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Curtin Singapore

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Coordinates: 1°17′18″N 103°46′46″E / 1.288421°N 103.779567°E / 1.288421; 103.779567 (Curtin Singapore)
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Curtin Singapore
Curtin Emblem
Other name
Curtin Education Centre
Motto
Look ever forward[1]
TypePrivate
Established13 November 2008; 16 years ago (2008-11-13)
Parent institution
Curtin University
AffiliationAustralian Technology Network (ATN)
ChancellorVanessa Guthrie AO
Vice-ChancellorHarlene Hayne
Pro Vice-Chancellor and PresidentAlex Stojcevski
Students3,500 (2024)[2]
Address
10 Science Park Road, The Alpha, Science Park II, Level 3, Unit 03-08
,
Singapore
,
117684

1°17′18″N 103°46′46″E / 1.288421°N 103.779567°E / 1.288421; 103.779567 (Curtin Singapore) Edit this at Wikidata
CampusUrban park
Named afterJohn Curtin
ColorsGold Black
NicknameCarnabys[3]
MascotCarl the Carnaby[3]
Websitecurtin.edu.sg Edit this at Wikidata
White hexagon over shield of horizontal stripes to the left of the words "Curtin Singapore".

Curtin Singapore is the Singaporean campus of Curtin University, a public university in Australia.[4] It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in healthcare, computational sciences, commerce and communications with plans to expand to science and engineering.[5][6][7][8] The campus also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) higher degree by research program.[9] Curtin University is named after John Curtin, a prominent Prime Minister of Australia during World War II from 1941 to 1945, and is the largest university in the state of Western Australia with 58,607 students globally in 2022.[10][11]

Curtin's campuses follow the "One Curtin" model where all campuses follow identical course curriculum across its programs, including study material and examinations, as Curtin's main Bentley campus.[12] This means that students have the option to transfer or study abroad to other Curtin campuses in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Malaysia, Dubai and Mauritius as units are generally identical.[13][14] In additional, students from other universities and Curtin campuses can also apply to study abroad at Curtin Singapore.[15] In 2022, the university shifted from its original campus in Whampoa to The Alpha building in Singapore's Science Park II in Queenstown, near NUS and the National University Hospital.[8]

Curtin Singapore is operated directly under Curtin University, which is generally not the case for most private education providers in Singapore.[16][17] This means that study programs are provided directly by Curtin University and not an external provider.[18] While Curtin Singapore graduates generally have higher employment rates than other private universities in Singapore,[19] it is still lower than public institutions such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.[20] The university follows a trimester model, allowing students to complete a bachelors program in 2 years.[21]

In Australia, the university is known for having high employer satisfaction rates.[22][23][24] According to the 2022 Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Australian Government's QILT, the university received the highest overall employer satisfaction (89.7%) among all universities in Australia.[25] The university also ranks within the top 200 universities according to the Quacquarelli Symonds and U.S. News university ranking publications,[26][27] while ranking somewhat lower on others.[28][29][30]

Front entrance of the original campus in Whampoa, Singapore

History

[edit]
Aerial shot of the original campus

Curtin University is the modern descendent of the Perth Technical School, established in 1900, which later became the Western Australia Institute of Technology in 1966.[10] The institution received university status in 1986 to form the Curtin University of Technology, named after paramount World War II Prime Minister of Australia John Curtin.[31] In 2010, it removed the suffix from its name and became simply Curtin University.[32] As of 2022, it is the largest university in the state of Western Australia with 58,607 students enrolled across its domestic and overseas campuses.[33]

Curtin University has been actively present in Singapore since 1986 through the establishment of links with private educational providers in Singapore, including the Singapore Human Resource Institute, Marketing Institute of Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Materials Management. Prior to the establishment of its full-fledged independent campus in Singapore, degrees from Curtin were originally awarded through these partners.[34]

