University of Newcastle considers phasing out some courses

The University of Newcastle is looking to phase out some courses after "significant" changes in demand.

The university announced proposed changes at its Sydney campus on Elizabeth Street on September 21 after it undertook a review of its future and long-term sustainability.

Vice-chancellor academic and global Professor Belinda Tynan said the Sydney campus had traditionally focused on postgraduate programs serving international students.

"In recent years, demand for these programs has changed significantly, partly driven by shifts in the broader operating environment," Professor Tynan said.

The Newcastle Herald understands a weakening international recruitment pipeline at the campus, which was driven by increased visa scrutiny and lower visa grant rates, and below-average retention rates were part of ongoing material pressures.

The university was proposing to cease new student commencements in some courses at the Sydney campus and to begin a teach-out process.

A teach-out program is one that has been discontinued and is in the process of being phased out or replaced with a new course, and remains active for students already enrolled.

The programs proposed for teach-out include Master of Business Administration, Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced), Dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Professional Accounting, and Master of Information Technology.

All programs were also offered in Newcastle and online

The proposal also includes ceasing enrolments in standalone and packaged Graduate Certificate pathway programs, which feed into the master's degrees, offered exclusively at the Sydney campus.

Professor Tynan said students who were already enrolled would continue their studies and be supported to complete their degrees.

She said degrees taught through the university's Global Institute of Sport would continue from the Sydney campus and the site would remain an important location for partnerships, pathways, and industry engagement.

"A small number of staff may be affected by the proposal," she said.

"Where possible, staff have been offered transfers to the university's new Gosford Central location."

The Herald understands the proposed changes could include five full-time equivalent disestablished occupied continuing roles, 0.6 full-time equivalent disestablished vacant roles and 3.6 full-time equivalent positions to be transferred.

Professor Tynan said no final decision had been made and affected staff would be supported through a formal consultation process.

"Our focus is on supporting our people while we take a considered approach to the future of the university's Sydney campus," she said.