SAS forges dynamic partnership with Torrens University to elevate data analytics education in Australia

Upskilling is critical in a digitally-led world where technologies are rapidly evolving to meet business demands from customers. Equally important is the quality of upskilling as investments into training and education must be compatible with industry advancements. Understanding this, SAS, the leader in global analytics, is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Torrens University Australia. 

This innovative partnership synergises SAS' renowned industry expertise with Torrens University’s academic distinction, equipping students with skills to operate industry specific tools such as SAS® Viya® and SAS® Visual Data Mining and Machine Learning, giving them a distinct and in-demand competitive advantage in the workforce. 

Claire Davison, Associate Dean, School of Business Analysis and Technical Management at Torrens University, said the partnership highlights the importance of industry and higher education collaborating to reach the full potential of new technologies.

"We are thrilled to bring together two renowned organisations, Torrens University and SAS, with a shared vision of preparing students for the digital era and future work,” said Ms Davison.

“We believe this partnership holds immense potential and will have a positive impact on Torrens University, SAS and the professional workforces of the future."

Torrens University is the first university in Australia to make SAS Certification, specifically SAS Machine Learning Specialist, a compulsory requirement to complete a Master of Business Analytics degree. This requirement is designed to ensure students graduate with valuable skills and experience using globally renowned industry tools.

As part of the partnership, students completing a course on machine learning can unlock hands-on access to SAS Viya technology. Experience using the technology is gained through the SAS Viya for Learners platform as well as the SAS Skill Builder for Students learning platform, providing students with the opportunity to fill any knowledge gaps or complete further reading outside of the course. The comprehensive resources provided by SAS combined with the expertise of Torrens University’s academic team prepares students for their exams and successful completion of industry certifications.

Torrens University has also integrated SAS® Visual Analytics into teaching practices in their visual analytics and storytelling subject, and are planning to extend SAS Certification pathways to include SAS® Visual Business Analytics Specialists.

SAS is also offering students information about career connections and next-step advice, providing guidance on what they need to know, and should be considering when planning their future careers.

“Helping students extend their knowledge base beyond theory into practical experience using tools that they will encounter in the workplace provides them with a competitive advantage in the job market,” said Ian Edwards, SAS, Head of Academic Outreach, ANZ.

“Employers are looking for individuals who can understand how to manage and gain insight from the masses of data produced within their organisation.  To have these certifications already completed in conjunction with the industry leader is a major advantage for students. It’s great to partner with Torrens University, who understand this, and want to ensure their students gain access to the best tools and the right accreditations to get ahead,” said Edwards.

Central to this collaboration are several focus areas:

• Curriculum Enrichment: Embedding SAS' real-world analytics insights into Torrens University’s innovative programs.
• Bridging Industry-Academia: Engaging students in immersive industry interactions, from workshops to seminars, with the support of SAS' expansive network.
• Student Professional Trajectory: Offering a platform for students to interact with the best minds in analytics, ensuring they're not just job-ready but industry-ready.
• Innovation & Exploration: Harnessing the power of data to innovate and develop solutions for today's pressing global issues.
• Empowering SAS Professionals: An exceptional initiative enabling SAS to harness Torrens University's academic expertise and foster continuous professional growth.

“Partnering with SAS reaffirms Torrens University’s ethos of delivering unmatched educational experiences,” said Ms Davison.

“Our combined vision is clear - to nurture generations of students who are not just academically astute but are also industry trailblazers.”

In a world where data is the driving force, the SAS and Torrens University collaboration promises to be a guiding light, charting the course for students towards a data-empowered future. 

About Torrens University Australia

As Australia’s fastest-growing university, Torrens University Australia brings a careers-focused and global perspective to Australian higher education. With around 21,000 students from 124+ countries, Torrens University boasts a credible industry-immersive difference for its students and strong research output. Offering high-quality and specialised degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, Torrens University proudly delivers undergraduate, graduate and specialised degree programs at campuses in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, China and online. Torrens University’s vision, “We champion the power of people to connect the world for good”, and its values of beginning and ending with people, being good, being creative and bold, and being global are at its core. As a private higher education provider, Torrens University Australia is the only university in Australia and New Zealand, and one of four globally, to be a Certified B Corporation, meaning we are committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.