Professor Rick Bennett
Raised and educated in London, Rick completed undergraduate studies in the Fine Arts before working for 7 years within the UK film & television industry specialising in TV commercials and music video production.
After emigrating to Australia in 1990, Rick worked at the University of New South Wales (in Sydney) where for 24 years he was based within the School of Design Studies before leading a new online education department and managing the curriculum design and teaching of more than 40 fully online courses in art and design, ultimately leading to production of the first fully-online Masters (coursework) program at UNSW.
Rick’s research over the last 20 years has explored advances in digital technology and the interdependence between design professions and design education and potentials for online offerings. This resulted in invitations to numerous talks worldwide, significant research grants and publications, as well as prestigious awards. Notably, in 2004, he was awarded the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools – Australian Teacher of the Year.
In 2015, Rick relocated to Vietnam as Dean, School of Communication & Design at RMIT University. In 2018, he was later appointed as RMIT Vietnam Executive Dean (Academic & Students) before moving to the British University Vietnam (BUV) in 2022, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctor of Philosophy (2004 – 2009)
The University of Sydney, Australia
Thesis: Drawing on the Virtual Collective: Exploring Online Collaborative Creativity
- Master of Higher Education (1994 -1998)
The University of New South Wales, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fine Arts (1981-1984)
Bristol Polytechnic, England (UK)
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
- British University Vietnam (BUV)
Professor (2022 – Current)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President
- RMIT University (Vietnam)
Professor (2015 – 2022)
Executive Dean (Academic & Students) (2019 – 2022)
Vice-President (Academic) (2018-19)
Dean, School of Communication & Design (2015-2018)
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
Assoc. Lecturer to Assoc. Professor (1990 – 2015)
Head, College of Fine Arts Online
RESEARCH AREAS / FIELDS
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
- Online Learning & Teaching
- Graphic Design, Foundation Design Theories
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
- Polaine, A., & Bennett, R. (2010)
Creative Waves: Exploring Emerging Online Cultures, Social Networking and Creative Collaboration Through e-Learning to Offer Visual Campaigns for Local Kenyan Health Needs. In Collaborative Technologies and Applications for Interactive Information Design: Emerging Trends in User Experiences, Rummler, Scott & Ng, Kwong-Bor (Eds.), Hershey, PA: IGI Global. ISBN: 978-1-60566-727-7
- Martini, N., Harrison, J., & Bennett, R. (2010)
Creating Waves across geographical and disciplinary divides through online creative collaboration. In Interaction in Communication Technologies & Virtual Learning Environments, Ragusa, Angela, T. (Ed), Human Factors, IGI Global, pp 9-25.
ISBN: 978-1-60566-874-1
- Bennett, R. & Dziekan, V. (2005)
Online Collaboration in the Creative Process: Working With the Most Interactive Community of Designers We Have [N]ever Met.
Designs on E-Learning International Conference Proceedings: The University of the Arts, London, England, ISBN: 1-903455-09-X
RESEARCH & CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS / EXHIBITIONS
- Bennett, R. (2021)
Barriers to Online Education for Higher Education in Vietnam – (Keynote Address)
2021 Auscham Education Conference Vietnam (Online)
- Bennett, R. (2014)
Global Classrooms, Local Benefits
2014 International Conference on Global Education for Digital Natives – (Keynote Address)
Tamkang University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Bennett, R. (2011)
Creative Outreach Through Computing in Education
Global Learn Asia Pacific 2011 Conference – (Keynote Address)
The Sebel Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, Australia.
- Bennett, R. (2013)
The Banglos Project – Design Exhibition
Ayala Museum, Makati, Manila, Philippines.
- Bennett, R. (2011)
DasManila – Design Exhibition
Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney, Australia.
