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Education portfolio

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education is responsible for the following portfolio areas:

Centre for English Teaching (CET)

The Centre for English Teaching (CET), led by Director Patrick Pheasant, provides English language university preparation courses for post-graduate students. The Centre offers direct entry pathway programs to the University as well as general English, business and professional English programs. CET also offers IELTS test preparation courses and customised short and long term programs.

Further information on the Centre for English Teaching can be found on its webpage.

Graduate Studies Office (GSO)

The Graduate Studies Office, led by Director Simon French, serves as a focus for all postgraduate research and coursework activities across the University. The GSO aims to enhance the quality of coursework and research higher degrees and the postgraduate experience by working closely with faculties and other units of the University to provide support on key processes and policies.

Further information on the Graduate Studies Office can be found on the website.

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Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL)

The Director of the Institute for Teaching and Learning (led by Professor Keith Trigwell, Director) is responsible for working collaboratively with the University of Sydney academic community to enhance and help assure the quality of learning and teaching.

Further information about the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) can be found on its website.

International Student Office (IO)

The International Student Office is the arm of the University of Sydney dedicated to assisting International Students in their application to study at the University, and in their time while they are students at the University. The Director of the International Student Office is Mr Peter Ball.

Further information about the International Student Office can be found on its website.

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Koori Centre

The Koori Centre, led by Director Ms Janet Mooney, provides programs, services and facilities to encourage and support the involvement of Indigenous Australians in all aspects of tertiary education at the University of Sydney. The centre provides tutorial assistance, access to computers, an Indigenous research library, study space, an orientation program at the beginning of the year and assistance in study and learning skills. In particular, the Koori Centre aims to:

  • increase the successful participation of Indigenous Australians in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees;
  • develop the teaching of Aboriginal Studies;
  • conduct research in the field of Aboriginal Education; and
  • establish working ties with schools and communities.

Further information on the Koori Centre can be found on its website.

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Learning Centre

The Learning Centre, led by Dr Helen Drury, helps students develop the generic learning and communication skills that are necessary for university study and beyond. The centre is committed to helping students achieve their academic potential throughout their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Further information about the Learning Centre can be found on its website.

Mathematics Learning Centre

The Mathematics Learning Centre offers bridging courses and assists eligible undergraduate students to develop the mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence that are needed for studying mathematics or statistics at university. The Head of the Mathematics Learning Centre is Ms Jackie Nicholas.

Further information about the Mathematics Learning Centre can be found on its website.

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Student Support Services

Student Support Services assist students’ achievement of educational goals, retention and success at University through personal, financial and instrumental support, and through encouraging development of independence and personal resilience. Student Support Services act as key points of contact for the University and Faculty regarding support for students, dealing with complex student presentations, and for advice regarding policy and procedure developments and the likely impact on student wellbeing.

  • Accommodation Information Service
  • Careers Centre
  • Child Care Information Office
  • Counselling and Psychological Services
  • Disability Services
  • Financial Assistance Service
  • Scholarships Office
  • Orientation Program

Within the DVC Portfolio the Director Student Support services also has responsibility for International House, and acts as a key contact point for the Multi Faith Chaplaincy Centre.

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Sydney eLearning

The Director of eLearning and Learning Spaces, Associate Professor Rob Ellis is responsible for:

  • managing Sydney eLearning
  • ensuring University quality standards for delivery and support of eLearning are developed, practiced and reviewed across all platforms used in the University
  • providing University-wide strategic planning in the area of ICT in Teaching and Learning
  • developing appropriate policy recommendations for the use of ICT in Teaching and Learning


Further information about Sydney eLearning can be found on its website.

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The Social Inclusion Unit

The Social Inclusion Unit, led by Director Annette Cairnduff, works with the University community to develop programs and policy to make the University of Sydney accessible and appealing to the most promising students from our diverse community. This includes initiatives such as the Compass Program and The Smith Family which work with schools and community to encourage and support primary and high school students to attend higher education.

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