Introduction to UTS

This information is current as at January 2008.

The University of Technology, Sydney, is committed to freedom of inquiry, equality of opportunity, the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and interaction with the professions. UTS was originally established as the New South Wales Institute of Technology in 1965. In 1988 it attained university status and was joined by the School of Design of the Sydney College of the Arts. The University resulted from amalgamations brought about by the restructuring of the higher education sector in the late 1980s. In January 1990, the Kuring-gai College of Advanced Education, the Institute of Technical and Adult Teacher Education of the Sydney College of Advanced Education and the 'old' UTS formed the new University of Technology, Sydney.

Location

UTS is a multicampus university spread over two locations in the Sydney metropolitan area. City campus incorporates buildings at a number of locations close to the Central railway station. Kuring-gai campus is in a bushland setting on Eton Road, Lindfield, 15 kilometres north of the city.

Courses

UTS offers undergraduate courses (Bachelor's degrees at Pass and Honours standards) and postgraduate courses (including Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Master's by coursework, Master's by research and Doctoral degrees). Detailed course information is available from the UTS: Handbook.

A list of courses, including courses offered offshore, is available in Chapter 5.

Student profile

With a total enrolment of approximately 32,000 students, UTS is one of the largest universities in Australia. UTS places a strong emphasis on workplace experience, incorporating the latest industry practice and professional standards into its curriculum. To achieve this, the University has entered into partnership with a range of industry bodies, corporations and government authorities. As a result, UTS graduates are among the most highly sought after in New South Wales.

Academic structure

UTS undertakes its teaching and research programs principally through the following academic structure:

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Business
• Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
• Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health
• Faculty of Science.

This academic structure came into operation on 1 July 2008.

The academic structure also includes the Institute for Interactive Media and Learning, the Institute for Sustainable Futures and the University Graduate School.

The University also has a wide range of research centres, many of which are multidisciplinary in nature. These are included in Chapter 4.

Equity and diversity

UTS is committed to promoting access, equity, diversity and social justice for both students and staff. It is University policy to provide equal opportunity for all people, regardless of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, ethno-religious background, sex, marital status, pregnancy, potential pregnancy, carers' responsibilities, disability, age, homosexuality, transgender status, political conviction, and religious belief. A range of programs and services helps to ensure that the University's staff and student communities reflect the diversity of the wider community. The University's Equity and Diversity Unit coordinates strategies and programs to support students and staff from diverse backgrounds.

International profile

The sustained internationalisation of UTS enables the University to provide a relevant curriculum and an understanding of international issues for its students and staff. Students are encouraged to gain international exposure and experience as part of their degree program. UTS staff are encouraged to internationalise their expertise and knowledge, and faculties run programs and teach courses overseas. International students study in all parts of the University both on and offshore.

The Institute for International Studies offers a series of undergraduate programs in collaboration with the faculties that combine a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a professional specialisation. The Institute has established In-country Study programs in different countries across the world to support the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

Students may also enrol in programs of teaching and learning concentrating on the language and culture of another country as part of their UTS degree. They also have the opportunity to go on exchange as part of their program at UTS. They may spend one or two semesters studying at an overseas university and receive credit towards their UTS degree.

UTS welcomes students from overseas. There are international students from over 70 countries in all faculties and on all campuses. The University is fully committed to internationalisation in all aspects of its operation.

Research and development

UTS has a reputation for high-impact research with a focus on collaborative approaches. The University is nationally and internationally renowned in its areas of concentration and research excellence.

UTS aims to continue to improve overall research performance and standing to complement the high regard of its teaching and learning programs by a continued focus on collaborative research of benefit to society, building researcher capacity, strengthening linkages nationally and internationally, and developing a dynamic research environment.

Sustainability

At the beginning of 2007, UTS introduced an Environment Sustainability Initiative. This initiative is intended to, in the first instance, take advantage of the research taking place at UTS, the Australian Technology Network (ATN) and other universities around the world, and industry partners, in order to improve the environmental sustainability of UTS campuses. It is hoped that these UTS initiatives provide examples and research that others may use in their sustainability endeavours.

The Environment Sustainability Initiative will:

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