University of Canterbury

The Ranking of University of Canterbury

www.canterbury.ac.nz

The University of Canterbury (Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha; postnominal abbreviation Cantuar. or Cant. for Cantuariensis, the Latin name for Canterbury), New Zealand's second-oldest university, operates in the suburb of Ilam in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It offers degrees in Arts, Commerce, Education (physical education), Engineering, Fine Arts, Forestry, Law, Music, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Science, Sports Coaching and Teaching.

History

The University originated in 1873 in the centre of Christchurch as Canterbury College, the first constituent college of the University of New Zealand. It became the second institution in New Zealand providing tertiary-level education (following the University of Otago, established in 1869), and the fourth in Australasia.

The Canterbury Museum and Library and Christ's College, dissatisfied with the state of higher education in Canterbury, had both worked towards setting up Canterbury College. In 1933, the name changed from Canterbury College to Canterbury University College. In 1957 the name changed again to the present University of Canterbury.

Until 1961, the University formed part of the University of New Zealand (UNZ), and issued degrees in its name. That year saw the dissolution of the federal system of tertiary education in New Zealand, and the University of Canterbury became an independent University awarding its own degrees. Upon the UNZ's demise, Canterbury Agricultural College became a constituent college of the University of Canterbury, as Lincoln College. Lincoln College became independent in 1990 as a full university in its own right.

Over the period from 1961 to 1974, the university campus relocated from the centre of the city to its much larger current site in the suburb of Ilam. The neo-gothic buildings of the old campus became the site of the Christchurch Arts Centre, a hub for arts, crafts and entertainment in Christchurch.

For many years the university worked closely with the Christchurch College of Education, leading to a full merger in 2007

Campus

The University has a main campus of 76 hectares at Ilam, a suburb of Christchurch: about 5 km from the centre of the city. Adjacent to the main campus stands the University's College of Education, with its own sports-fields and grounds. The University maintains six libraries, with the Central Library (Māori: Te Puna Mātauraka o Waitaha) housed in the tallest building on campus, the 11-storey James Hight building.

The University's College of Education maintains additional small campuses in Nelson, Tauranga and Timaru, and "teaching centres" in Greymouth, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Timaru. The University has staff in regional information offices in Nelson, Timaru, and Auckland.

Canterbury University has six halls of residence: Bishop Julius Hall, College House (University of Canterbury), Rochester and Rutherford Hall, University Hall, Sonoda Christchurch Campus and Ilam Village.

Research

The UC Research Profile showcases UC's research excellence. The Profile provides information about individual researchers, the projects they are working on, the research groups they belong to, the specialist equipment that they use for research, and their affiliations. All of this information is linked to give a comprehensive view of research at UC.

Business and Industry

The University of Canterbury has a worldwide reputation for excellence and a well established track record in innovation and problem solving. By drawing on the resources of the University (whether it be people, facilities, or technology investment) we are able to provide opportunities that will place you and your business at the leading edge, the University of Canterbury is committed to helping business succeed.

Academic Departments and Schools

Accounting and Information Systems
Biological Sciences
Chemical and Process Engineering
Chemistry
Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Communication Disorders
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Economics and Finance
Educational Studies and Human Development
Electrical and Computer Engineering Fine Arts, Music and Theatre, Centre for
Forestry
Geography
Geological Sciences
Humanities
Law
Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Literacies and Arts in Education
Management Māori and Indigenous Studies
Māori, Social and Cultural Studies in Education
Mathematics and Statistics
Mechanical Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
Sciences and Physical Education
Social and Political Sciences
Social Work and Human Services

University of Canterbury was ranked 186th in the 2008 THES-QS World University Ranking.

University of Otago

The Ranking of University of Otago

www.otago.ac.nz

The University of Otago (Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo) in Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest university with over 20,000 students enrolled during 2006. Otago is known for its student life, particularly its flatting. Throughout its history its students have contested many issues. The nickname Scarfie comes from the habit of wearing a scarf during cold southern winters.

Otago graduates are among the most dispersed university alumni in the world, due in part to New Zealand being considered a relatively good destination by many Asian students and with the greater variety of jobs, opportunities and salaries on offer overseas for New Zealand students graduating from an established university. Many graduates ultimately settle in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, China, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Japan or parts of New Zealand beyond Otago.

The university has New Zealand's highest average research quality and in New Zealand is second only to the University of Auckland in the number of A rated academic researchers it employs. It topped the New Zealand Performance Based Research Fund evaluation in 2006.

