SCHOOLS & INSTITUTIONS

University Of The Sunshine Coast (USC)

Postal address for enquiries:
Student Administration

University of the Sunshine Coast

Locked Bag 4
Maroochydore DC Qld 4558

Telephone: (National) (07) 5430 2890; (International) +61 7 5430 2890

Facsimile: (National) (07) 5430 2882; (International) +61 7 5430 2882

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) offers the best of both worlds: a quality university experience and a relaxed lifestyle. The University took its first students in 1996, and now has around 8000 students from the Sunshine Coast region and the extended catchment from Brisbane’s northern suburbs to Bundaberg. Around 13 percent of students are from overseas.

USC understands the value of face-to-face learning. Students benefit from ready access to teaching staff and a friendly and supportive campus environment, with personal attention, modern facilities and flexible degree options. USC has a strong record of graduate satisfaction in teaching quality and student support, and was the only public university in Queensland to be awarded five stars for teaching quality in the 2011 Good Universities Guide. Its ratings for graduate satisfaction were the highest awarded to any public university in Queensland.

More than 100 study programs are offered in the disciplines of business and information technology; communication and design; education; health; humanities and social sciences; and science and engineering. Degrees are complemented by opportunities for work experience, internships and practical industry-based projects. Program structures allow students to tailor their studies to meet individual needs. Elective courses and specialisations can be selected across a range of disciplines, and there is opportunity to study entrepreneurship or sustainability as part of most degrees. Students can also
choose to study overseas through the Global Opportunities (GO) Program (refer below) or learn how to start a business at USC’s business incubator, the Innovation Centre.

Research centres and groups include genetics, ecology and sustainability, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation. Each year, many USC graduates choose to re-enrol for further research qualifications. Visit www.usc.edu.au/research for more information.

USC’s campus is located at Sippy Downs, approximately one hour’s drive
north of Brisbane, with easy access via the Bruce Highway and Sunshine
Motorway. Car parking on campus is free. USC’s bus interchange is the
second-largest on the Sunshine Coast and offers regular bus services between
the campus and a range of Sunshine Coast locations. Bicycle and pedestrian
pathways also link the University to local suburbs.

Equity

USC is committed to providing people from all backgrounds with access to a university education. The University’s personalised approach, special entry and assistance programs, and support services help students achieve their study goals. USC’s track record in helping students overcome challenges to study is illustrated in the large proportion of students from identified equity groups. USC’s Buranga Centre offers support programs and facilities tailored specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The centre provides culturally appropriate resources and academic support, including alternative entry pathways, tutorial assistance and orientation activities.

Visit www.usc.edu.au/indigenous for more information.

Student Facilities

Students at USC benefit from modern facilities with the latest technology in a friendly and relaxed campus environment. The Sippy Downs campus has cafés, an art gallery, library, bookshop, child care centre, student Uni Club, 24- hour computer laboratories, lecture theatres, and high-tech teaching spaces, including science and sports laboratories and nursing teaching wards. The sports precinct includes an international-standard athletics track and an indoor sports stadium with gymnasium and 50m swimming pool. The grounds are bordered by Mooloolah River National Park, and wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, share the campus. There are open spaces and areas to relax,
study and socialise.

Student Accommodation

Three privately-owned student accommodation villages are located beside the campus and offer share or townhouse-living. Suburbs located a short distance from the University’s campus offer short and long-term accommodation to suit a range of budgets. For more information contact Student Services on (07) 5430 1226 or visit www.usc.edu.au/accommodation.

Student Support Services

Students can access a range of support services including academic and study support, mentor programs, language advisory services, careers and employment services, counselling, financial support services, disability services, Indigenous student support, and health, wellbeing and welfare services. The Uni Club provides a dedicated student space with kitchen facilities and hosts regular social events. Transition programs include
academic writing and study skills sessions and return to study workshops. Enabling courses in chemistry, general maths, statistics, maths for physics, biology, and physiology are free for undergraduate Commonwealth supported students. For more information contact Student Services on (07) 5430 1226 or visit www.usc.edu.au/studentsupport.

Overseas Study

Students can study overseas and earn credit towards their degree through USC’s award-winning GO Program. Students can apply for up to two semesters of study at a variety of partner institutions around the world. For more information contact USC International on (07) 5430 2843 or visit www.usc.edu.au/goprogram.

Institution Scholarships

Scholarships, bursaries and prizes with a range of eligibility criteria are available to students in all faculties. For more information contact Student Administration on (07) 5430 2890 or visit www.usc.edu.au/scholarships.

Publications

Information about study options and student experiences is available on the USC website. Course and program structures can be accessed at www.usc.edu.au/handbook. Publications, including the Undergraduate Guide and Postgraduate Guide, are available by contacting Student Administration on (07) 5430 2890 or information@usc.edu.au.

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