Student FAQs
Frequently asked questions in relation to the proposed new faculty arrangements.
What is being proposed?
The proposal being considered is the creation of a new faculty, which would bring together the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education and Social Work, and parts or all of the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries. The School of Architecture and Planning and the Design Programme could be included in the new faculty or, alternatively, join the Faculty of Engineering.
Why are you looking to create a new faculty?
The creation of a new larger faculty aims to form a faculty with greater scale and resources to withstand external challenges, along with greater scope for collaboration and opportunities for staff and students across related disciplines.
Why is the change necessary?
This proposal is about staying ahead of an evolving tertiary education environment and ensuring the continued excellence of our teaching and research programmes. Bringing these disciplines together in a new faculty would allow for a more seamless integration of the disciplines along with a greater pool of supporting resources.
What are the benefits of aligning the School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP) and the Design Programme with the Faculty of Engineering as opposed to staying with a newly created faculty?
Aligning SoAP and the Design Programme with the Faculty of Engineering could create new inter- or trans-disciplinary opportunities for students. This alignment could improve teaching and learning practices, such as studio/relational teaching and technical workshops, providing students with a more hands-on and integrated learning experience. Additionally, this alignment could lead to new research opportunities offering students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research projects.
What are the benefits of aligning the School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP) and the Design Programme with a newly created faculty?
Aligning SoAP and the Design Programme with a newly created faculty could enhance the student experience by strengthening connections with the Arts, Creative Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, with the potential for great and more seamless education and research options.
What are the benefits you think the proposed new faculty will bring for students?
The proposed new faculty arrangements allow related areas in the current three Faculties (Arts, Education and Social Work, and Creation Arts and Industries) to work together in ways that could enhance disciplines and programmes. Having access to courses within the same faculty could make it easier to design seamless curriculum and improve access for students to a wider variety of courses and subjects. It provides the potential for a greater pool of supervisors available for PhD and research Masters candidates. Increased inter- and trans-disciplinary research potential for students across a range of disciplines will also be enabled.
How will these proposed changes affect my current course of study?
These proposed changes are not expected to impact your current course of study.
Will there be any changes to the courses or programmes offered?
There are no anticipated changes to the courses or programmes offered in the short-term as a result of these proposed faculty arrangements. Programmes and courses often change to respond to the evolving needs of students, but such changes are not being considered as part of this work. In the future, if the proposal is confirmed, a new faculty arrangement may lead to enhanced collaboration between aligned disciplines/programmes, which could potentially offer new inter- or trans-disciplinary learning opportunities for students.
How will these proposed changes impact the faculty and staff in terms of job roles and responsibilities?
While there may be some changes in how staff are organised within a new faculty arrangement, these changes should not impact the quality of education or services provided to students. While we cannot predict the precise outcomes at this early stage, we are committed to transparent communication and will provide updates as the process unfolds. Our primary goal is to future-proof our institution, ensuring we can continue to deliver world-class education and research opportunities for our students and staff.
Will there be any changes to the campus or facilities as a result of these proposed changes?
There are no planned changes to the campus or facilities as a result of these proposed new faculty arrangements. All campus facilities will continue to be available to students as usual. What we hope is that in the future, a new faculty arrangement would lead to enhanced and more easily accessible facilities or resources that benefit students and staff.
How will these proposed changes affect the availability of resources and support services for students?
These proposed changes are not expected to impact the current availability of resources and support services for students. We are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure your academic success. We envision that in the future, the new faculty structure may lead to improved access to resources and support services that enhance the overall student experience.
Will there be any changes to the curriculum or teaching methods?
There are no planned changes to the curriculum or teaching methods as a result of these proposed faculty arrangements.
How will these proposed changes impact research opportunities for students?
These proposed changes won't affect the research opportunities students have right now. You'll still have opportunities to take part in research projects and other initiatives.
How will the proposed new structure improve access to subject specialists for students?
The proposed new structure will improve access to a larger number of subject specialists within the larger, more integrated faculty. This would allow students to benefit from the expertise of a wider range of academic staff.
Will there be any changes to the fees or costs associated with my education?
There are no anticipated changes to fees or costs associated with your education as a result of these proposed faculty arrangements. However, please note that fees may be subject to periodic adjustments as part of normal University operations.
How will these proposed changes be communicated to students and how can I stay informed?
We will provide ongoing updates to students through various channels, including email and the University website. We encourage you to regularly check these channels for the latest information.
Will there be any changes to student clubs, societies, or extracurricular activities?
There are no planned changes to student clubs, societies, or extracurricular activities as a result of these faculty arrangements. You can continue to participate in these activities as usual.