In 2012, UWA took up an innovative course model in response to the changing times ahead and to better prepare its graduates for the future of work and long-term employability.

Today, as a Top 100 university benchmarked against world-leading universities in North America and Europe, UWA is paving the way in creating independent, critical thinkers with a global perspective. 

Exclusive to Western Australia, the UWA course model allows students to combine two majors in one degree, catering to both their interests and career goals, in just three years. Strong partnerships with industries and professional opportunities abound.

A UWA education will empower students to create the best possible future for themselves and, through their leadership, others. We will be globally acclaimed for our stimulating curriculum built on social responsibility, experience-rich learning and cutting-edge research.

A new leadership development program, hosted by UWA and supported by Rio Tinto, is helping students developcultural intelligence and build networks, collaboration and leadership skills by tackling some of the biggest issues facing business, governments and society.

The Common Purpose Global Leader Experience gives UWA students the opportunity to explore a major world challenge from a local perspective, meeting visionary leaders from global businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations.

Following the success of the inaugural program last year, with the challenge ‘How do we ensure smart cities are inclusive?’, another 100 UWA students will have the opportunity to create and present innovative global solutions to city leaders, experts and senior leaders from UWA and Rio Tinto.

Participant Maverick Chong, who is studying a Master of Professional Engineering, said the four-day, off-campus program reinforced the importance of being open-minded.

“I learnt that being a good leader is not about having the loudest voice, but our ability to be flexible and respecting of others’ opinions,” he said.

In September, UWA will launch another new initiative designed to meet the rising global demand for job-ready tech talent.

The professional web development course – a coding boot camp teaching the end-to-end skills required to become a proficient full-stack developer – pairs UWA with US education technology company Trilogy Education.

A report by job site Indeed found that full-stack developer was the most in-demand job in Australia based on the total number of job postings.

UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor David Sadler, said the University sought new ways of educating the WA workforce so more people could participate in the booming demand for technology skills.

“Through our partnership with Trilogy Education, our students will have access to a world-class curriculum, targeted career coaching and instructors who work in the tech industry,” Professor Sadler said.

The UWA student experience is set to be further enhanced when the University reaches its latest digital milestone – a new app providing a one-stop entry point into the UWA digital ecosystem.

The platform, to be launched at the end of July, will give students access to a plethora of features, from information on all campus events, timetabling, enhanced maps and self-guided tours, to booking spaces, joining chats and discussion boards.

UWA is the first Australian university to use the app-based software solution Involvio and is working with Cisco and Optus to connect students to fast, useful, real-time information.

Future students, alumni, community members, family and friends will be able to access the app by the end of 2019.