RESEARCH GRANTS
- McIntyre, S., Bennett, R., & Watson, K. (2009)
Australian Learning & Teaching Council (ALTC)
Learning to Teach Online: Developing high-quality video and text resources to help educators teach online. ($219,000)
- Bennett, R. & McIntyre, S. (2007)
UNSW Learning & Teaching Performance Fund
Planning, Infrastructure Provision and Establishment of the UNSW Academy of Online Art and Design Education ($68,000)
- Bennett, R. & Chan, L. (2004-06)
Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant
Formalising a System and Approach for an Effective Online Collaborative Design Process in Visual Communication. ($260,000)
AWARDS & HONOURS
- Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2006)
Carrick Institute (now ALTC)
‘For pioneering internationally recognised best practice in online education in the creative arts and design’
- AUQA Commendation (2006)
Australian University Quality Agency
‘For good practice in systematisation of online delivery and innovation in online collaborative education.’
- President’s Award (2005)
Australasian Society of Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (Ascilite)
‘For innovation and exemplary use of technology in higher education’.
- ACUADS Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award (2004)
Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools (ACUADS)
- UNSW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2001)
‘For exemplary innovation in the use of technology in teaching
- Share
Read more 
Teaching Practitioner
Bui Hoang Ha ChauChau is a seasoned professional in software development, particularly in game development, with over 10 years of experience. He graduated from FPT University with a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering in 2017 and later earned a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from FSB (FPT School of Business & Technology). With a deep passion for technology […]
Lecturer
Program Lead for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Donie, originating from Iloilo City, Philippines, obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of San Agustin in 2000. Over two years, he garnered valuable IT industry experience post-graduation. Transitioning to academia in 2004, he spent seven years as an Assistant Instructor at Saint Paul University Iloilo, nurturing a passion for teaching and […]
Associate Lecturer
Darius PostmaRaised in South Africa, Darius emigrated to the UK in 2003, working in various hospitality management roles. He completed a BTEC Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership through Brighton School of Business and Management in 2014. In 2015 he relocated to Vietnam to manage a 5* Luxury Cruise Boat in Ha Long […]
Lecturer
Dr. Cao Thuy LinhDr. Cao Thuy Linh earned her Ph.D. in Business from Feng Chia University, Taiwan (AACSB-accredited) with a full scholarship, along with an MSc in International Business. She got a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics in Foreign Trade University, Vietnam. She has extensive teaching experience at FPT University and British University Vietnam, delivering modules […]
Head, The Graduate School
Assoc. Prof. Marton RaczBorn and raised in Budapest, Hungary, Marton completed his studies in Economics and Gender Studies before earning his PhD in Management from the University of Leicester, UK. He has previously held academic positions in the UK at the universities of Leicester, Essex, and City St George’s, and most recently, he served as Rector at International […]
Senior Lecturer
Discipline Lead - Tourism and Hospitality Management
Born and educated in Russia, Vladimir completed a Master’s degree in International Relations with distinction at Volgograd State University, followed by a Candidate of Science degree in Cultural Anthropology at St. Petersburg State University. He began his professional career managing major international exhibitions and business events in Russia and Europe, including projects for the European […]
Lecturer - Academic Ambassador
Programme Lead - International Business Management
Raised and educated in Chennai, INDIA, Varun completed a bachelor’s degree in Defense & Strategic studies from University of Madras. Following graduation in 2003, he completed a master’s degree in Mass communication & Journalism in 2005. He started his career as a Lecturer from Chennai. Varun completed National Eligibility Test in 2012 to become certified […]
Senior Teaching Fellow
Discipline Lead - Business (University of London)
Born in Canada, raised and educated in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Mark completed a B.Sc. (Econ) at the University of Buckingham, England. Following graduation in 1984, he worked with an Economics Consultancy for a year before returning to Buckingham as a tutor. While completing his Master’s degree, he worked his way up to Lecturer before leaving […]
Teaching Fellow
Nguyen Ngoc QuyNguyễn Ngọc Quý is a 3D artist, educator, and researcher based in Hanoi. He completed his undergraduate studies in Contemporary Creative Practice at Staffordshire University and later finished a Master of Research in the Arts at Arts University Bournemouth, where his work explored generative art as an approach to documenting Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. Quý […]
Senior Teaching Fellow - Academic Ambassador
Lee McMillanRaised and educated in the UK, Lee holds a TEFL, PGDBJ and an MA Degree in History from the University of Glasgow. Lee moved to Vietnam in 2015 working as an IELTS teacher, examiner and VTV4 presenter before starting her role at BUV in 2018 under part time employment as an English teacher. In 2020 […]
