Your learning environment
The Monash way of learning is versatile and flexible, genuinely interdisciplinary and focused on career outcomes. Our research feeds straight back into our classrooms, and we always have an eye on industry and global developments.
By choosing Monash you choose to study alongside fellow high-achievers, under the guidance of some of the finest educators in Australia.
Better teaching; better learning
Monash is student-centred
We offer a variety of lecture sizes, tutorials, practical classes and a range of other learning activities in which students are active participants in the discovery and application of knowledge.
You will be stimulated, challenged and encouraged to actively participate, interact and question. As a result, you'll develop a thorough understanding of the course material as well as the capacity to analyse, question and solve complex problems.
We talk about student success rather than student experience. We want to ensure our students not only acquire up-to-date knowledge and develop appropriate understanding but are able to apply that knowledge and understanding in a real-world setting.
Despite its size and diversity, Monash maintains a distinct community focus. You will get to know your lecturers and tutors, and they'll get to know you, your passions and your talents. You will be challenged to strive for excellence, but will always be supported throughout your journey.
Nobody graduates from Monash who hasn't been challenged. We'll push you but not leave you to fail. You will be encouraged to be an independent thinker and expected to work hard but we will be there when needed.
Research and industry-led teaching
Monash creates knowledge, as well as delivering it. We're a highly regarded research university tackling some of the world's biggest issues, and producing ground-breaking research.
The depth and breadth of Monash University's research provide us with great scope to address the challenges that lie ahead for Australia and our wider region. Much commentary has been dedicated to the enormous economic opportunity presented by the rise of Asia in the 21st century and to the ways in which Australia's capacity to participate in, and contribute to, the growth and development of our region will be key drivers in the continued prosperity and growth of our nation.
Yet, in keeping with the vision of Sir John Monash, after whom the University was named, we recognise at Monash that with opportunity comes responsibility – our academic endeavour must be not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of the wider community. For us, the achievement of our academic ambitions should have far-reaching and positive implications not only in Australia but also in regions beyond, where the challenges are often more stark and more intractable.
Our research feeds directly into your learning: leading researchers will either be your teachers, or be involved in developing the curriculum. As a Monash student you will not only be exposed to the most up-to-date knowledge, but play your part in the creation of new knowledge, leading and informing industry.
When you graduate from Monash, the best-practice skills and experience you've gained will place you at the forefront of your industry. Many Monash courses are based on a principle of industry-integrated learning, with industry actively involved in both design and delivery.
Monash graduates become part of the creation of knowledge
By harnessing the power of the sun, Monash University graduate Jonathan Liow designed a simple, sustainable and affordable water-purification device during his Bachelor of Industrial Design studies. The Solarball can produce up to three litres of clean water every day and has the potential to help eradicate disease and save lives.
The global classroom
Monash offers you a truly global education. Just coming to our Australian campuses is an international experience in itself and will enhance your ability to become a global citizen.
Your educational experience will be greatly enriched by our cultural diversity. Interaction with students from a diverse range of backgrounds will enhance your peer-to-peer learning and help prepare you for an increasingly global economy. You will join the job market with an international outlook and first-hand experience of cultural competency.
Karl Redenbach (BA 1999, LLB 2000) is head of global technology company LiveTiles and was named 2014 CEO of the Year by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).
Being a successful business today is not just about finding the best people, it's having them work collaboratively in an agile and flexible manner.
Our business is based on inclusion and diversity with our operations spread across China, UK, USA and Australia. Having a culture that is team orientated and collaborative across these time zones has been critical to our success.
You can also gain international exposure through the vast number of international study, exchange, internship, and volunteer opportunities available at Monash University.
My course at Monash really helped me develop the confidence to work anywhere in the world. As part of my degree I did an international study tour in China and travelled to Prato in Italy to study business law. Each trip allowed me to better understand different cultures and people and learn to adapt to situations with more confidence.
Priyanka Chadha, Bachelor of Business
Monash also makes extensive use of communications technologies to connect staff and students to peers and teachers abroad. Our 'international portal', for example, runs units simultaneously at our Caulfield campus and at the University of Warwick in the UK. With a floor-to-ceiling video screen and unobtrusive cameras and microphones, the portal feels like one big room.
Adaptable learning spaces
Our learning spaces are designed to be adapted for a variety of active learning experiences, and are equipped with the latest technology to meet the specific needs of staff and students.
There are spaces for studio-based learning, open spaces that can be divided into semi-formal and informal spaces, break-out areas for student discussions, LCD screens for group work, and large whiteboards for brainstorming and problem solving – all designed to stimulate our students' engagement in active learning.
The physics learning space at Clayton has been completely designed as a practical-based group working environment. The interaction between the students is unbelievable. They love the white walls they can write on and ability to interact as groups. Yes the space looks great, but the way the students are using it demonstrates that it's really working as an active learning space.
Simulated learning environments
Actual work experience is a key feature of the Monash teaching model.
Simulated environments allow you to test and perfect your skills on a platform that, for all intents and purposes, feels real. Take our business and economics students, for example, who gain on-the-job trading-room experience without leaving the classroom.
The STARLab trading room is a virtual trading environment, where students take on real roles – dealer, risk manager or accountant. As they analyse data and make rapid decisions, economic and behavioural forces influence the 'money market'.
Meanwhile, when Monash pharmacy students learn the complexities of tablet-making, there is no need for them to use industrial machines and real ingredients, as they have a virtual laboratory based on gaming technology. They can practise the rudiments of their profession over and over again, without wasting valuable resources.
Cutting-edge technology
Some of our technology is truly inspiring.
The Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing is the most advanced facility of its type in Australia. Also known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing is a revolutionary technology that builds products directly from digital designs through a layering process. Already capable of creating products for small aeroplane engines, additive manufacturing technology is a booming area of research.
Monash is also home to the largest wind tunnel in the southern hemisphere – used to test the aerodynamics of planes, trucks, cars, trains, yachts and buildings – as well as the 'Titan', the world's most powerful electron microscope.
Hands-on learning
Since 2000, Monash engineering students have built and raced cars for Formula SAE, an international competition involving hundreds of universities and colleges. Students perform the hard practical aspects of design, construction and testing, reinforcing their academic studies and learning to support and explain what they are doing.
The Monash team has steadily improved in its performance, culminating in five consecutive Australasian victories, and a world ranking of second. Our success is inseparable from the strong engineering culture at Monash, producing innovative concept development and a passion to perform at our highest level.