Founded in 1869 by a committee including Thomas Burns, the university opened in July 1871. Its motto is "Sapere aude" ("Dare to be wise"). (The University of New Zealand subsequently adopted the same motto.) The Otago University Students' Association answers this with its own motto, "Audeamus" ("let us dare"). The university's graduation song Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus... ("Let us rejoice, while we are young") acknowledges students will continue to live up to the challenge if not always in the way intended.

Between 1874 and 1961 the University of Otago was a part of the University of New Zealand, and issued degrees in its name.

History

Dunedin leaders Thomas Burns and James Macandrew urged the Otago Provincial Council during the 1860s to set aside a land endowment for an institute of higher education. An ordinance of the council established the university in 1869, giving it 100,000 acres (400 km2) of land and the power to grant degrees in Arts, Medicine, Law and Music. Burns was named Chancellor but he did not live to see the university open on 5 July 1871.

The university conferred just one degree, to Alexander Watt Williamson, before becoming an affiliate college of the federal University of New Zealand in 1874. With the dissolving of the University of New Zealand in 1961 and the passage of the University of Otago Amendment Act 1961, the university resumed its power to confer degrees.

Originally operating from William Mason's Post Office building on Princes Street, it relocated to Maxwell Bury's Clocktower and Geology buildings in 1878 and 1879. This evolved into the Clocktower complex, (University of Otago Clocktower complex) a striking group of Gothic revival buildings at the heart of the campus.

Otago was the first university in Australasia to permit women to take a law degree. Ethel Benjamin graduated LLB in 1897. Later that year she became the first woman in the British Empire to appear as counsel in court.

Professor Robert Jack made the first radio broadcast in New Zealand from the physics department on 17 November 1921.

Campus

In addition to the main Dunedin campus, the University has small facilities in Auckland and Wellington (based at Westpac Stadium). The medical schools have larger campuses near Christchurch and Wellington Hospitals. Additionally, the University has the Portobello Marine Laboratory on Otago Harbour.

Research

The depth and range of research being conducted at the University of Otago contributes strongly to the University's international reputation and is evidence of its commitment to fostering a strong research culture. The University of Otago is home to many established pre-eminent research programmes while other areas are emerging as internationally recognised centres of research excellence.

Alongside Research Centres and Units considerable independent and co-operative research is undertaken by academic departments at the University of Otago.

The University of Ot ago: Special Character and Role in Sector

Excellence in research and research-led teaching together with a tradition of innovation define New Zealand’s first university, the University of Otago. While judging itself in an international context, Otago embraces a national role that builds on the following dimensions of the University:

• a vibrant research-led culture which, in turn, underpins excellence in teaching and professional training;
• a broad curriculum that encompasses traditional scholarship and new knowledge;
• a unique concentration of special professional schools;
• an outstanding campus learning environment in Dunedin and specialist campus facilities in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill.

Otago’s standing as a top research-led university has been confirmed by independent assessments which have judged it as New Zealand’s most research-intensive university1, and the country’s top-ranked university for research quality2. Internationally, Otago has been rated as one the world’s top universities3

Teaching and Learning Plan

The first University of Otago Teaching and Learning Plan was adopted by Senate in February 1996. It was completely re-written in 2002 but retained the purpose of the 1996 Plan, namely “to provide guidance for academic Divisions, Schools and Departments as they undertake the planning of teaching and learning activities.”

The 2002 Teaching and Learning Plan was developed by a group of academic staff experienced and active in teaching and a similar group has reviewed the Plan for this updated version. The 2005 update continues to provide teaching staff with a bridge between the all-important goals of the University and the practice of teaching, learning and assessment. Advice on specific teaching methods which can be used to implement the strategies are available online as a link from the site . The six Dimensions and the attributes of the University of Otago Graduate are keys to the design of curricula which lead to quality learning in the University and to the learning outcomes we expect for the students.

Departments and Schools

Academic Departments and Schools at the University of Otago are divided into four academic divisions. Many departments and schools teach subjects and papers specific to their area of expertise. Staff from many academic departments also teach in subjects and papers from other academic areas.

School of Business Departments

The School of Business is housed in the purpose-built Commerce Building. The School teaches major subjects for the BCom degree as well as many postgraduate diplomas and degrees including the MBA programme. The Division of Commerce website is available at http://www.otago.ac.nz/business.

Division of Health Sciences Departments
The Division of Health Sciences consists of the Faculty of Medicine, which administers the School of Medical Sciences and three clinical Schools of Medicine located in Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, and the Schools of Dentistry, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy. The Division of Health Sciences website is available at http://www.otago.ac.nz/HealthScience.