The opening of Curtin Singapore's 5,600-square-metre (60,000 sq ft) campus at Jalan Rajah in Whampoa allowed the university to be able to provide courses on its own merit. All Curtin University courses since its founding has been delivered directly by the university and units are the same across campuses. Students at the Singapore campus are awarded the same degree and transcripts as their peers at other Curtin campuses. The overall cost to establish the university in 2008 was S$40 million.[34]

Curtin Singapore's operations began in December 2008 with an initial enrolment of 900 students, including new and continuing students who were enrolled in Curtin's previous partners. Curtin Singapore had 2,081 students in 2022, an increase of 23% from the previous year.[35][36][37]

Rankings and reputation

[edit]
Facade of the original campus

Curtin University is a Western Australian university and public perception of the university will differ across the different countries where it has campuses. Curtin Singapore is directly operated by Curtin University in Australia,[16] unlike most other foreign universities operating in Singapore,[38] and units are the same as the ones offered in all of Curtin's other campuses.[39]

According to an independent survey by Australian Government's QILT in 2022, employers in Australia were more satisfied with Curtin graduates than any other Australian university.[40] However, graduates of private universities are perceived more negatively in Singapore than public university graduates and on average earn 15% less than autonomous universities following graduation.[20][41] This is possibly due to a competitive high school culture in Singapore where students are separated based on perceived intelligence and higher-ranking university graduates are considered to have more merit.[42][43][44]

On university ranking publications, Curtin University usually ranks higher than most universities globally and is in the top 1% of universities ranked,[45] but ranks significantly lower than domestic institutions including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.[46][47] Both of those domestic universities regularly rank within the top 50 and 100 on the same publications.

University rankings
Global rankings
QS[48]174
THE[49]251-300
ARWU[50]201–300
U.S. News & World Report[51]160
CWTS Leiden[52]293
Australian rankings
QS[53]13
THE[54]14
ARWU[55]=9
U.S. News & World Report[56]10
CWTS Leiden[52]10

Curtin University does rank higher on number of specific subjects which may become more relevant as the campus plans to expand to engineering and the sciences.[8] These subjects, on varying university ranking publications, include:

The university also ranks within the top 100 for physical chemistry, public health, energy and fuels, engineering,[27] architecture, business administration, hospitality and tourism management, psychology,[28] nursing, sports science, architecture, pharmacy and pharmacology.[64] University rankings methodologies have, however, been subject to criticism and may not be an accurate measure for the quality of undergraduate and postgraduate study programs outside of research.[65][66] Public universities in Singapore also have a larger student population, more resources and bigger campuses than private universities.[20]

Location and facilities

[edit]

Curtin Singapore's first campus was located at 90 and 92 Jalan Rajah in Whampoa and was officially opened on 13 November 2008 by S. Iswaran, Singapore's Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Doug Chester, the Australian High Commissioner to Singapore.[34] Some facilities at the previous location included a student lounge, library, computer labs, canteen, dining areas, basketball court and gym.

In 2022, Curtin Singapore moved onto levels 1 through to 4 of the Alpha building in Singapore Science Park 2.[67] Co-located with industry within the science park precinct, Curtin Singapore is a 15-minute walk from Haw Par Villa MRT station and is closer to NUS, the National University Hospital and the Greater Southern Waterfront.[68] Along with the new campus, the campus announced plans for future expansion to provide courses in the sciences, engineering, business administration and majors in computing.[8][68]

Facilities at the new Curtin Singapore campus at the Alpha are spread over 3 levels of the building. Level 2 includes a library, clinical labs and gym. The library offers Group Discussion Pods, Individual Pods, printing services, Macintosh computers, charging ports and study desks. The clinical lab has equipment and tools to simulate hospital and clinical environments. Level 3 includes a student lounge and computer labs. The student lounge has a pantry for students, vending machines, microwaves, pool tables, charging ports and conference seminar rooms. Level 4 has various group discussion tables and computers for students to access their student portal.[citation needed] Additional facilities as part of the wider science park include an outdoor gym, barbecue pits and a swimming pool.[67]

