GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The University of Melbourne was established by an Act of the Vic- torian Parliament in 1853. The University site, in the northern part of the city of Melbourne, occupies 106 acres, of which the teaching and adminis- trative departments occupy 45 acres, the affiliated colleges 40 acres, the sports grounds 16 acres and the University Women's College 5 acres. The Veterinary Research Institute occupies about 5 acres nearby. The Teachers' College, which is situated in the University grounds, is not included in this area.
Under the original Act, and subsequent amending legislation, the University consists of Convocation (the body of graduates) and a Council of thirty-three members, representing the Victorian Government, the graduates, the teaching staff, the undergraduates and the University Col- leges, with wide powers for the conduct of University affairs. The general academic administration of the University is conducted by a Professorial Board, and the supervision of individual courses by Faculties and Boards of Studies.
The University offers Bachelors' degree courses in Agricultural Science, Applied Science, Architecture, Arts, Building Science, Commerce, Dental Science, Education (Postgraduate), Engineering and Surveying, Law, Medicine and Surgery, Music, Science (including Forestry) and Town and Regional Planning; sub-graduate diplomas in Agriculture, Architectural Design, Journalism, Physical Education, Public Adminis- tration, Music and Social Studies; postgraduate diploma courses in Criminology, Education, various medical specialties and Psychology.
There is also a diploma course in Town and Regional Planning and a higher diploma in Music.
In most Faculties which conduct degree courses higher degrees of Master and Doctor are available, and in all Faculties the degree of Doctor of Philosophy may be conferred. The length of Bachelors' degree courses varies from three to six years of full-time study. The academic year begins in March and ends in December, and includes three teaching terms and an examination term.
Student enrolments have reached the record total of 11,475 in 1961, a 10 per cent increase on 1960. About 63 per cent of students are enrolled for full-time study and about 4 per cent are pursuing courses for higher degrees or diplomas. Since 1958 enrolments have exceeded the previous peak of 9,000 students in 1948 when large numbers of ex-servicemen and women were undertaking University courses.
The University is not primarily residential, but there are five resi- dential colleges affiliated with it, and situated close to the principal University site. There are in addition two halls of residence: Medley Hall and International House, the latter being primarily designed to meet the needs of overseas students.
The University is financed by grants from the State and Common- wealth Governments, fees paid by students and income from benefactions.
PRTNCTPAL UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS
The details of the subjects included in particular courses are published in the appropriate Faculty Handbook. The Handbooks also contain full
information for the guidance of students on such matters as matriculation, enrolment, fees, scholarships and general University facilities.
The Annual Report of the Council, with accompanying financial and other appendices, is included in the Calendar.
The Report of Research and Investigation, which is published an- nually, contains details of the various research activities connected with each department. It also sets out the contributions to science and litera- ture which have been published by members of staff, research workers and students.
The University Gazette, published about six times during the year, gives an official report of University activities and developments.
The Handbook of Public and Matriculation Examinations contains information concerning the examinations conducted by the University at the school level.
Discovery, published occasionally, is an illustrated publication which seeks to present an overall picture of the University's research programme in non-technical language for the information of the general reader.
Copies of University publications may be obtained at the Melboume University Press. Copies may be inspected at any university in Australia, at the Association of Universities of the British Commonwealth in London, and at the leading universities in most countries.
ADDRESS
All general correspondence directed to the University should be addressed to The Registrar, University of Melbourne, Parkville, N.2, Victoria, Australia.
