Murdoch University Student (2020)

Aiming for gainful and lucrative employment, I decided to switch to an IT career, which I felt would also be a fulfilling experience. With its flexible study schedule, wide range of programmes, and the option to take any number of modules per trimester, Murdoch University was the obvious choice. The flexibility alone is advantageous for part-time students like myself.

Set on acquiring an IT-related qualification, I began with a Kaplan Diploma in Information Technology as my foundation. Through its completion, I had smooth advancement to my chosen Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics & Information Security and Computer Science Double Major Degree.

Seeing how computer science and cyber and information security go hand in hand, I chose to study both in a Double Major programme to gain knowledge and increase my opportunities in both fields.

My efforts have paid off, and my Bachelor’s Degree education has enabled me to develop essential skills related to my work. I would recommend students take up Double Majors to increase their employability and expand their job options.

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.

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.

The initial motivation to pursue a Postgraduate Degree was based on a personal challenge to better myself academically. But upon completing my programme, I have found myself constantly applying what I had learnt in my daily work, especially in managing the company.

The programme was challenging at first, but with work-from-home (WFH) being the default mode of working at my company and classes transitioning online, I saved a lot of time on commuting and juggled work and studies better. In addition, the support from my colleagues, clients, family and friends enabled me to manage my work and studies concurrently.

My advice to those who are thinking of taking up a Postgraduate Degree is, do not let your age put you off the idea. For those who have not been to school for a long time, the initial adjustments as a student may be a little uncomfortable, but with determination and tenacity, nothing is impossible.

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.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

Having been trained in the hard sciences as a doctor, I felt that I needed to gain a business perspective of the healthcare industry as I was working as an Assistant Medical Director at the time, and later, as a Senior Manager (Operations).

Thus, I decided to pursue an MBA programme to acquire the theoretical fundamentals on running a business. The decision to pursue the programme at Murdoch University was a fruitful one, as it allowed me to function more efficiently as a healthcare administrator. The technical skills I learned through modules such as Accounting, and Business Finance allowed me to better make sense of balance sheets and profit and loss (P&L) statements, which I encounter in my course of work.

What I like most about the programme is that it gave me the flexibility to complete the modules at my own pace. Additionally, the modules were well-taught by the lecturers, who were both knowledgeable and engaging. My advice to those considering taking up a Postgraduate Degree is, do not hesitate to take up the MBA programme at Murdoch University, as it is a proven programme which will adequately arm you with the knowledge and technical skills on business administration.

Continuous learning is not just for the younger generation. I believe that everything is possible as long as you put your mind and heart into it. Hence, with a desire to expand my knowledge, improve the standard of my work and elevate my professional marketability, I decided to embark on this Master of Business Administration (MBA) journey despite being in my early fifties. I eventually decided to pursue my MBA with Murdoch University at Kaplan as it is known for its industry-leading experience in teaching. Furthermore, my colleagues and friends have also left good reviews about their education at Murdoch University.

What I have learnt from the MBA programme, such as double-loop learning and applying decision-making fundamentals to difficult situations, has enhanced my recognition of why multinational companies transition into certain areas for growth. The in-depth discussions held among lecturers and students have enabled me to comprehend how to have a paradox mindset. With this skillset, we can relate and make sense collectively as a team, communicate and align our vision, and work together towards a common goal.

The peers that I have interacted with in my study groups have allowed me to understand different dynamics and functional intricacies. Apart from my learnings, my network of peers is my most valued acquisition. I would recommend Murdoch University as its lessons are interesting, and they encourage healthy and respectful debates among students.

Top 2% Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Awards 2020 Recipient

I decided on Murdoch University primarily because they offer a Double Major Degree programme in Psychology and Criminology. I had also heard that this University is a great place to pursue a Degree.

Choosing to pursue two majors helps one gain more knowledge and expands one’s knowledge in the selected majors. My interest in the two majors was what drove me to take a Double Major programme.

Furthermore, I feel that Psychology and Criminology complement each other, as each specialisation is important in understanding certain aspects of the other.

The lecturers are great, as they are very helpful when it comes to our learning, and more than willing to answer our questions and guide us along in our studies. When we ask them questions, they respond in an efficient manner too.

This year, receiving the University’s Top 2% Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence Award showed me that hard work and perseverance indeed pay off. I want to continue striving to achieve the best, and I am happy that Murdoch recognised my efforts.

I would recommend Murdoch to others, because it’s one of the best universities that allows you to pursue your interests and to make progress in the programmes with ease.