Industry Relevant Learning at Swinburne Sarawak
KUCHING – Swinbur ne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is well-known for producing professionally-oriented graduates equipped with the skills that match the needs of industry. By combining teaching, research and industry expertise with a supportive real- world learning environment, students are shaped to face the real world while they are still in the university.
According to the university statistics, Swinburne graduates have very high employability percentages each year. Over the years, many Swinburne Sarawak graduates have found careers with some of the biggest names in industry. The impressive employment record of its graduates could be attributed to its courses which are designed to tackle real-world issues and lets students experience applied learning through classes in the laboratory, case studies, teamwork, research projects and project-based assignments.
Undergraduates undertake a range of experiential learning activities. They receive feedback on their development of generic skills while becoming increasingly capable in their chosen discipline.
Swinburne Australia is ranked as one of Melbourne’s top universities for teaching quality in the 2013 Good Universities Guide and it was promoted into the world’s top 400 universities in the prestigious Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2012. It also maintained its ranking in the top 100 universities for Physics, making Swinburne the only Australian university outside the Group of Eight to achieve a top 100 rating in a science discipline.
Swinburne Sarawak’s study courses are identical to those of its home campus in Melbourne and quality mechanisms ensure that the same high standards are maintained throughout the university. While the courses may be completed entirely at the Sarawak campus, students also have the option to transfer to Swinburne’s other campuses in Melbourne to complete their programme as the curricula and the subjects are the same.
A Swinburne degree therefore has the same high standards whether one study at the Kuching or Melbourne campus and the students are awarded the same internationally recognized Australian degree.
In addition to obtaining a degree awarded by an institution that has been in existence since 1908, studying at Swinburne Sarawak cost only about a third of the cost of studying in Australia, making it within reach for many. Combined with the lower cost of living in Kuching, Swinburne Sarawak is an attractive option to many students across the world.
Students have the opportunity to experience depth of learning in their chosen discipline and also the breadth of complementary study options. The majority of its threeyear undergraduate degrees require undertaking a professional major with either a co-major or two minors. Students choose from a diverse range of offerings from other discipline areas, enabling them to have an appreciation of other disciplines that will enhance and complement their employment and further education prospects. This gives students flexibility and choice, and the opportunity to tailor the composition of their degree.
About 20% of the 4,000 students on campus are nationals from more than 50 countries, with Sri Lankan students making up a big percentage of the international student population.
Composition of the academic team is equally diverse in their socio-cultural backgrounds. The combined student and staff diversity gives Swinburne Sarawak an international atmosphere and makes learning and teaching an enriching environment.
Swinburne Sarawak was customdesigned to accommodate learning, teaching, and recreation. Its lecture theatre with a capacity of 350 and the library with a 750-capacity provides learning resources and services to support the university’s teaching, learning and research programmes.
Laboratories for engineering, research and tutorial rooms are equipped with cutting-edge equipment. The latest computers line its computer labs, allowing students to create professional video productions such as short films, commercials and music videos, while two fully-furnished hostels on campus provide all the conveniences of home.
Newly- enrolled students with excellent AL and OL results that meet the criteria, and also students who excel in each semester exams can look forward to being awarded generous scholarships.
An exchange program allows students to complete a semester or two at Swinburne’s Melbourne campus while continuing to pay the same Malaysian tuition fee.
With a variety of sports, recreational and special interest clubs organizing activities all year-round, students have an avenue to pursue their interests. Networking with industry, an important part of any student’s career plans, are some of the opportunities these clubs offer.
The university also organizes events where students learn about the local culture, customs and traditions. International students are often encouraged to take part in the country’s festivities and celebrations making their stay in Malaysia an enriching experience.