The University of Ballarat (UB) is an Australian Federal Government funded
public university and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Located in the regional city of Ballarat, which is approximately a one and a
half hour's drive, northwest of Melbourne. It is the third oldest educational
institution in Australia, where the School of Mines and Industries educated and
trained students since 1870. In 1976 the institution became registered under the
Companies Act (1961) and joined with the Ballarat's Teachers College to become
the Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education. In 1990 the institute became an
affiliated college of the University of Melbourne and changed its name to Ballarat
University College. Finally, in 1994 the college gained its independent university
status to become the University of Ballarat (UB).
The University is divided into two sections; a VET or Polytechnic section known as
TAFE, which has five departments or schools (see below), and a Higher Education
section, which has eight schools (see below).
TAFE conducts courses in:
Certificate
Diploma
Advanced Diploma
The Higher Education section conducts courses in:
Degree
Post Graduate Diploma
Master
PhD courses
As of December 2007, total student enrolments in UB courses were approximately 24,500, in either
one of UB's 6 campuses around regional Victoria, its partner institutions in
Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong; and in its offshore locations in Malaysia, China, Hong Kong
and Singapore.
The University's Mission Statement, "To use education, training, research and
consultancies to promote the growth and wellbeing of the communities in our
part of Australia." indicates the importance of its geographical location and with
its relationships it has in the local region.
Schools and Departments
Higher Education Division
Arts Academy (Visual and Performing Arts)
Behavioural & Social Sciences & Humanities
Business
Education
Human Movement & Sport Sciences
Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences
Nursing
Science & Engineering
TAFE Division
Business Services
Human Services
Manufacturing Services
Chronology of the University of Ballarat
1870
Ballarat Mechanics' Institute School of Design
Ballarat East Public Library School of Art
School of Mines and Industries Ballarat (SMB)
1887-94
SMB affiliated with the University of Melbourne
1891
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery School replaces the Mechanics' Institute School of Design
1892
University College, Ballarat established
1896
First professorial associateship (metallurgy) awarded to SMB
1907
SMB commences its art school, taking over existing arts schools
1926
Ballarat Teachers' College established
1932-46
Ballarat Teachers' College closed
1946
Ballarat Teachers' College re-opens
1970
Classes commence at Mount Helen
1975
Ballarat College of Advanced Education formed, incorporating tertiary division of SMB and Ballarat Teachers' College
1989
Ballarat College of Advanced Education becomes an affiliated college of the University of Melbourne.
1994
University of Ballarat created
1998
SMB and Wimmera Institute of TAFE merge with the University of Ballarat
The University of Ballarat (UB) is an Australian Federal Government funded
public university and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.