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Message from the Vice Chancellor
Swinburne University of Technology prides itself on the quality of its teaching and learning,
the excellence of its research, the achievements of its graduates and the strong outcomes
that it delivers for industry and the community.
More than 100 years ago, Swinburne opened its doors with
a simple premise in mind: to provide education to a section
of society otherwise denied further education.
More than a century later, we continue to persevere in our
commitment to transform education, through strong industry
engagement, social inclusion, a desire to innovate and above all,
a determination to create positive change. As a world-class
university, excellence is at the core of everything we do.
Our research is internationally recognised and ranked. We are
in the top 3% of universities around the world, as assessed by
the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and ranked in the
Top 100 universities under 50 by the Times Higher Education World
University Rankings.
We are a large and culturally diverse university with students from
more than 100 countries. This diversity of backgrounds, coupled with
our focus on personalised education, research with impact and work
integrated learning programs, creates an institution that grows and
evolves every year.
We are focused on the student experience and Swinburne is
consistently ranked above the national average for student
satisfaction in the Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching.
By joining our community of academic, teaching and professional
services staff, a job at Swinburne can set you on a fulfilling career
pathway. Our people drive our culture; we embrace values and
behaviours that make a difference to the way we work and the
community around us.
I am proud that Swinburne is a leader in diversity and inclusion
initiatives. In 2013, we were the first university in Victoria to make
all our campuses smoke-free. In 2015, Swinburne became the first
university in Australia to declare its support for marriage equality
and in 2017, we were the first university in Australia to launch
a Charter of Cultural Diversity.
As a Swinburne employee, you will have access to flexible working
arrangements that can support your individual needs. We also have
a range of family support services that enable you to make the most
of your career and family life.
As we embark on a journey to deliver our 2025 strategy – to be a
world-class university creating social and economic impact through
science, technology and innovation – it is an exciting time to be part
of the Swinburne community.
Professor Linda Kristjanson
Vice-Chancellor and President
Swinburne University of Technology
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About the university
Swinburne is an innovative and inclusive university
characterised by high-quality, career-oriented
education and strong engagement with industry
and the community.

Our vision is to be a world-class university creating

social and economic impact, through science,
technology and innovation

In recent years, Swinburne has become one of the

world’s leading universities, ranking within the top 3%
of universities around the world, as assessed by the
Academic Ranking of World Universities, and ranked in
the Top 100 universities under 50 years of age by the
Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Established in 1908 by the Honourable George

Swinburne, a former Mayor of Hawthorn and member
of the Parliament of Victoria, the first Swinburne
students were enrolled the following year.

In 1992, Swinburne received university status and

began a significant period of growth and innovation
that continues today.
Swinburne’s main campus is in the Melbourne suburb
of Hawthorn. Our other campuses are at Croydon and
Wantirna and we have a branch campus in Sarawak,
Malaysia, which connects us to one of the most rapidly
growing regions of the world. Swinburne also offers
a range of qualifications online through Swinburne
Online and Open Universities Australia.
Swinburne creates future-ready graduates by taking
students outside of the conventional classroom,
introducing then to new and different ways of
learning and thinking.
Higher Education is delivered through three
faculties at Swinburne:
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
• Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
Swinburne also provides pathways and vocational
education (PAVE) courses for practical skills or an
opportunity to progress another qualification.
They are offered through five departments:
• Department of Business and Finance
• Department of Design, Media and ICT
• Department of Foundation and Pathways
• Department of Health, Science, Education
and Social Services
• Department of Trades and Engineering Technology
Swinburne performs well in the Good Universities
Guide, with high ratings for graduate satisfaction,
teaching quality, staff qualifications and employability
skills. We place a strong emphasis on building
career-ready graduates.

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Our close ties with industry provide students
with opportunities for authentic workplace
experiences during their studies, through
the Swinburne Advantage.

We are a university that is engaged with

the communities we serve. We advance our
research through partnerships with industry,
our communities and other universities in
Australia and internationally, to achieve results
that are relevant to industry and society.

Council is the governing body of the University

and is responsible for the general direction and
superintendence of the University. The Chancellor
is the chair of Council. The primary responsibilities
of Council and its powers and functions are listed
in the Swinburne University of Technology Act 2010.

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Research at Swinburne
Swinburne is committed to undertaking world-class research that creates impact. Our research
addresses issues and problems that relate to contemporary challenges facing our industries
and societies. While the research and innovation strategy is focused on transforming industries,
shaping lives and communities, we are also focused on deep research and discoveries that
contribute to our understanding of the world we live in and of the universe that surrounds us.