Schools and departments

[edit]

The courses offered by the Singapore campus follows the identical structure and curriculum content as those offered at the main Bentley campus in Perth. During their course of studies, students have the discretion to study abroad or transfer to other Curtin campuses in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Malaysia, Dubai and Mauritius to gain further international exposure and widen their perspectives.[13] Curtin Singapore also offers a range of Curtin College pathway programs alongside its Curtin University undergraduate and postgraduate programs.[69] Courses at Curtin Singapore are currently provided by the following Curtin schools:

  • Faculty of Business and Law
    • Curtin Business School
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
    • Curtin School of Nursing
  • Faculty of Humanities
    • School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering
    • School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences

The Curtin Singapore Student Committee (STUCO) is the main student body managing social events and clubs on the campus.[70]

Entry requirements

[edit]

Curtin programs have academic entry requirements that vary based on the level and field of studies.[71] In addition, Curtin Singapore offers Curtin College pathway diploma programs that offer entry into various undergraduate programs with or without advanced standing.[69]

Undergraduate

[edit]

For undergraduate courses, Curtin's academic entry requirement is a high school certificate at level 12 or equivalent or a diploma from a polytechnic or other recognised institution.[72] Students are also required to have attained Curtin's English language pre-requisite.[73] Students not meeting the entry requirements for undergraduate programs can apply for pathway diploma programs.[69][72]

Postgraduate

[edit]

For postgraduate courses, Curtin academic entry requirement is an undergraduate or bachelor's degree acceptable by Curtin's standards. Students are also required to have attained Curtin's English language pre-requisite along with other criteria depending on the field of study.[73] Doctoral program applicants are also required to have a Bachelor Honours or other post-graduate qualification.[74]

Notable people

[edit]

