Murdoch University Graduate (2020)

While building my career, I decided to study part-time to improve my progression opportunities. As one of the few institutions offering a shorter programme for my chosen Degree and a part-time option accommodating my work, I opted to study a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies (Single Major) with Murdoch University through Kaplan in Singapore.

The Degree programme enabled me to balance work and school, inspired me to be more analytical and gave me an in-depth understanding of the media industry. Its core units have encouraged me to think out of the box and consider critical topics and the underrepresented in our society. These are relevant to my current job scope where I manage social media accounts of several brands.

I found Murdoch’s lecturers to be nothing short of encouraging. They were supportive, presented insights and shared work experiences of their own while encouraging self-study and independence without being over-accommodating. This was especially important as it challenged me but I was never overwhelmed by the workload.

Murdoch University provides the right study-life balance for students. With its variety of programmes available, I have personally recommended it to many of my colleagues and friends.

The Degree programme pushed me to work harder, enhanced my writing skills, encouraged my critical thinking and improved soft skills such as time management and team work. After graduating, I was promoted to an Assistant Community Manager.

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.

After 5 years of training in performance subjects, I spent 12 years in the performing arts industry, as a teaching artist, producer and an arts manager. Consequently, my curiosity about the performing arts business grew and wanted to advance in the areas of leadership and strategy. Here, the EMLSI was a great fit. As the pandemic loomed large, the idea of upskilling and expanding my knowledge from the comfort of home became appealing.

Being based in Singapore while still being able to access a highly reputable, international institute (Murdoch University) was a huge plus. I had explored leadership master’s programmes all over the map, but many needed me to move abroad as they were unavailable online, and others required me to vastly reduce the hours I could commit to work. The Murdoch course lined up perfectly with my own schedule and working in the same time zone between Singapore and Perth was ideal.

In any industry, the opportunity to ‘climb the ladder’ stems from your work ethic, knowledge and experience. Within the arts charity sector, it is vital to learn how to run a strong, successful business. Thus, managing an arts business efficiently through effective leadership, clear strategy and harnessing tools for innovation are necessary for continual growth.

As an arts education manager working with a theatre company, I must be able to mentor my team well, demonstrate resilience in the face of uncertainty and be ready to adopt new ways of working. Indeed, the EMLSI not only provided me with a great deal of applicable knowledge and tools, but inspired me to continue learning.

Murdoch University Student (2020)

My burning passion for accounting inspired me to strive to become either a company accountant or an auditor. I intend to persevere and complete my Degree first, before pursuing professional Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Singapore Accountants (SA) qualifications. Therefore, I chose Murdoch University primarily as they are accredited by the ACCA and provide exemptions from foundation papers as well as direct entry into CPA programmes.

Having a strong interest in numbers, studying Accounting and Finance seemed like a natural choice, and Murdoch University allows me to study both Majors at once. This is a notable plus point as it allows greater specialisation and gives me a versatile education, and Murdoch University offers numerous other advantages to support my learning.

For example, its flexible study schedule allows me to plan out my studies. As a part-time student, the ability to organise my learning means that my work and study won’t conflict and I can optimise my timetable to study efficiently. I am even able to revise online through blended learning.

Throughout my studies, I have acquired work-related skills, such as QuickBooks, to provide additional value in my job. Studying is never a chore thanks to our friendly and engaging lecturers who are always available.

Murdoch University is renowned with accreditations from several well-known organisations, and I believe its affliations make it an advantageous choice for students. In addition, I advise others to study a Double Major Degree as it provides you a strong competitive advantage over those without one by empowering students to be more innovative.

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.

Murdoch University Student (2020)

My choice to study with Murdoch University was due to its highly positive reputation compared to other universities and its association with the Innovative Research Universities network. They also provide programmes which fit my career needs flawlessly, and exceeded my expectations of the syllabus. I found the “Cyber Forensics and Information Technology” and “Information Security Policy and Governance” modules to be especially practical for my work.

As my current role involves investigation of suspects’ electronic devices and monitoring suspicious activity within company networks, my Degree has helped me understand my job scope in greater detail and allows me to improvise investigation methods. It also educates me on performing my job ethically.

As a part-time student, I appreciate that Murdoch University provides flexible study schedules, suitable for part-time students, and keeps assignment and revision deadlines reasonable for us to cope with. The lecturers’ presentations were clear and paced evenly so as not to overwhelm students, and I have found the lecturers themselves to be quite helpful.

To my fellow students, I recommend Murdoch University as my choice to study with as they offer well-organised programmes that focus on the essentials.

Murdoch University Graduate (2021)

What drove me to pursue a Postgraduate Degree was the desire to remain competitive in the market, to upgrade myself, and for career progression. To me, an educational qualification is a form of personal development. While different from a professional accreditation (which would be relevant to my field of work), I see this as advantageous to have on my resume, as it is an accomplishment and reflects positively on one’s attitude to learn and advance.

As my role is a corporate function, the knowledge I gained during the programme is useful to my work. When speaking with commercial partners, I can understand and relate to them, and am able to provide feasible solutions. The programme has also helped me to develop my strategic thinking.

It was a good experience being back in a classroom setting (whether online or in-person), learning alongside students from different backgrounds but with the same motivations and objectives. I heard about and learned from their experiences and gained different perspectives on the best way to perform my work duties. I also had a great time working with different teammates – we supported each other to get the work done.

Murdoch University Student (2020)

I chose the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security & Forensics and Criminology Double Major as I wanted to further my studies in cyber security and forensics and combine my interest in criminology.

I graduated from a polytechnic in 2018 with a Diploma in Information Security and Forensics. Thus, Murdoch University was my first choice as I could skip the Year One modules and there was flexibility regarding the modules taken. The two modules which have helped me at work were Databases, and Creativity and Innovation. I would recommend the University to others, especially if they prefer something more specialised and flexible. The lecturers and staff are knowledgeable and helpful as well.

I am now in my second trimester. Since classes are conducted online during the COVID-19 period, there is no need to rush down to the campus after work. I can simply log on to classes from anywhere, even using my phone. Assignments are posted at an early date, giving me sufficient time to complete them.