Macquarie University
As a Macquarie University student you will join a diverse and welcoming community of 31,000 students, with 8,800 international students from over 114 countries. Ranked among Australia’s 9 top universities and within the top 40 in the Asia-Pacific region (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Rankings of World Universities, 2009), Macquarie University is recognised for its innovative curriculum, high-quality teaching and research, and unique campus environment. Macquarie University ensures that our students develop qualities, skills and knowledge that are essential to succeed in a challenging, changing world.
Location
Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus is located in parklands only 30 minutes drive (15 kilometres) north-west of Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s central business district.
The modern, well-equipped campus is set on 126 hectares of peaceful parkland in one of Australia’s premier high-technology corridors. The campus features eateries and recreational facilities, in addition to extensive library and computer facilities, a state-of-the-art Sport and Aquatic Centre, an acclaimed
sculpture park, several museums, two hotels and a golf driving range. The Macquarie Centre, a major shopping complex, is also on the doorstep of the campus.
In 2009, we became the first university in Australia to have its own train station on campus, meaning we’re now connected to the city by underground rail. Bus services have also been revamped, meaning it is now much easier to get to Macquarie than ever before. We also offer courses at our Macquarie City Campus in Sydney’s city centre.
Academic Highlights
Macquarie University is distinguished by the range and quality of its courses, which are designed in response to the ever-changing needs of industry, society and the environment.
The University’s Master of Applied Finance program, for example, remains the biggest program of its type in the world and the Master of Business Administration program is ranked in the top three in Australia and 57th in the world (Economic Intelligence Unit, 2008). The University offers courses in the following areas of study:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Studies
- Biotechnology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Chiropractic Science
- Commerce
- Communications
- Education
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Information Technology
- International Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Media
- Psychology
With the high calibre of its courses and teaching staff, it is not surprising that Macquarie’s graduates are highly sought after: their starting salaries have been amongst the highest in Australia for more than a decade (The Good Universities Guide 1998-2009).
Research focus
World-leading research is undertaken by Macquarie’s faculty and students, and many discoveries are quickly applied to meet the needs of industry, society and the environment. Macquarie’s goal is to be one of the top eight research-intensive universities in Australia and among the top 200 in the world by its 50th anniversary in 2014.
Recently, Macquarie established the Australian School of Advanced Medicine, moved into high-technology engineering, and identified concentrations of research excellence (COREs), meaning the Macquarie concentrates on distinct research areas of the highest quality. Macquarie also has doctoral research partnerships with 53 universities from 22 countries.
University Life
Macquarie has over 80 clubs and societies; joining one is a great way for you to meet new people on campus and develop special interests and skills from leadership to group collaboration.
There are societies representing study areas (for example Law, Actuarial Studies, Geoscience, Chiropractic and Psychology), all major religions, and special interests (such as drama, debating and bushwalking). Almost every major nationality on campus has its own club, including Indonesian, Afghan, Turkish, Korean, Greek, Iranian and Japanese, to name a few. There are also political and social change societies including the United Nations Society, the Oaktree Society and the Red Cross Society.
Keep active
The Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre caters for everyone – heated swimming pools, a gymnasium, cycle, group fitness and lifestyle studios, squash courts and recreation courts are just some of the facilities on offer. Discounted membership to the Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre is available for students.
You can join team sports such as badminton, rugby, soccer and basketball; hit the slopes with the ski club; get out on the water with the rowing club; take to the hills with the bushwalking club; or get involved with the fast-paced and physical Ultimate Frisbee. You can also participate in various recreation activities such as snow skiing, surfing, and scuba diving. In addition, a fantastic short course program gives you the chance to experience new activities and see new areas of Australia.
Enhance your international expertise
As a student at Macquarie University, you have access to a vast range of globally-focused opportunities. Macquarie has one of the most extensive international exchange programs of any Australian university. With over 250 universities from more than 60 countries to choose from, you can study overseas for periods ranging from a few weeks’ vacation study to a full academic year. Most importantly, Macquarie University helps support all our students financially when they travel so everyone has the opportunity to enhance their degree with international experience.
Global Leadership Program (GLP)
The GLP is unique to Macquarie University and will differentiate you as a graduate prepared for a role in global leadership. Core concepts of cultural understanding, experiential learning and professional skills training are embodied in the GLP. The program has been designed so that you not only learn global skills and understanding – you put them into practice by studying, volunteering and participating in internships in Australia and overseas.
This extracurricular program is entirely funded by the Vice Chancellor's office and is accessible to all Macquarie University students, from any discipline or degree. Successful completion of the GLP is officially recognised on your academic transcript and provides a competitive edge in the global employment market. You may also take part as a delegate in Macquarie University’s Global Leadership Symposium Series and travel with other delegates to a different region of Australia or the world. The symposia are comprised of business briefings, service learning, non-government organisation visits and cultural tours, and bring together students and graduates from all over the world for immersion in a foreign culture.
Global Futures Program
The Global Futures Program, jointly managed by Macquarie University and Australian Volunteers International, aims to provide opportunities for students and staff to actively contribute to more just, inclusive and sustainable societies through activities with communities and organisations overseas. Through experiential learning activities students have opportunities to apply their classroom learning to real world situations while developing skills that employers value.
Programs run throughout the year and go to destinations in the Pacific, South East Asia and Latin America. Participation grants are available to help students finance part of their experience abroad in the Global Futures Program.
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Photo Credits: James Zhao, Allison Davies, Penny Clay