U N I V E R S I T Y OF MELBOURNE
INTRODUCTION
The University of Melbourne was established by an Act of the Victorian Parliament in 1853. The University site, in the northern part of the city of Melbourne, occupies 106 acres, of which the teaching and administrative departments occupy 45 acres, the affiliated colleges 40 acres, the sports grounds 16 acres and 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 Coun- cil of thirty-two members, representing the Victorian Government, the graduates, the teaching staff, the undergraduates and the University Colleges, with wide powers for the conduct of University affairs. The general academic administration of the University is conducted by a Pro- fessorial Board, and the supervision of individual courses by Faculties and Boards of Studies.
Description
The University offers Bachelors' degree courses in Agricultural Science, Architecture, Arts, Commerce, Dental Science, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Music, Science (including Forestry) and Surveying, sub-graduate diploma courses in Journalism, Physical Edu- cation, Public Administration and Social Studies, post-graduate diploma courses in Education, various medical specialities and Dietetics, and a diploma course in Town and Regional Planning. There is a post- graduate degree course in Education. 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.
The size of the student body increased from 4,400 in 1939 to 9,100 in 1947. In 1953 it was 7,028. About 60% of the students pursue their studies full-time. The very rapid rise in student numbers after the war resulted in the establishment, in 1947, of a branch of the University near Mildura, 350 miles north-west of Melbourne, where, for three years, first-year students in Medicine, Engineering, Surveying, Dental Science and certain Science students were trained. The Mildura Branch fulfilled its purpose and was closed at the end of 1949, as the number of students enrolled in the first years of the course concerned fell sufficiently to enable them to be accommodated at the University in Melbourne.
The University is not primarily residential, but there are five resi- dential colleges affiliated with it, and situated close to the principal Uni- versity site.
The University is financed by grants from the State and Common- wealth Governments, fees paid by students and income from benefactions.
The University's gross annual income from all sources is in the region of £ 1,600,000.
Principal 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 Research Report, which is published annually, contains details of the various research activities connected with each department. It also sets out the contributions to science and literature which have been published by members of staff, research workers and students.
The University Gazette, published about ten times during the year, gives an official report of University activities and developments.
The Handbook oj Public and Matriculation Examinations contains information concerning the examinations conducted by the University at the school level.
Copies of all University publications may be obtained at the Mel- bourne University Press. Copies may be inspected at any University in Australia, at the Association of Universities of the British Common- wealth 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, Carlton, N.3, Victoria, Australia.
