ICMS’ University College Vision: Leading Industry-Focused Education for Northern Beaches, Sydney, and Beyond

The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) is aiming to become a University College, marking a significant milestone in its 30-year history of providing excellence in industry-focused higher education.

The goal of University College status is a three year vision; an objective set by the college subject to regulatory approval by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

“At ICMS, we look towards a future where we are recognised as Australia’s first industry-focused University College in the fields of Business Management and Hospitality,” ICMS President Rowan Courtney-O’Connor said.

“Our goal to achieve University College status will be built on our legacy, and is an affirmation of our future.”

A University College established in Northern Beaches, Sydney, NSW

Established in 1996, ICMS is known for its industry-focused, high-quality education.

Over 2,000 students from more than 50 countries attend classes at campuses in Northern Beaches, Sydney, NSW, and at the City Campus in Sydney’s business district.

It provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to both domestic and international students.

The TEQSA accredited course offerings recently expanded with the addition of a suite of Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and Information Technology (IT) degrees, further expanding its academic offerings to meet the needs of students and industry.

ICMS degrees are widely acknowledged by industry partners globally.

“The pursuit of University College status represents more than a strategic maneuver; it is a testament to the collective dedication and support of the ICMS community and the wider Northern Beaches community,” Courtney-O’Connor said.

“Our journey of nearly 30 years focused on industry student outcomes is a lasting proof to this commitment.

“By seeking to attain this significant milestone, ICMS continues to deepen its engagement with industry, forge closer community ties, and redefine standards of excellence in business management education.”

Building Upon a Legacy of Excellence

ICMS has earned recognition for its industry-focused curriculum from respected industry partners, local communities, and a diverse group of students and alumni.

With a strong focus on industry experience and skills development, ICMS boasts an impressive record of graduate employment.

For example, ICMS was one of five finalists, and the only private provider in Australia, selected in the Employability category of the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards 2023.

The full-time employment rate of ICMS graduates surpasses that of Australia’s best-ranked universities, with around 90% of students graduating with a job in their field.

ICMS has been recognised for its excellence in specific areas, ranking #1 in Australia for Hospitality and Skills Development in the 2022 QILT survey.

The institution also outperforms the Group of Eight (Go8) universities in various aspects, such as student satisfaction and overall graduate employment rates.

ICMS’ dedication to supporting its students is evident through initiatives like the ICMS Professional Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $13 million worth of scholarships since it was started 13 years ago.

Crucially, for an industry-focused institution, ICMS maintains partnerships with over 1,000 industry partners, further enhancing the opportunities available to its students.

Scholarly output

ICMS is strategically positioning itself as a prominent institution with a strong focus on scholarly output and academic excellence.

The institution’s commitment to scholarly engagement extends not only to its students and faculty but also to industry connections, showcasing a well-rounded approach to academia.

In order to achieve University College status, ICMS is strengthening its capabilities in several key areas under the guidance of ICMS DVC (Learning and Teaching), Dr Heidi Le Sueur.

These include:

• The development and implementation of a comprehensive industry-centered curriculum to ensure relevance and alignment with industry standards.
• Enhancing professional development opportunities for faculty members to foster a high-caliber academic environment.
• Establishing a framework for the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SoLT) that will further showcase ICMS’s dedication to quality education.
• Conducting accredited research studies as an integral part of the academic program, demonstrating a commitment to scholarly advancement.
• Undergoing external peer review of accredited courses of study and actively promoting an inclusive and interconnected learning environment.

This positions ICMS within the wider spectrum of higher education institutions, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence and its role in advancing knowledge within the academic community.

Community Involvement

ICMS has cultivated a strong and enduring relationship with the Manly Business Chamber (MBC) over the past two decades. This partnership has proven to be mutually beneficial, contributing to the advancement of both institutions.

This collaboration demonstrates ICMS’s dedication to not only providing industry-focused higher education but also actively engaging with the local business community to create a positive impact.

“ICMS is a civic leader on the Northern Beaches,” Courtney-O’Connor said.

“Our community would have access to a University College on the Northern Beaches for the first time in history, strengthening Sydney’s higher educational landscape by providing more access to higher education.”

For more information about ICMS, click here.