Founded in 1989, Western Sydney University is ranked in the top 2 percent of universities in the world. Over 85 percent of the University's examined research was ranked at world class or better. Each institute enriches the University's research abilities and expertise in areas like climate change, water conservation, smart engineering, the changing social landscape and human-machine communicating. The University boasts exceptional campuses throughout Western Sydney such as Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool City, Nirimba (Blacktown), Parramatta, Parramatta City, Penrith and Sydney City. Western Sydney University, the Faculty, owned at the University, offers college pathway courses and VET courses at Bankstown, Nirimba, along with Sydney Olympic Park. With a student population in excess of 48,500 and 3,500 staff, Western Sydney University has become one among the biggest universities in Australia. The University is closely connected to Western Sydney, one of the world's economic powerhouses where ten per cent of Australians live, and includes a teaching and research structure made to fit the challenges of the market. Western Sydney University offers students a wide range of standard disciplines together with the most current in advanced thinking. Courses are delivered through advanced, relevant, engaging and flexible study options.