Why Should You Study at the University of Melbourne?

Are you thinking of studying at the University of Melbourne? If you are planning to complete your degree in Australia, this is certainly a university worth looking at.

To start with, the University of Melbourne is recognized by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as the top university in Australia. Located in a country which has a very high standard of education, it comes in as equal number 32 in the world.

The University of Melbourne is a large university of around 50000 students. It is known locally as UniMelb. Originally founded in 1853, it was the first university established in the state of Victoria and is the second oldest university in Australia. It is recognized internationally for its teaching and research excellence.

Around 42% of the students at UniMelb are international students. This makes for an incredibly diverse student population. Discussions and student life are enriched by the incredible mix of experiences and backgrounds present.

Subject Area Rankings

The University also boasts very high ranks in individual subject areas. Given the strong reputation of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, it is unsurprising that UniMelb holds the top position in Australia for Anatomy, Dentistry, Medicine and Psychology. All of these are also ranked by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2018) in the top 30 in the world.

Other subject areas which are ranked in the top 30 worldwide are: Accounting and Finance, Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Business, Development Studies, Economics, English Language and Literature, Modern Languages, Performing Arts and Statistics. Anatomy and Law are in the top 10.

Research and Innovation

The University of Melbourne has an impressive research reputation and consistently secures high levels of research funding. According to the UniMelb website, it has the second largest research expenditure in Australia. It is beaten only by the independent federal government scientific research agency, the CSIRO.

The University has over 100 research centers and institutes, many of which are located in or directly work with other local and international industry, government, non-profit bodies. Examples include Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research

There are also six institutes which have a specifically interdisciplinary focus, created to investigate and tackle complex problems in modern society through innovative or novel approaches. Some of these institutes leading the way in new research are- the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, Networked society Institute, and the Melbourne Disability Institute.

The Melbourne Model

In 2008 the University of Melbourne pioneered a new model for all of its degree structures. The new Melbourne Model sets it apart from most other universities in Australia and brings it closer to the American model and the Bologna model which is now standard in Europe.

The rationale was focused on moving to a system which keeps pace with global developments and changing needs in the workplace and society, to ensure graduates are globally competitive.

Rather than offering a huge number of highly specialized undergraduate degrees, there are just nine core undergraduate degrees to select from—Arts, Agriculture, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts, Music, Oral Health and Science. These degrees make it easier for students to obtain both a wide and deep learning experience.

This model makes it compulsory to study subjects outside of one’s core discipline. These breadth subjects give students knowledge from other disciplines which enrich their understanding of the world and offer an interdisciplinary perspective. The model also has a strong emphasis on connections to the wider world through internships and research projects, fieldwork.

Students are also able to take more time to decide what they really wish to focus on. We know not everyone has a perfect career path mapped out from as soon as they finish high school. This model allows time and a more explorative approach to education. Students can gain maturity and experience so they can make better-informed decisions about their career direction.

The various Graduate Schools offer a range of specialized professional degrees, which students can then undertake if they choose. Students can choose from professional masters programs in such areas as medicine, law, architecture, teaching, or engineering. These provide specialized knowledge and practical skills for students to enter their chosen profession.

If you are coming from an undergraduate degree completed overseas, then you will find an excellent high-quality graduate school at the University of Melbourne. You can gain an internationally recognized master level qualification from a top university.

Employers love UniMelb graduates

The restructuring sees the University of Melbourne maintain and even improve its reputation for producing graduates which will get hired. The University currently ranks as number 6 in graduate employability, according to the QS World University Rankings (2019). It scored exceptionally well on the criteria of Alumni Outcomes, Employer Reputation, Graduate Employment Rate and Partnerships with Employers.

Melbourne is a Fantastic City to Live In

Another great thing about the University of Melbourne is that it is in Melbourne. Really! Melbourne has been recently ranked in the top 3 best student cities in the world.

UniMelb has a few campuses, but its main campus of Parkville is located just to the north of the city’s central business district. You can easily walk into the city center in around 15-25 minutes, depending on where you are on campus.

The Melbourne weather is mostly fairly warm, but mild. It has many somewhat overcast days, but not a huge number of days where it will rain heavily. It is exactly as they say—Melbourne is like four seasons in one day—if it is sunny or raining, it often won’t take long for either to pass. Bring lots of layers to wear that you can easily slip on or off as needed.

You will also find that there is always an interesting festival happening, or cultural event going on. Big events on the calendar include the Comedy Festival in April, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) which comes up in August. You will also find many, many small music, arts, and cultural festivals and events to attend on almost any weekend you can name.

Never overlook the numerous cultural institutions the city has—check out the National Gallery of Victoria, head to a film, interactive event or talk at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), or the Deakin Edge at Federation Square.

Even on campus, you will find regular market days and stalls which sell all kinds of interesting locally made food and products. Community life on campus is rich and there are many activities including gyms and sports clubs that you can join and get involved in.