The University of Sydney plans to increase its undergraduate courses from three to four years and cut many of its double degrees in a radical overhaul of education that would see the number of degrees reduced by at least 100.

As part of a determined bid to topple Melbourne University from the coveted position as Australia's top university, Sydney has embarked on a major rethink of its structure and culture, starting with a significant reduction in the number of undergraduate degrees it offers from 122 to about 20.

Sydney University's degree programme is under review. Credit:Louise Kennerley LAK

Melbourne offers as few as six undergraduate degrees while the University of Western Australia offers fewer than 10.

The vice-chancellor, Michael Spence, has said the university will also rethink its research investments and face up to a cultural bias of "old, white males" in positions of power.