As one of the top 40 universities in the world, a key research centre and leading academic hub of the country, the University of Melbourne is a major educational institution not for only Australia but the whole world. It has a proud reputation for collecting the brightest minds and offering them top quality education throughout a range of subjects, with over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate courses on offer. Situated in the heart of the city of Melbourne, the University plays a key role in the culture of the city, through its central location in the inner city suburb of Parkville, and reputation as the second oldest in Australia.
The University of Melbourne is divided into 12 colleges, which provide separate accommodation blocks and distinct communities for its students, most of which are based in beautiful old buildings, with much of the campus displaying period architecture. The libraries are a key attraction, as they contain an infinitely impressive collection of literature and host more than three million visitors every year, with some of the most attractive being the Law Library, Baillieu Library and the Eastern Resource Centre. Campuses outside of Parkville focus on the courses of performing arts, veterinary science, forestry, agriculture, dentistry and medicine, and other outside buildings include the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Medical History Museum and Grainger Museum. Visitors to the campus can also explore the advanced research facilities, as the university is one of the most important research centres in Australia, or witness a sports event, as many of the teams are very successful, including lacrosse and tennis.
The local transport systems of Melbourne accommodate the university, so various bus routes travel to the main campus and beyond, and encourage sustainable transport methods of trains and trams. Visitors can also drive to the university and use the campus parking facilities. Major transportation hubs like the central bus and train stations are within easy reach, and Melbourne Airport is less than a 30-minute drive away.
Established by Hugh Childers in 1852, the University of Melbourne began serving students with degrees in arts, medicine law and music, with construction beginning in 1854 and finishing in 1855, when the university officially opened. The first chancellor was Sir Redmond Barry, who held the position until 1880, and the university celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2003.