PBRF results show Unitec unique

PBRF results show Unitec unique

With the PBRF results released this week showing Unitec New Zealand well ahead of the polytechnic sector, the report confirms Unitec’s unique place as New Zealand’s only dual-sector institution, according to the institute’s head of research.

Professor Jacqueline Rowarth, Unitec’s Director (Research) and Dean of the Postgraduate Division, said the results were pleasing as they showed the strong research culture that supported the institute’s teaching and learning.

“The report shows that we have excellent research as judged by the panel in a range of disciplines, particularly in the areas of education, design and architecture.

“We are a dual-sector institution, combining the best aspects of technical institutes and universities, so all of the research conducted by our staff informs their teaching and practice.”

Unitec’s academic staff are spread across three divisions, with entry level qualifications and vocational training delivered by the VET division, and the remaining two divisions delivering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Professor Rowarth said Unitec’s rankings were a fair indication of where it fitted in the tertiary landscape. “Our results clearly position us between the university sector and polytechnic sector, underlining our commitment to dual-sector education, and we are the only institute without university status to have a staff member receive an A rating. This further demonstrates that we are a different type of institute.”

ENDS

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