAR points for admission excluding entry into Medicine and Combined Law. The table below summarises the ATAR scores needed to secure entry into the course. UMAT is the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test - a prerequisite exam needed for some medical related courses. A (V) indicates that vacancies were available at the conclusion of the main round of offers to students.

Undergraduate Entry Cut-Off

	ANU	Melbourne	Monash	UNSW	Sydney
Combined Law	96.00 (V)	Not Offered	98.00	99.65	99.70
Medicine	Not Offered	Not Offered	97+ (+UMAT)	99+ (+UMAT)	99.95
Commerce	82.00 (V)	93.00	90.30	96.30	95.00
Economics	86.00 (V)	93.00	90.30	93.00	91.55
Engineering	87.00 (V)	Not Offered	91.4	94.00	92.00
Science	80.00 (V)	85.00	82.00	83.05	83.00
Arts	80.00 (V)	85.00	85.05	78.00	81.10

In addition, the UNSW Co-Op Program administered by the Australian School of Business is the only one of its kind in Australia. Linking business students with the leading firms in today’s business environment, students are able to work at the following firms: • Goldman Sachs • J.P. Morgan • Citi • Morgan Stanley • Macquarie Group • ANZ • Commonwealth Bank • Credit Suisse • Deutsche Bank • Australian Securities Exchange • UBS

University rankings

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012–2013 placed the University of New South Wales 85th in the world.

QS World University Rankings 2012–2013 placed UNSW 52nd in the world.

QS World University Ranking

Category/Year	2012	2011	2010	2009
Overall	52	39	39	36
Social Sciences & Management	24	25	23	25
Natural Sciences	52	45	43	35
Life Sciences & Medicine	55	48	46	43
Engineering & Technology	39	39	42	33
Arts & Humanities	77	61	78	52

Study Abroad

UNSW has maintained an extensive partnership with universities abroad. UNSW sends approximately 400 students to partner institutions each semester. Some of the universities that UNSW students are able to attend are: Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania (inc. Wharton), Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Brown University, Columbia University (summer law students only), University of California Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan (inc. Ross), New York University (inc. Stern), Cornell University, University of Texas at Austin (inc. McCombs), University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (law students only), Imperial College London, London School of Economics and ETH Zurich.

Governance

The University is governed by Council of 15 members including parliamentary and ex-officio members, members elected by staff, students and graduates of the University, and members appointed by the Minister for Education 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.

Faculties

The Australian School of Business

The University has nine faculties:

• Arts and Social Sciences
• UNSW Canberra at ADFA
• Australian School of Business
• Built Environment
• College of Fine Arts
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Science

The University also has an association with:

• National Institute of Dramatic Art

Campus

Main Walkway, Lower campus

Library Lawn, upper campus

Quadrangle Building

Analytical Centre

University Library Building

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. UNSW Canberra at ADFA 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.

Accommodation

The University has a number of residential colleges, including: Philip Baxter College, Basser College, Goldstein College, New College, Warrane College, International House, Shalom College and Creston College.

Venues

There are a number of theatre and music venues at the University, many of which are available for hire to the general public.

Main article: UNSW Venues

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 projects, including:

• rUNSWift, the University's team in the international RoboCup Standard Platform League 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.
• Sunswift 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 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 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.

• 

  rUNSWift in a Standard Platform League game from RoboCup 2010 in Singapore.

• 

  Sunswift IVy

• 

  Redback Racing RB11 at competition in Melbourne

Student organisations

Main walk on a rainy O-week day

In 2007, the three previous student organisations, the UNSW Student Guild, UNSW Union and COFA Students' Association were wound up and reformed as a new student organisation known as the Arc @ UNSW [1]. 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 2007, the University of New South Wales Sports Association [[2] 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 engages 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.

Notable people

Main articles: UNSW Staff and List of UNSW Alumni

See also: UNSW Chancellors, UNSW Vice-Chancellors, and UNSW Rectors

• Bob Bellear, first indigenous judge
• Bob Carr, Foreign Minister of Australia, former Premier New South Wales
• Kerry Nettle, Australian Greens senator
• Lucy Turnbull, former Lord Mayor of Sydney
• Robert McClelland, former Attorney-General of Australia
• Gary Nairn, Member of the House of Representatives
• Scott Morrison, Opposition Shadow Minister for Immigration
• Peter Garrett, rock musician and politician
• Monica Attard, award-winning Australian journalist
• Roger Corbett, former Chairman of the Reserve Bank of Australia
• Karl Kruszelnicki, scientist and celebrity
• Charlie Teo, neurosurgeon
• Mark Taylor, former captain, Australian cricket team
• Tim Flannery, mammologist, palaeontologist, activist and author
• Geoff Lawson, cricketer
• Glenn Murcutt, architect
• Foo Mee Har, Singaporean MP and Global Head of Priority & International Banking, Standard Chartered Bank
• Betty Kitchener, founder of mental health first aid
• Nicholas Moore, CEO of Macquarie Group
• Rebel Wilson, actress, writer, director

Further reading

• Willis, A.H. (1983). The University of New South Wales: The Baxter Years. ISBN 0-86840-057-2. 

External links

• University of New South Wales
• Campus map