USP – Promoting Excellence & Innovation
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is an internationally acclaimed institution with a distinctly Pacific character that promotes academic excellence, innovation and research, responsible leadership, and community service.
A USP qualification means gaining intellectual curiosity and integrity which transforms into deep respect for truth, openness to new ideas, a commitment to inter-disciplinary understanding and skills and respect for the principles, values and ethics of a chosen profession. Graduating from USP will inculcate the capacity for leadership and working with others, having effective interpersonal communications skills, teamwork and time management abilities and demonstrating personal maturity and self-confidence. An education at USP will also help in appreciating the cultures of the Pacific Islands and having a strong understanding of the diverse economies and environments and further commit to strengthening the societies of the Pacific. Cross-cultural competency is also a quality expected of USP graduates where they will have an understanding of social, cultural and linguistic diversity. USP academic programmes will further promote the development of respect for human rights and dignity, a commitment to accountability and ethical practice with a demonstrated oral and written proficiency in the English language. The University prepares students for lifelong success, graduating degree holders with work-ready skills and confidence, who become members of the USP Alumni Network. A USP education is both academically rigourous and highly rewarding; its quality has been affirmed through international accreditation processes, making the USP degree “portable” and useful for those graduates who plan to travel overseas. The University’s academic programmes are geared towards the development of academic excellence where graduates gain extensive knowledge of relevant skills in a particular discipline or professional area and have the capacity for critical thinking and independent self-directed, life-long learning. USP graduates will also possess advanced ICT knowledge and skills and research skills. USP has 27 internationally accredited programmes and 15 international recognitions. In addition, 20 short courses offered by Pacific TAFE received international accreditation by the United Kingdom’s Continuing Professional Development in August 2018. Student support and experience is personalised and available in a variety of formats at any time, for instance, the Lecture Capture initiative enables students to watch videos of the lectures online and on-demand. USP is proudly an inclusive environment where students with disabilities are offered specialised assistance and practical support. The University offers its students state-of-the-art facilities and ICT tools that make learning both enjoyable and productive. USP has only just marked a new era for the USP Library Network comprising 14 campus libraries and 10 centre libraries with the launch of the Integrated Library System (ILS), SYMPHONY. The University’s students and staff come from many different countries and cultures, making USP one of the most exciting learning environments anywhere. USP has produced some of our region’s great leaders, educators, and professionals and it continues to be the place where the region’s future leaders and intellectuals spend their formative years. Over the last 50 years, the University has produced over to 45,674 graduates and has awarded more than 64,000 qualifications. Some USP alumni have gone on to hold significant national, regional and international positions and have contributed to the positive development of the region. USP prides itself on being at the cutting edge of utilising information and communications technology and innovation in the delivery of teaching activities throughout its 50 year history. It has provided Pacific Islanders with high quality educational opportunities, and their governments with excellent policy recommendations, technical advice and research, for five decades. USP’s research capacity is being further strengthened by proactively seeking partnership with regional as well as international organisations; as has been in the case of its recent partnership for both the Innovation Hub and One Ocean Hub. The University remains aspirational, energetic and committed to change and success, ensuring an enduring partnership with its stakeholders. USP’s graduates are well on their way to shaping Pacific futures and creating their own ripples throughout the world. USP has certainly accomplished a lot and is compelled to do even better. The University has produced some of our region’s future leaders, educators and professionals. The University, guided by its ethos of continuous improvement, has always strived to provide the best possible value for money to its Member Countries, while constantly improving the quality and breadth of its academic offerings, facilities, educational and pastoral support, community projects, and regionally relevant research. The University’s future aspirations are to become better and to build on its reputation to be amongst the best universities of the world. USP will be having its annual Open Day on Friday 26 July and this will be an opportune time for potential students to come and have a look at what is in store for them.