University of Sydney Business School: A History of Academic Evolution
The journey of the University of Sydney Business School is a testament to the evolving nature of economic and commercial education. From its early roots as a specialized faculty to its current status as a comprehensive business institution, the school has continuously adapted its curriculum and structure to meet the demands of a changing global economy.
The Foundation of Economic Studies
The academic foundation began with the Bachelor of Economics degree, which first commenced in 1914. This led to the formal establishment of the Faculty of Economics in 1920. As the demand for advanced knowledge grew, the faculty expanded its offerings to include a postgraduate Master of Economics degree in 1925.
For several decades, the faculty focused on core economic principles before diversifying its academic portfolio in the latter half of the 20th century. In 1985, the institution introduced the Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences and the Master of Economic and Social Sciences, broadening the scope of study to include social dimensions of economics.
Expansion of Commercial and International Programs
The 1990s marked a period of rapid diversification. In 1993, the Bachelor of Commerce was introduced to provide a more practical approach to business studies. This was followed by a series of specialized postgraduate degrees designed for a globalized world: the Master of International Studies in 1994, the Master of Commerce in 1995, and the Master of International Business in 1999.
During this era, the school also collaborated with the Australian Graduate School of Management, a joint venture with The University of New South Wales, until the association ended in 2005.
Structural Reorganization and the Birth of the Business School
Between 2006 and 2007, the University conducted a comprehensive review of its social sciences faculties. This review led to a strategic redistribution of disciplines to better align academic goals. In January 2008, the disciplines of Political Economy and Government & International Relations were transferred to the Faculty of Arts.
A further transition occurred in January 2011. The Discipline of Economics, the Graduate School of Government, and the Centre for International Security Studies were moved to the Faculty of Arts, which was subsequently renamed the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. This reorganization allowed the remaining disciplines of the Faculty of Economics and Business to officially form the University of Sydney Business School.
Modernization and Global Positioning
In the last decade, the Business School has focused heavily on executive education and international recognition. On July 30, 2009, the school announced the Global Executive MBA program, which launched in February 2010. This was followed by the announcement of the Sydney Master of Business Administration (MBA) on July 30, 2012, with the program commencing in February 2013.
To support these high-level programs, the school invested in physical infrastructure. In 2013, a purpose-fitted CBD (Central Business District) campus opened to accommodate part-time MBA participants. In 2016, the Abercrombie Building was officially opened by the Treasurer of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian. Most recently, a new full-time MBA program was launched in 2017 for entry in 2018.
Key Facts
- Established: Faculty of Economics founded in 1920 (Bachelor's degree began in 1914).
- Key Transition: The University of Sydney Business School was formally created in January 2011.
- Core Infrastructure: Operates a dedicated CBD campus and the Abercrombie Building.
- Flagship Programs: Offers a Global Executive MBA and a Sydney MBA designed for international recognition.
- Academic Shift: Economics and Political Economy disciplines were transferred to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences between 2008 and 2011.
| Year | Program Introduced |
|---|---|
| 1914 | Bachelor of Economics |
| 1925 | Master of Economics |
| 1985 | Bachelor and Master of Economic and Social Sciences |
| 1993 | Bachelor of Commerce |
| 1994 | Master of International Studies |
| 1995 | Master of Commerce |
| 1999 | Master of International Business |
| 2010 | Global Executive MBA |
| 2013 | Sydney MBA |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Faculty of Economics established?
The Faculty of Economics was established in 1920, although the Bachelor of Economics degree had already begun in 1914.
How did the University of Sydney Business School come into existence?
It was formed in January 2011 from the remaining disciplines of the Faculty of Economics and Business after other departments, such as Economics and Political Economy, were transferred to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
What are the primary MBA offerings at the Business School?
The school offers a Global Executive MBA (launched in 2010), a Sydney MBA (launched in 2013), and a full-time MBA program (launched for 2018 entry).
What is the significance of the Abercrombie Building?
The Abercrombie Building is a key facility for the Business School, officially opened in 2016 by the then-Treasurer of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian.
Which disciplines were moved to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?
The disciplines transferred included Government & International Relations, Political Economy, the Discipline of Economics, the Centre for International Security Studies, and the Graduate School of Government.