Notable alumni of Curtin University's Singapore campus include:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://international.curtin.edu.my/about-us/our-history/ [bare URL]
  2. ^ https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/history-facts/facts-figures/student-statistics-headcount/ [bare URL]
  3. ^ a b https://www.curtin.edu.au/sport/about/ [bare URL]
  4. ^ Anonymous (30 January 2020). "Campus locations, where is Curtin located? - About | Curtin University". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  5. ^ Neish, Gordon (24 November 2011). "Undergraduate courses". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  6. ^ Neish, Gordon (24 November 2011). "Postgraduate courses". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  7. ^ Wong, Carmen (22 February 2022). "Bachelor of Computing (Cyber Security)". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Beasley, Vanessa (24 January 2022). "Curtin Singapore on the move to thriving new campus precinct | News at Curtin". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  9. ^ Wong, Carmen (19 May 2023). "Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  10. ^ a b Anonymous (5 February 2020). "History, historical timeline, when was Curtin University established? - About | Curtin University". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Annual Report 2022" (PDF). Curtin University.
  12. ^ "Welcome - About - Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia". About. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  13. ^ a b Wong, Carmen (14 December 2017). "University learning". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  14. ^ "Handbook | Curtin University". handbook.curtin.edu.au. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  15. ^ "Global Opportunities | Current students – admin, experiences, facilities and support | Curtin Singapore". students.curtin.edu.sg. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  16. ^ a b Neish, Gordon (29 November 2011). "Policy & governance". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  17. ^ "Permitted Courses Offered by PEIs". Training Partners Gateway. Singapore Government Agency. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  18. ^ "Students Guide" (PDF). Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  19. ^ Phillips, Yasmine (8 May 2019). "Curtin Singapore ranked first in graduate employment survey | News at Curtin". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Jeraldine (23 September 2016). "Is It Disadvantageous To Graduate From A Private University In Singapore?". Jeraldine Phneah. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Academic calendar | Current students – admin, experiences, facilities and support | Curtin Singapore". students.curtin.edu.sg. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Curtin Uni grads win top ranking for employer satisfaction". The West Australian. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  23. ^ "Curtin grads rated best by employers". The Australian. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Satisfying result for Curtin". Business News. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  25. ^ "2022 Employer Satisfaction Survey" (PDF). Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). Australian Government. April 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Curtin University". Top Universities. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Curtin University in Australia - US News Best Global Universities". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  28. ^ a b c "ShanghaiRanking-Univiersities". www.shanghairanking.com. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  29. ^ "Curtin University". Times Higher Education (THE). 21 June 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  30. ^ Studies (CWTS), Centre for Science and Technology. "CWTS Leiden Ranking". CWTS Leiden Ranking. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  31. ^ Strangio, Paul (1 August 2021). "Who were Australia's best prime ministers? We asked the experts". The Conversation. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  32. ^ Anonymous (5 February 2020). "Curtin University, recent projects, future focus - About | Curtin University". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  33. ^ "Annual Report 2022" (PDF). Curtin University. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  34. ^ a b c Ng, Jane (27 March 2008). "Asia One – Curtin Uni to set up campus here". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Student statistics - Enrolled by headcount". Curtin University. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  36. ^ Planning (Phone: 61 8 9266 7457), Office of Strategy and (4 November 2009). "Curtin University Overview Statistics". planning.curtin.edu.au. Retrieved 3 February 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "Annual Report 2022" (PDF). Curtin University. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  38. ^ "Permitted Courses Offered by PEIs". Singapore Government Agency. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  39. ^ "Students Guide" (PDF). Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  40. ^ "2022 Employer Satisfaction Survey" (PDF). Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). Australian Government. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  41. ^ Correspondent, Sandra DavieSenior Education (24 September 2016). "Private school graduates find it harder to land jobs: Poll". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 3 February 2024. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  42. ^ "'A fear of failure': 12-year-old's insane routine before and after school". Yahoo News. 13 October 2019. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  43. ^ adminwaxis. "Singapore's Education System, One of the Best? | sagepaths.sg". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  44. ^ "Commentary: A hyper-competitive culture is breeding severe test anxiety among many students". CNA. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  45. ^ Gower, Hayley (14 July 2020). "Reputations and rankings - About | Curtin University". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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  47. ^ "Our University Rankings". Corporate NTU. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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  52. ^ a b "CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024". Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University.
  53. ^ "QS World University Rankings 2025 - Australia". Quacquarelli Symonds Limited.
  54. ^ "World University Rankings 2024 - Australia". Times Higher Education.
  55. ^ "Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024 - Australia". Shanghai Ranking Consultancy.
  56. ^ "U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities in Australia". U.S. News & World Report.
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  58. ^ "QS World University Rankings for Geology 2023". Top Universities. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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  62. ^ "Top Education and Educational Research Schools in the World - US News Education". U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  63. ^ "Top Chemical Engineering Schools in the World - US News Education". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  64. ^ "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023". Top Universities. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  65. ^ "Statement on Global University Rankings" (PDF). International Institute for Global Health. United Nations University. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  66. ^ "Rethinking Quality: UNU-convened Experts Challenge the Harmful Influence of Global University Rankings". United Nations University. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  67. ^ a b "Taking Root: Curtin Singapore's New Home In Singapore Science Park". www.sciencepark.com.sg. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  68. ^ a b Sydoruk, Lauren (28 September 2022). "Curtin unveils new home for its Singapore Campus | News at Curtin". Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  69. ^ a b c Neish, Gordon (14 December 2011). "Diploma". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  70. ^ "Student clubs | Current students – admin, experiences, facilities and support | Curtin Singapore". students.curtin.edu.sg. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  71. ^ "Curtin Singapore entry requirements". 14 December 2017.
  72. ^ a b Wong, Carmen (14 December 2017). "Academic requirements". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  73. ^ a b Wong, Carmen (14 December 2017). "English prerequisites". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  74. ^ Wong, Carmen (19 May 2023). "Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)". Curtin Singapore. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
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