Division of Humanities Departments
The Division of Humanities at Otago is one of the most innovative and progressive in New Zealand. Humanities cover the major fields of the Arts and Social Sciences. The Division consists of 15 departments and includes professional programmes in Law, Education, and Social Work. The Division of Humanities website is available at http://www.otago.ac.nz/humanities.

Division of Sciences Departments
The Division of Sciences is responsible for a full range of sciences including degree programmes in Consumer and Applied Sciences, Physical Education, and Surveying. The Division is a leader in many areas of genetic research and computer and information technology. The Division of Sciences website is available at http://www.sciences.otago.ac.nz.

The University of Otago was ranked 124th in the 2008 THES-QS World University Ranking.

University of Auckland

The Ranking of University of Auckland

www.auckland.ac.nz

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's largest university and the top-ranked New Zealand university in the THES - QS World University Rankings. Established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, the university is now made up of eight faculties over six campuses, and has more than 39,000 students at April 2006. Over 1300 doctoral candidates were enrolled at the University of Auckland in 2004.
University of Auckland

It offers a wide range of programmes including Arts, Business, Education, Music, Teacher Training and Special Education, Architecture, Planning, Nursing, Creative and Performing Arts, Theology, Science, Information Management, Engineering, Medicine, Optometry, Food and Wine Science, Property, Law, Fine and Visual Arts and Pharmacy.

It also provides the most conjoint combinations across the entire nation, with over 35 combinations available. Conjoint programs allow students to achieve multiple degrees in a shortened period of time.

History

The University of Auckland was formally opened on 23 May 1883 as Auckland University College, part of the University of New Zealand. A disused courthouse and jail served as premises for the 95 students and 4 teaching staff.

The roll increased slowly but steadily during the remainder of the 19th century; by 1901 it had risen to 156 students.

Most students were enrolled part-time, training as teachers or law clerks, although after 1905 the number of commerce students rose markedly.

During this time, the University focused on teaching: research was not expected, and was rarely performed by teaching staff. Nevertheless, some students carried out impressive early research, most notably in chemistry.

Campuses

The City campus, in the Auckland CBD, has the bulk of the students and faculties. It covers 160,000 m².

The Tamaki campus, established in 1991, covers 320,000 m² in the suburb of Glen Innes, 12 km from the City campus. The degrees available here are based on Health, Sports Science, Environmental Science, Wine Science, Information Technology, Communications and Electronics, Materials and Manufacturing, Food and Biotechnology and Information Management.

The Medical and Health Services Campus, established in 1968, is located close to the City Campus in the suburb of Grafton, opposite Auckland City Hospital. The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Department of Optometry are based here.

The North Shore Campus, established in 2001, was located in the suburb of Takapuna. It offered the Bachelor of Business and Information Management degree. At the end of 2006, the campus was closed and the degree relocated to the City campus.

On 1 September 2004, the Auckland College of Education amalgamated with the University to form the newest Faculty of the University (by merging the School of Education (previously part of the Arts Faculty) and the college). The faculty is based at the Epsom Campus of the former college with an additional campus in Whangarei.

Research Output

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led institution. Of the 600 researchers in the entire New Zealand tertiary system ranked as being of top international quality in the Government’s latest Performance-Based Review Fund (PBRF) report, one-third are at The University of Auckland. This offers students unparalleled opportunities to be taught and supervised by many of the very best academics in the country.

The University of Auckland also has the largest graduate school in the country, the largest annual number of postgraduate research student completions and the highest level of research income. Graduate students are part of a large and diverse cohort in an environment of very strong support for staff and student research.

Rankings

THES - QS World University Rankings

The University of Auckland was the only New Zealand institution ranked in the top 50 of the THES - QS World University Rankings in 2007, ranked at number 50. It was ranked at number 65 in 2008.

PBRF rankings

The University of Auckland is a research-led University, and had the second highest ranking in the 2006 Performance Based Research Fund (PBRF) exercise conducted by the government that evaluated the quality of researchers and research output of all tertiary institutions in New Zealand. With only 18% of PBRF-eligible staff in New Zealand's 33 tertiary institutions Auckland has 33% of the country's A-rated researchers and gained 30% of PBRF funding.

In the previous PBRF evaluation in 2003, when the University was ranked the top research university in New Zealand, the Commission commented: “On virtually any measure, the University of Auckland is the country’s leading research university. Not only did it achieve the highest quality score of any TEO [tertiary education organisation], but it also has by far the largest share of A-rated researchers in the country

Faculites

• Arts
• Business and Economics
• National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medical and Health Sciences
• Science
• School of Theology

The University of Auckland was ranked in the top 65th of the 2008 THES - QS World University Rankings