University Guide
Murdoch University
Murdoch hugely values free-thinking and has placed a large emphasis on this ever since the university’s establishment in the 60s. The school opened in 1974 with 714 students. The university has since expanded, with more departments like Law, Veterinary and Psychology schools opening. Student facilities such as the student village and arts and science facilities were also built. Today Murdoch is a fully formed university, with renowned research, and leading the pack in terms of Aboriginal inclusivity and environmental initiatives. It now has over 25,000 students and 2400 staff members, all from over 90 different countries
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the Murdoch University.
Rankings
Times Higher Education 2023 has ranked Murdoch University 31st overall in Australia. In Western Australia, Murdoch comes second, behind the University of Western Australia, which is a top 10 ranking university. It has also received a Bronze Athena Swan award to recognise gender equality within the institution. Murdoch’s Veterinary Sciences and Agriculture Sciences programs have been ranked in the 2017 Academic Rankings of World Universities at 51-75 and 101-150 respectively. Murdoch has also received 5 star ratings overall, for teaching, employability, learning facilities and inclusivity (QS Stars Assessment 2023).
Employability
Murdoch prepares students for employment using their Career Learning Spine which is integrated into the curriculum. Students can choose units they wish to study which provide them with practical and transferrable skills for their future employment. This includes placements, exploration of career options, skills assessments to allow for development, networking opportunities and a portfolio. Students also have access to free employability resources, jobs and events via myMurdoch Career. The university provides downloadable toolkits to aid application writing, interview skills and LinkedIn profile tips. Students can job-hunt using the university’s job boards, where employers are specifically seeking Murdoch students or recent Murdoch graduates.
Fees
Fees depend entirely on the course, units studied and your citizenship. Fees are also increasing annually. You can use the handy fee calculator on their website to calculate what the fees for your chosen course and units may be. The university also advises considering your cost of living in Perth, and suggest using this cost of living calculator to estimate this.
Bursaries
Murdoch gives out $2.5 million in scholarships annually, ensuring students are financially supported. There are scholarship opportunities including, but not limited to, asylum seekers, indigenous students and international merit. You can browse the full list of scholarships here. Murdoch offers application advice to those hoping to apply. The Australian government also offers financial support, through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), to domestic students (and certain other nationalities or permit/visa holders) who may struggle to pay their fees. This allows students to defer fee payments.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options on and off campus to suit every type of student. Murdoch University Village is known for having a great sense of community. It hosts 800 students and provides facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, volleyball court and student lounges. For those hoping to live off campus, there are various shared and independent accommodation options available in Perth’s suburbs, and the Murdoch Guild (Student’s Union) are happy to assist with securing these. International students are also given the opportunity to live with a host family to really immerse themselves in Perth and Australia as a whole.
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The Murdoch Guild represents the voice of all Murdoch students, is elected by and run by students. The Guild ensures student concerns reach those in higher positions at the University and that these are considered when it comes to key changes and decisions which may take place. It offers students access to discounts, volunteering, clubs, free events, and Student Assist services. Clubs and societies on offer through the guild include, but are not limited to; a bubble tea society, climate action society, sports, and subject related societies. Markets and Festival events are run throughout the year. The Student Assist service offers help for students experiencing financial, academic or welfare related problems.
Famous for
Murdoch’s researchers were at the forefront of researching long-term symptoms and biochemistry of COVID-19. This research included the discovery of the distinct blood signatures left on past coronavirus patients.
News
In December 2022, Murdoch released its sustainable campus Strategy. This includes the aims to achieve: carbon neutrality, 0% waste to landfill and net zero transport by 2030. They have also solidified their aims for equity, diversity and inclusion.
Accommodation for Students says
Perth is the perfect big city, ticking most boxes any city should, and more! is the 4th largest city in Australia and is incredibly diverse, being made up of over 190 nationalities. It is known as the sunniest city in Australia, so get ready to be pumping with serotonin. And it is fairly affordable, safe, friendly, prosperous, with a very good night scene and just plain beautiful.
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