Our focus on creating concentrations that foster
research excellence has been acknowledged both
nationally and internationally. In the most recent
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) outcomes,
Swinburne was awarded an ERA 5 rating – well above
world standard – for Astronomical and Space Sciences,
Optical Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials
Engineering, Nanotechnology and Neurosciences.
We were awarded an ERA 4 rating – above world
standard – in Quantum Physics, Chemical Sciences,
Computer Software, Engineering, Civil Engineering,
Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical Engineering,
Technology, Communications Technologies,
Psychology, Language, Communication and
Culture and Communication and Media Studies.
Swinburne’s research excellence has also been
independently confirmed by the world’s most
prestigious university rankings, including:
• Top 500 universities in the world by the
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2016
• Top 75 in Civil Engineering by the Academic
Ranking of World Universities 2016
• Top 100 in Physics by the Academic Ranking
of World Universities 2015
• Top 200 in Natural Sciences and Mathematics
by the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2016
• Top 400 universities in the world by the Times
Higher Education World University Rankings 2017
• Top 100 most international universities by
the Times Higher Education World University
Rankings 2015-2016
• Top 450 universities in the world by QS
World Rankings 2017
• Top 100 universities (ranked 61) under the age of 50
years of age Times Higher Education World University
Rankings 2017
• Ranked 65 for Space Science by US News 2016.
• Top 100 for Art and Design in the world by QS
World Rankings 2017
We keep our research focused so that we can deliver
significant results at an international standard.
We operate in niche and developing markets,
and we have a reputation for innovation and
excellence in applied research that creates both
economic and social impact. Swinburne prides itself
on its collaboration with local and international
industry, and our research innovation and excellence
often results in novel translational outcomes and
commercialisation of new products and services.
Our Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) students are
undertaking novel research programs with embedded
research and innovation management coursework and
industry placements that aim to make them ready and
competitive for careers within and outside of academia
both nationally and internationally. This deeply engaged
and innovative approach to research training is com-
plemented by our Joint Research Centres established
offshore in partnership with the most prestigious
international universities. This provides access to
international experiences through offshore presence
and mobility, and further avenues for engagement with
international industry and business.

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Our new Innovation Precinct brings together design
innovation, manufacturing innovation and digital
innovation to create a hub of interdisciplinary
collaboration for students, staff, mentors, community,
and industry (with business innovation at its core).
The impact of our research will grow through
research-led innovation and industry collaboration,
and by using research to translate knowledge and
produce commercially viable products and services
that contribute to economic development.
Swinburne’s research institutes foster interdisciplinary
collaboration in our focus areas of strength that are
aligned with industry growth sectors. They link faculties,
research centres, research groups and researchers
with industry, business and community to maximize
research impact by tackling grand challenges and
opportunities. Their approach is outward oriented,
and outcomes and impact focused.
These are exciting times, with many social, industrial
and environmental challenges. Universities of the
future must continue to undertake deep research
that addresses fundamental questions, but must
also be prepared to translate new knowledge to
create real impact through applied research that
transforms industries, and shapes lives and
communities. Swinburne is well positioned to do this.
For more information about our Research
& Innovation Strategy visit:
https://www.swinburne.edu.au/media/swinburneedu-
au/research/docs/pdfs/Research-and-innovation-strat-
egy-2020.pdf

The five research institutes are:

• Data Science Research Institute
• Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute
• Manufacturing Futures Research Institute
• Smart Cities Research Institute
• Social innovation Research Institute

The deep discipline-focused research is developed

within our research centres that are embedded within
faculties to ensure alignment between research and
academic strategy. Research Centres are responsible
for producing high quality research outcomes that
support our ERA assessments of research excellence
in our chosen disciplines. For more information on our
research centres visit: http://research.swinburne.edu.
au/our-research

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2025 Strategic Plan
Our vision is to be a world-class university creating
social and economic impact, through science,
technology and innovation. To fully realise our vision
we will build our capability, investing in our people,
processes and systems – these are the enablers
that allow us to effectively execute our strategic
initiatives and best serve our communities.
Technology is part of our DNA
Swinburne was born as a technical college and
technology continues to be a core driver for our
organisation. Our heritage places us well to tackle
the pace of technological chance and challenge old
ways of thinking; to create more flexible and innovative
ways of learning ; adapt to a world where information
is more readily than ever; and continually evaluate
our roles and responsibilities as academics and
education providers.
Innovation is not simply the latest buzzword
Innovation was a key driver for our founder. More than
100 years later we continue to embrace an innovative
and entrepreneurial spirit. Swinburne has excelled
in innovation in learning, research, and the way we
approach our business and we are known for our
willingness to innovate and collaborate.
We are inclusive
Swinburne is known for who we include, rather than
who we exclude. We value and embrace the great
value that diversity brings and celebrate the way
it enriches experiences, fosters understanding,
and drives innovation and impact on a global scale.
We are a challenger
Our people think and do things differently,
unencumbered by expectations of what a
university should be. Backed by our willingness to
tackle problems that are beyond a typical university,
we strive to see our students graduate with an
entrepreneurial and enterprising mindset,
confident and ready to take on their future..
Our strategic framework focuses on three key areas:
• Future-ready Learners
• Innovative Enterprise
• Research with Impact
Future-Ready Learners
To stay relevant and truly deliver our core function
as a university, we need to make sure our students
enter the workforce with the education, skills and
experience they need to succeed in a fast-changing
world. That means focussing on student-centred
learning and making sure the courses we offer
will provide our students with what they need
to be industry ready and able to make life-long
contributions that positively impact society.
Our transforming learning strategy spans
refreshing curriculum, to fostering active
learning and supporting employability outcomes.
Research with Impact
As a trusted and respected world-class leader in
research excellence, we are determined to make
a real difference to the communities we serve.
Every day, our research has a positive impact on
people’s lives. Whether it’s a healthcare breakthrough
improving someone’s quality of life or a digital
discovery delivering real-world benefit, our research
makes a difference. We want to continue solving the
big challenges we face our country and world through
excellence in research.
Swinburne’s five research institutes will continue
to facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary
and inter-disciplinary research teams for economic
and social impact. The five institutes are:
• Data Science Research Institute
• Iverson Health Innovation Institute
• Manufacturing Futures Research Institute
• Smart Cities Research Institute
• Social innovation Research Institute
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The Innovation Precinct will bring together design,
manufacturing and digital innovation to create a
hub of interdisciplinary collaboration that will include
students, staff, mentors, community and industry.
It will focus on design-led thinking and leverage
off Swinburne’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The Swinburne Innovation Precinct extends across

