Bachelor of Communication in Journalism and Criminology (Double Major)

I found a new job as a Cyber Security Analyst while pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree programme. Quite interestingly, the fact that I was about to complete my Degree actually helped me negotiate a significant starting salary.

The module, Cyber Forensics and Information Technology, gave me very useful insights into the way Cyber Forensics is practised in the industry. It also provided me with a thorough understanding of commonly used tools.

The module, Information Security Policy and Governance, has enhanced my understanding of policy creation, and how one could identify and manage risks – these are really important for cyber security practitioners to know and start applying.

During my study with Murdoch University, I attended lessons online due to the pandemic. This has helped me to focus on my studies as well as save time as I was able to head home after work for dinner before lessons.

As for the lecturers, they were very helpful and engaging – giving us very useful feedback and advice to improve our understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

Murdoch University’s Double Master’s Degree offering was too good to miss. With the same duration in a typical single Master’s programme, I could achieve two such Masters Degrees and proficiency in two domains.

The dual programme is meaningful to current working professionals, as gone are the days when one could be content with strong knowledge in one domain. Now, a Double Masters will give us the needed advantage.

The school offers flexible study options and personalised courses, which are important to me as a working adult with commitments. Having the luxury to personalise the courses lets me manage my time better. For instance, knowing I would be working on a data-related project later in the year, I enrolled in a data course beforehand to prepare myself.

Even with virtual learning (due to the pandemic), there is no compromise on the quality of teaching. The lecturers have a vast knowledge of the subjects and the ability to impart relevant academic and personal experience to students. The programme also encourages class engagement.

One of the most invaluable takeaways from this programme is getting to learn from fellow classmates. You will not find a better place to network and learn from others than in the MBA-MIT programme, as the programme is taken by working professionals, many of whom have years of experience.

My dual Masters programme aside, I had previously graduated with a Degree in Digital Business from University College Dublin, another partner University at Kaplan, which enabled me to progress in my professional career.

I decided to further my education with Murdoch University as the University offers a competitive Degree recognised by relevant local and Australian authorities, and because the Degree programme can be completed in my desired time frame. The flexibility of the Degree programme made it more convenient as well.

By studying two disciplines in my Double Major programme, I am making full use of the learning path. You will not only get fresh insights into the disciplines, but also become more marketable to future employers. Having a variety of skill sets under your belt increases the possibilities of finding one’s desired employment, proving to potential employers that you are eager to learn. The Degree would help to pave the way for promotion at work as well.

With the academic support I received throughout each semester, I was able to arrange my classes such that they do not conflict with one another. The convenience of having online classes together with assistance from the lecturers, who are positive and nurturing, help to make the learning journey easier and a joy.

I would recommend Murdoch University as their Degrees are recognised. Additionally, lecturers are friendly, student support is always available, and most importantly, the flexible class schedules are communicated ahead, so that you can organise your time accordingly.

I wanted to add value to myself by learning relevant knowledge and skills, so after researching, I decided to pursue a Double Master’s Degree (Master of Business Administration and Master of Human Resources Management) with Murdoch University as it was the best choice for me.

I think the Postgraduate Degree was necessary to help me get ahead in my career. Without a doubt, it has given me an edge over my colleagues. Having the Degree is a justification to my capabilities as an individual for future career opportunities.

During the programme, I juggled work and studies by managing my time and priorities carefully. This experience helped me in many areas. My time management improved, along with my ability to prioritise. It also instilled in me a greater sense of discipline to finish my tasks within the scheduled time frames, even during difficult periods. One of the most surprising benefits is increased self-confidence, as I can look back and reflect on how I earned my masters because of the effort I had put into achieving that goal despite the many hurdles I had to overcome.

When I finally graduated, it evoked a very fulfilling sense of achievement and I am happy to have pursued the Double Master’s Degree with Murdoch, which provided me with the knowledge and support I needed.

My advice to those who are thinking of pursuing a Postgraduate Degree is this: Everyday we face changes and new demands. As the world becomes more competitive, investing in ourselves will be the best investment and you can do so by securing a Master’s Degree to develop yourself to stay competitive and relevant.

Top 2% Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Awards 2021 Recipient

Through my research on the various schools, I found Murdoch University to be a reputable one. A recognised Degree is important to me, as it would increase my chances of gaining employment.

The modules on Social Bases of Behaviour, and Individual Differences and Performance taught me how society works. I learned how every one of us is different but how we can still work together despite this – for instance, grouping certain individuals based on their strengths and weaknesses to create a complete team.

The Degree programme made me aware of how my working style compares to that of other people, and how I can work better with them by being understanding. At the same time, the programme made me more aware of others’ feelings and how people perceive each other.

I also had the fortune of having lecturers who are passionate about teaching and imparting their knowledge to us. For instance, they brought up real-life examples based on their experiences when going through certain topics, to make lessons interesting and to help us understand things better.

They helped us when we were in doubt, be it with the assignments or lessons. Constructive feedback was given so that we knew our own strengths and areas for improvement. I am very thankful for the lecturers that helped me along the way and make it to graduation.

I chose Murdoch University for the better academic structure, which has a good balance of assignments and exams as well as useful modules.

The Degree has helped me realise what I want out of my current career and how I can achieve it. It has also taught me the skills required to learn to lead and manage a team, as well as to think from the organisation’s perspective.

Our assignments are well-paced and do not affect our work. The lecturers have always been very helpful and approachable as they are always open to us contacting them if we have any enquiries. The knowledgeable lecturers also ensure that we understand what we are being taught during lectures and help us keep track of our assignment checkpoints.

I would recommend Murdoch to others because I feel that it is a reputable University with a very organised and easy to follow course structure. The timetable is flexible, which is good for part-time students such as myself who are juggling school with full-time work.

I chose Murdoch University for its reputation and recognition, and because it offers a broad spectrum of attractive and relatively affordable Degree options.

Personally, equipping myself with a Double Major Degree could attract more job opportunities and greater earnings, achievable with the well-rounded knowledge I will gain in this journey with Murdoch.

Pursuing this Degree has also helped me in my previous employment with National Environment Agency (NEA) as an Enforcement Officer, as my Criminology major opened up more paths for me in enforcement and investigation.

As I work full-time while studying part-time, I appreciate that Murdoch University offers flexible timings for their lessons, allowing me a good balance between work, study and other life’s commitments. Lessons in the evening give me ample time to get off work and then tune in to the online classes.

I would recommend Murdoch to others, as it has been a smooth sailing journey for me, and I believe it will continue to be. In addition, Murdoch offers majors that appear distinct from one other, which would help students with separate fields of interests.

Murdoch University was my choice for postgraduate studies, as the school would provide me with a globally-recognised credential and an enriching university experience.

I decided to pursue this Master’s programme as I have a strong interest in Data Science. It deals with huge volumes of data and uses modern tools and techniques to uncover unseen patterns, derive meaningful insights, and make operational decisions. The programme curriculum is very structured, and its relevance to my current job scope has helped me to add value to my work.

The University provides excellent student support with its online platform, where relevant resources are easily available. For example, I can access the online Murdoch University Library anytime to look up journals and articles for my research. The unit coordinators are also easily contactable via email, should one have any queries on the modules.

Studying at Kaplan also provides me with a flexible study schedule, which is important as I am working full-time. These positive factors were what gave me the confidence to embark on the programme. Undertaking part-time post-graduate studies while juggling with full-time work and family life is no walk in the park. Ever since embarking on this programme, I have become more disciplined and effective in managing my time.