Know Us Better

Curtin History

About Curtin

In 1987 Curtin University of Technology became Western Australia’s third university and Australia’s first university of technology. Curtin made the transition from the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) to a university with the passing of an Act of Parliament in December 1986, accepting its first students as a university in 1987.

The Curtin name was taken from the influential and widely revered former Prime Minister of Australia, John Curtin. Remembered as a true statesman, Curtin held office during World War II from 1941-1945, when he died in office only six weeks before the Japanese surrender.

 

He led Australia through some of its darkest years with resolute tenacity and will be remembered by Australians, regardless of their political leanings, as one of the country’s greatest leaders.

Now, more than 50 years after his death, Curtin University still strives to honour John Curtin’s values of vision, leadership and community service. We believe our innovative curriculum, world-class research and dedication to community service embrace John Curtin’s values.

Our Philosophy

“The great university … should look ever forward; for it the past should be but a preparation for the greater days to be.”

John Curtin

Our Mission

Transform lives and communities through education and research.

Our Values

  • Integrity – to act ethically, honestly and with fairness
  • Respect – to listen, value and acknowledge
  • Courage – to lead, take responsibility and question
  • Excellence – to strive for excellence and distinction
  • Impact – to empower, enable and inspire

Teaching

In Dubai, our educational and research programs are delivered by our five study areas. Our courses have applied, practical units with a strong emphasis on industry links.

We design our courses with careers in mind. This means you get to work closely with companies in your chosen field throughout your degree.

Our study areas have strong research ties, committed to coming up with innovative solutions to today’s problems.

The courses are delivered by our four study areas:

  • Curtin Business School
  • Faculty of Arts & Humanities
  • Faculty of Science & Engineering

 

What we do

Curtin’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research extends beyond course delivery. We forge significant, mutually-beneficial partnerships with industry and community organisations to share the benefits of our research outcomes and provide students with the opportunity to learn in real workplaces.

Practical courses with career-ready graduates

We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, humanities, health sciences, resources, engineering and related sciences.

Focused on research

We are focused on practical research that solves real-world problems.

Contributing to industry

We forge mutually beneficial partnerships with government, industry and regional communities, which generate learning and research opportunities for our students and external organisations.

Partnering with our community

We have a thriving community of students, staff, alumni and university visitors participating in a range of initiatives within our local communities.

Research

In pursuit of this overall goal, we have established a strong track record of working with industry, government and community groups to understand their needs and – through innovative research and development – to provide long-term benefits.

Areas of strength

Curtin’s research strengths are concentrated around three broad themes. It is in these areas that we will continue to concentrate our research efforts:

Resources and Chemistry Precinct

The Resources and Chemistry Precinct enables experts from industry, university and government to collaborate, advancing the nation’s capabilities in chemistry, minerals and energy.

The precinct accommodates over 300 professional scientists, engineers and staff in state-of-the-art facilities for research in petroleumhydrometallurgy and nanochemistry fields.

Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) Biosciences

The Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) Biosciences is a $35 million world-class facility. It will drive the search for better methods of preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of chronic diseases – and reduce the impact of diseases that burden populations worldwide. The Faculty’s 24 health professions work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research groups across a network of schools and centres, to develop high-impact, high-quality research.

R&D Now

The Office of Research and Development’s bi-annual research magazine R&D Now provides a glimpse of research activities at Curtin, with articles covering a wide cross-section of disciplines. View the current and previous R&D Now issues at the Office of Research and Development.