PVC Faculty of Health - Prof Mike CalfordPro Vice-Chancellor's Welcome

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle. We offer a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the diverse fields of health care. By studying with us, you are preparing yourself for an exciting career in health, whether as a health care professional or in medical research.

Practical and hands-on study

Building upon our reputation gained through being the first Australian university to introduce problem based learning to medical education, you'll find that our degree programs are student-centred. We're focused on the education of professionals, ensuring that you succeed in your chosen career. This is supported by our strong relationships with both employers and accreditation bodies.

No matter which degree program you study, you will establish close practical links with your chosen field through Area Health Services, private hospitals and community services, or through industry involvement. These relationships are highly supportive and respected, in particular the interests and rights of patients, clients or others, who will collaborate in your learning process.

A leader in health research

The Faculty of Health is one of the top 10 research institutions in the country with total annual funding of approximately $31 million from external grants and partnerships, and a contingent of 231 research higher degree Masters and PhD students across the Faculty's four Schools. We are a multi-professional faculty offering interdisciplinary training in health and medical research. A leader in the fields of neuroscience, cancer research, reproduction, public health, asthma and respiratory disease, our faculty has internationally competitive facilities for biotechnological research.

This strong research focus is demonstrated by our involvement in a majority of the University's newly established Priority Research Centres, including:

Making education available to everyone

We have a strong commitment to equity and diversity for all students. In particular, we work to assist Indigenous students to enter higher education studies in the medical and health-related professions through the Yapug bridging program. We are proud of our leadership role in Indigenous Health Education and can currently claim that the majority of Indigenous doctors in Australia are our graduates!

On behalf of the staff and current students of the Faculty of Health, I welcome you.

Professor Mike Calford
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health)