Learning and Teaching Performance Fund

The Learning and Teaching Performance Fund was announced in 2003 as part of the Australian Government's Our Universities: Backing Australia's Future initiative. The purpose of the fund is to reward higher education providers that best demonstrate excellence in learning and teaching. Funding of $54.4 million in 2006, increasing to approximately $82 million in 2007 and $83.3 million in 2008 is to be allocated as part of the Government's renewed focus on teaching quality in Australian universities.

Murdoch University's long history of a strong strategic commitment to student-centred learning and teaching has been affirmed by the award of $2.01 million in 2006 and $3.33 million from the 2007 Learning and Teaching Performance Fund (LTPF).

In 2007, Murdoch received funding in three broad discipline groupings based on our performance in measures of student satisfaction, student progress and graduate outcomes. We rated in the top category, A1, for both Science, computing, engineering, architecture & agriculture, and Humanities, arts & education whereas the Health category at Murdoch was rated A2.

It is highly appropriate that Murdoch is one of an elite group of institutions to have received funding in both years of the LTPF because of our commitment to the student experience, drawing on our highly qualified teachers in a research-intensive University.

Funds from the 2005 LTPF formed the base grant for the development of the "Learning Common" in the Library. The creation of a 24/7 one-stop shop for student learning and services will help Murdoch to make students feel welcome and engaged with the University. In turn, this will help students to develop academically and socially, and will promote student success and retention.

Our success in this initiative demonstrates Murdoch's balance between world-class research and top quality education.