the whole university, but our front door and
headquarters will be located in the former Fire Station
on William Street, adjacent to our Hawthorn campus.
This is currently being redeveloped and will be
completed by mid-2017. The station dates from
1910, just two years after Swinburne was first
established as a technical institute.

Innovation Enterprise
To be world class we must perform like a world-class
university. That means being agile and responsive
to the evolving demands of a fast-changing world.
We want to continue innovating so that we are
in the best possible position to deliver Future
Ready Learners and Research with Impact.
This includes expanding our global capability
and digital transformation.

Global capability sees us expanding our international

presence and competitive product portfolio to
prepare our students to graduate as truly global
citizens. Digital transformation is about continually
creating digital experiences and capabilities that meet
the demands of a dynamic digital future.

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About the Faculties
There are three faculties within Swinburne’s
Higher Education organisational unit, offering
a range of undergraduate and postgraduate
coursework and research programs.
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
• Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
Faculty of Business
and Law (FBL)
The Faculty of Business and Law supports advance
business innovation and social impact through our
career-ready graduates and our industry-engaged
research. It equips students with the practical skills
and knowledge needed for a successful career through
strong industry connections and focus on job skills.
The Faculty has a strong reputation for innovation and
entrepreneurship and School of Law that focuses on
creativity and intellectual property, equipping students
for the future workforce. The teaching and research
activities of FBL occur within two schools:
School of Business
• Centre for Social Impact
• Centre for Transformative Innovation
• Centre for Urban Transitions
• Department of Accounting, Economic and Finance
• Department of Business Technology
and Entrepreneurship
• Department of Management and Marketing
School of Law
Faculty of Health, Arts
and Design (FHAD)
FHAD is broad and innovative Faculty that emphasizes
industry engaged teaching and research. It equips
students to take up active and innovative roles in the
world as knowledge leaders and managers of health,
design, media, education, technological and social
change. Our close industry links bring a real-world
focus to our courses. The teaching and research
activities of FHAD occur within three distinct schools:
School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
• Centre for Urban Transitions
• Department of Education
• Department of Film and Animation
• Department of Media and Communications
• Department of Social Sciences
School of Design
• Centre for Design Innovation
• Department of Communication
and Digital Media Design
• Design Factory Melbourne
• Department of Interior Architecture
and Industrial Design
School of Health Sciences
• Centre for Forensic and Behavioral Sciences
• Centre for Human Psychopharmacology
• Centre for Mental Health
• Department of Health and Medical Sciences
• Department of Health Professions
• Department of Psychological Sciences
• Department of Statistics, Data Science
and Epidemiology
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Faculty of Science, Engineering
and Technology (FSET)
The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
encompasses Highly renowned and well established
courses and research programs in the fields of
engineering, science, ICT and Aviation. The alignment
of STEM disciplines in one faculty provides innovative
synergies and opportunities for collaboration,
excellence and growth. FSET is at the forefront of the
university’s focus on developing innovative solutions to
real-life problems. We create graduates who are trained
and motivated to make an immediate contribution to
the workplace. The teaching and research activities of
FSET occur within three schools:
School of Science
• Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Physics and Astronomy
School of Engineering
• Department of Aviation
• Department of Civil and Construction Engineering
• Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product
Design Engineering
School of Software and Electrical Engineering
• Department of Computer Science and
Software Engineering
• Department of Telecommunications, Electrical,
Robotics and Biomedical Engineering

STUDENT HEADCOUNT

57,994
Higher Education 39,880
Pathways and Vocational Education 18,114

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