University of Sunshine Coast, Australia

Promoted in 1996 in the sixth continent’s scenic Sunshine Coast region, this eponymous varsity became the first greenfield university to be promoted in Oz in 23 years. Fully funded by the Australian government, the University of Sunshine Coast (USC) has quickly earned a reputation for offering contemporary industry-driven degree programmes in the arts, social sciences, business, health and education. Its 5,246 students (including 855 from abroad) are enrolled in 65 undergrad and 70 postgrad degree programmes, distinguished by their special focus on hands-on learning and industry exposure. “Our degree programmes are designed to provide students with knowledge and skills that enhance their future employment opportunities. Many of them are designed and delivered in collaboration with industry and the professions and include workplace-based learning opportunities, such as internships,” says Prof. Paul Thomas, vice chancellor of USC. According to Thomas, USC has the highest proportion of academic staff with doctoral or Masters qualifications of any university in Queensland state and the fifth highest in Australia. Moreover USC alumni consistently give the university high marks for quality of educational experience, with a 92 percent satisfaction rating in the 2006 CEQ (course experience questionnaire). In addition to the faculties of arts and social sciences, business, science, health and education, USC offers several research and study centres including the centre for healthy activities, sport and exercise; centre for multicultural and community development; national seniors productive ageing centre; Fraser Island research and education facility and the Dilli Village interpretive education centre. Sunshine Coast. Located just 90 km north of Brisbane, the admin capital of Queensland, Sunshine Coast (pop. 300,000) is a popular tourism destination. The coastline begins at Caloundra, an hour’s drive from Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to Fraser Island and takes in the tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley as well as more than 100 km of beach stretching through the coastal towns of Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Apart from pristine surfing beaches, national parks and a plethora of water sports facilities, Sunshine Coast also boasts numerous restaurants, nightclubs, shopping centres and art galleries. There are regular bus services from the university campus to the beaches and major shopping centres. The weather is pleasant with maximum temperatures in summer averaging 28oC, dropping to 9oC in winter. Campus facilities. Located on the edge of a national park USC’s 100 hectare campus has won several national awards for its environment-friendly architecture. Its green campus where kangaroos often stray in for a stroll boasts contemporary lecture halls, laboratories, auditoriums and an art gallery which displays works of renowned artists through the year. Sited in an architecturally award-winning building, USC’s library houses more than 61,000 print volumes and digital resources. Moreover the university’s website provides 24 hour access to the library’s catalogue and digital database, and computer laboratories on campus offer students 24/7 internet access. Sports facilities include two playing fields used for rugby and soccer and outdoor hard courts which provide facilities for…