An independent audit of the University of Newcastle has delivered a top rating of 5 stars.
The University commissioned London-based QS Stars, part of QS World University Rankings, to assess its performance against eight categories: research, employability, teaching, infrastructure, internationalisation, innovation, engagement and specialist subjects.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said the University had received an overall rating of 5 stars – the highest available.
“The University opened its doors to an independent and very detailed audit of its performance across key areas using international benchmarks.
“Addressing more than 30 criteria grouped into eight categories, the findings by the internationally recognised agency are that Newcastle is performing to a very high standard across the board.”
The QS Stars ratings are based on the institution’s performance measured against pre-set thresholds, and unlike systems that rank universities, these ratings are not dependent upon the performance of other institutions.
Also unlike other approaches that only produce a single score based on many measures, the QS Star approach audits and reports on performance across numerous areas in an institution.
The University of Newcastle’s ratings for 2011 are:
| Overall |  |
| Research | |
| Employability |  |
| Teaching | |
| Infrastructure | |
| Internationalization | |
| Innovation | |
| Engagement | |
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said an important part of the QS Stars approach was providing institutions with a roadmap for future development.
“We have achieved top marks in 2011 in all but three categories, and our aim is to achieve a 5 star rating in all areas in the future. Importantly, the QS Stars audit has indicated areas where, while we are strong, improvements can be made.
“Greater communication with our graduates’ employers, continuing to improve our teaching and boosting innovation through more collaboration with industry will be areas of focus.”
The University’s result can be found at www.topuniversities.com/qsstars/australia
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