Curriculum & Programs
The University of Melbourne seeks to deliver a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a strong international focus, characterised by research-led teaching, a wide range of disciplines and programs, and a broad context for extra-curricular engagement. An emphasis on cultural diversity, knowledge transfer, community involvement, and research understanding is combined with innovative and contemporary learning and teaching practices. From the beginning, the Melbourne curriculum has always sought to position its students within a contemporary educational, intellectual, social and community conscience: displaying leadership in teaching, and rigour and responsiveness in curriculum design.
Depth of disciplines
A defining feature of all University of Melbourne degrees has been the chosen and primary field of study. Students can explore their chosen academic disciplines through their major or core program at undergraduate level. In doing so, they gain expertise in a particular mode of enquiry, structure of knowledge, theory, method and content.
If they choose to explore their studies more deeply, graduate research or coursework can develop their disciplinary expertise and strength, while a PhD offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to research in a chosen discipline or disciplines.
Range of disciplines
While the University continues to rank well in surveys of research-intensive higher education institutions world-wide, it is our excellence across the great breadth of disciplines available that distinguishes Melbourne from our Australian competitors. In the 2009 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, the University of Melbourne was the only Australian university to rank in the top 30 in all five discipline areas surveyed.
From Architecture to Veterinary Science, Business to Education and many other disciplines between, Melbourne offers a vibrant and varied community of scholars with the opportunity to learn from the range of experiences and expertise.
Annual strategies and targets for achieving educational excellence and enhancing teaching and learning standards are outlined in the University’s Learning and Teaching Plan.
The Melbourne Curriculum
The Melbourne curriculum is the term used to describe the major curriculum changes that have been introduced at the University of Melbourne in recent years. It incorporates the principles of deep disciplinary knowledge and breadth of offerings in its curriculum design and through the provision of a cohort experience, the breadth component, research-led teaching, attention to the physical and intellectual learning environment and knowledge transfer opportunities.