The Melbourne Model
The Melbourne Model is the term used to describe the major curriculum changes that have been introduced at the University of Melbourne in recent years. The Melbourne Model is best explained in the context of the Growing Esteem Strategy.
Background - The Growing Esteem Strategy
Growing Esteem is the University of Melbourne's strategy for strengthening our international reputation as a public-spirited institution and adapting to the changes in tertiary education around the world. The strategy focuses on three key areas: research and research training; learning and teaching; and knowledge transfer. Together these three activities are envisaged as a metaphoric triple-helix in which they are closely bound, each reinforcing the other.
The Growing Esteem strategy seeks to cement the position of the University of Melbourne as one of the world's finest tertiary institutions.
Growing Esteem and the Melbourne Model
The 'Melbourne Model' is the name used to describe the learning and teaching component of the Growing Esteem strategy (the second strand of the triple-helix) and represents one of the most substantial curriculum reforms in the University's history.
Introduced in 2007, the Melbourne Model reflects the evolving tertiary educational environment in Europe, North America and Asia and aligns the University of Melbourne with many of the world's top institutions.
What is the Melbourne Model?
The Melbourne Model consists of six New Generation undergraduate degrees, characterised by both disciplinary depth and academic breadth, followed by one of three post-degree options: direct entry into employment; a graduate professional degree; or a Research Higher Degree. These programs build multiple competencies in students by engaging them in cross-disciplinary learning and teaching, equipping students with the University's unique graduate attributes.
The rigour of this curriculum structure is underpinned by the Melbourne Experience, through which students can access unprecedented academic enrichment opportunities including: research projects; internships, work experience and volunteering; studying overseas; new and inviting buildings and spaces; and a chance to be part of a cohort of peers.
The Melbourne Model aims to produce graduates who are suited to the challenges of changing workplaces in the twenty-first century and equip them with a range of abilities to enable them to engage with local and global communities.
Click here for more information about New Generation degrees