The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will close its schools of education and public health under a multi-million-dollar restructure that will cut more than 1,100 subjects and 134 jobs.
UTS had previously announced 400 job losses as part of a cost-cutting initiative to save $100 million.
In an updated proposal, released on Wednesday, the university said it would combine its trans-disciplinary and business schools to create a new faculty of Business and Law.
University management is looking to save $100 million in a raft of cost-cutting measures. (ABC News: Monish Nand)
Under the change, the number of schools will shrink from 24 to 15 with the closure of its International Studies and Education and Public Health schools, as well as its teacher training program.
This would lead to the discontinuation of 167 courses, including 1,101 subjects, and 134 full-time job losses, according to the proposal.
The $100 million bid to return to surplus
The move is part of UTS’ plan to reduce its expenditure by $100 million across 2026 and return it to surplus after five years of deficits since COVID-19.
Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt said policy restrictions on domestic and international students had led to limited revenue growth.
“UTS is focused on achieving a sustainable future where students can continue to get the quality of education they expect, and we can continue to deliver research outcomes for the communities that benefit from our work,” Professor Parfitt said in a statement.
“Our commitment to public education and focus on the student experience is paramount.”
UTS Vice-Chancellor and President Andrew Parfitt. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)
Restructure sparks calls for greater scrutiny
Vince Caughley, from the National Tertiary Education Union, described the proposal as “poorly managed”.
“At a time when health and education have never been more important, when there is shortage of teaching and health professionals in the community, it seems curious that a public institution would make this decision and be allowed to make this decision,” he said.
Vince Caughley described the proposal as “poorly managed”. (ABC)
He argued UTS management was not putting the needs of the public first and called for greater scrutiny and renewed governance.
“There is nothing in the financial state affairs relating to the university that means they are of imminent risk of collapse,” he said.
“Yet the scale of the cuts, almost a third of teaching to go, 400 staff to be thrown to the scrap heap… the vice chancellor is all about financial optics.”
Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, Mehreen Faruqi, said the proposed restructuring was an “absolute disgrace”.
“As per usual, it is the staff, students, and the wider community that will bear the brunt of terrible management decisions, while those making them continue to be rewarded with exorbitant salaries and lavish benefits,” she said.
“Overhauling university governance is absolutely urgent. Staff and students deserve to be key decision-makers at their universities, not overpaid executives or corporate appointees.”
NSW government in contact with vice chancellor
Murat Dizdar says teachers are “important for the state’s social and economic fabric”. (ABC)
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said having a strong and viable teaching pipeline was critical for the state.
“Teaching is the profession that creates every single other profession, it’s so important for the state’s social and economic fabric,” he said.
“As we’re grappling with a national and international teacher shortage, we need every graduate we can get entering the profession.”
Mr Dizdar confirmed he had been in contact with the vice-chancellor about the proposal.
“My understanding is this is a complex change process for the university,” he said.
“I have made representation and urged him to look closely at the teacher and education courses.”
The proposal will be subject to a consultation period until October 15.
UTS said any approved changes would come into effect in 2026.