University of Melbourne

Public research university in Melbourne, Australia

The University of Melbourne Coat of Arms

The University of Melbourne Logo

The University of Melbourne is a public research university located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. The university is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of leading research-intensive Australian universities, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.

History

The University of Melbourne in 1857

The University of Melbourne was established by an act of the Parliament of Victoria in 1853, making it the second oldest university in Australia. The first classes were held in 1855 with three professors and sixteen students. The university's founding was part of the broader movement to establish higher education institutions in the British colonies.

Throughout its history, the university has expanded significantly, both in terms of student numbers and academic offerings. The university has played a pivotal role in the development of Melbourne and Victoria, contributing to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.

Campus

Grand building at the University of Melbourne

The main campus of the University of Melbourne is located in Parkville, an inner suburb of Melbourne. The campus is known for its mix of historic and modern architecture, with many buildings of cultural and architectural significance.

The university also has several other campuses across Victoria, including the Southbank campus for the Victorian College of the Arts and the Burnley campus for horticultural studies.

Academics

The University of Melbourne offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is organized into several faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Law School, and Melbourne Business School.

The university is renowned for its research output and has numerous research institutes and centers. It is a leader in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and the humanities.

Student Life

The University of Melbourne has a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs and societies catering to a wide range of interests. The Melbourne University Student Union (UMSU) is the main student representative body, organizing events and providing services to students.

The university also has a strong tradition of student activism and engagement in social and political issues.

Notable Alumni

The University of Melbourne has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and leaders in various fields. Some of its distinguished alumni include Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia, and Peter Doherty, a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist.

Related Pages

• Group of Eight (Australian universities)
• List of universities in Australia
• Melbourne

Gallery

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  Aerial view of the University of Melbourne

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  Ormond College

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  Botany School, 1958

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  University of Melbourne