The University of Wollongong is committed to working towards the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its governance, teaching and learning, community engagement, partnerships and research. The following initiatives are by UOW staff and students working towards SDG 4: Quality Education.
Goal 4: Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Teaching & learning
1st
Ranking for skills development in NSW (QILT 2021)
2nd
Ranking for student support in NSW (QILT 2021)
3rd
Ranking for learner engagement in NSW (QILT 2021)
918
Number of first-generation students starting a degree
995
Students studying sujects about this goal
Advocacy & outreach
665
Media stories about this goal in 2020
114K
Media stories reached an audience of 114K on social media in 2020
Research
21.4%
Publications with international collaboration
2.7
Citations per publication (global average 1.9)
7.7%
Publications in top 10% journals
19
Policy documents related to SDG 4
Community outreach and education
UOW runs a wide range of public events and activities to make research more accessible to the wider community. From TEDxUWollongong, the Big Ideas Festival, Uni in the Brewery to Three Minute Thesis, UOW hosts a variety of research-focused events each year. The Big Ideas Festival attracted over 600 people from the Wollongong community to the University in 2019 and 538 viewed the event via Facebook live stream.
Outreach and school programs
Our outreach and school programs start working with students in high school and on to vocational pathways or university, to ensure their successful journey through higher education. Connection with these students enables their transition and success at university, by providing peer support and coaching, mentoring and academic skill-building.
Early Start Research
Early Start’s Research conducts world class, evidence-based research that drives government policy, and assists industry professionals and the broader public in making informed educational decisions for policy and practice. The institutes’ research aims to overcome disadvantage and impact the lives of children, youth, and families.
Future Makers
The Future Makers research team is engaging a community of ‘makers’ from high school students and primary teachers, to entrepreneurs through to retired steelworkers. The space brings a community of makers together offering an engaging learning experience centred around STEM education, recycling and sustainability. The research project is evaluating whether ‘making’ activities can enhance STEM education by encouraging interest and improving outcomes.
Science Space
Established in 1989, Science Space is the only dedicated science experience in NSW and is a place where anyone, young and old, can come and see how science and technology discoveries have become reality. It is a place to be inspired about what the future holds and is founded upon the principles of education, hands-on learning and accessibility.
Peer Assisted Study Sessions
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) provide a learning atmosphere which differs from the traditional tutorial environment. Hundreds of staff from dozens of institutions around the Australasian region have benefited from training and assistance delivered by PASS@UOW. Over 30,000 students have participated in PASS and evidence shows that a student that attends attains higher marks and is less likely to fail or withdraw from a subject.
Leading Through Culture Program
A collaboration between UOW and the NSW Department of Education, the Leading Through Culture Program is embedded with cultural knowledge and activities, whilst also fostering leadership capabilities through engaging in UOW faculty workshops. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 9 students across selected In2Uni high schools are invited to participate in a 2 day on-campus cultural leadership program. Students complete the program by using the concept of design thinking to take part in a collaborative Leadership Action Project within their school community.
iAccelerate educate ‘Activate’ program
The iAccelerate educate ‘Activate’ program encourages start-ups to align their purpose with the Global Goals. The ‘Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals’ modules led by facilitator Associate Professor Belinda Gibbons, introduces start-ups to UN SDG resources to identify ways in which a start-up’s value proposition aligns with the UN SDGs. iAccelerate has had interest from Global Honours Program students and resident philosophy students who are interested particularly in the SDG module of the overall Activate program.
Learning Labs
Learning Labs is designed for motivated and passionate learners who are performing excellently in their area of interest. Learning Labs offers workshops during the school holidays covering a range of interest areas. Workshops are challenging, as well as fun, and are a place where students can meet like-minded peers.
Digital Child
UOW researchers are contributing to world-first research to understand the impact of digital technology on children. The results of this research will benefit parents and inform improvements to children’s health and education policy. It brings together expertise from six Australian universities, along with 33 academic and industry partner organisations from Australia, Europe, Asia and America.
Subjects and Courses for the SDGs
UOW is actively working towards incorporating the SDGs into our educational offerings. This will ensure that our students are well informed global citizens that can continue to contribute to realising sustainable development throughout their studies and careers.
VIEW SDG Subjects and Courses