A desire to do things differently led Ms Carmen Ng to Kaplan Singapore, after graduating from Nanyang Polytechnic in 2012 with a Diploma in Business Management. While her peers went overseas or to other local institutions, Ms Ng decided to search for something that would fit her needs.

“My friend, who works in Kaplan, introduced me to Murdoch University. I decided to further my studies at Kaplan because its degree programmes can be completed within my ideal duration, which was what I was looking for,” said Ms Ng.

Kaplan’s central location was also a plus point for her. She liked the short travelling time from her home to Kaplan’s city campuses located at Wilkie Edge, PoMo, and the National Library Building.

In 2014, Ms Ng graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Management (Double Major), awarded by Murdoch University, Australia.

The degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and recognised by the Australian Psychological Society. Murdoch University is also ranked as one of the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years old by Times Higher Education Top 150 global under 50 for 2016.

To ensure that students receive a quality education on par with its home campus, Murdoch University has a locally-based dean to oversee academic aspects of the programme to ensure a high standard of academic delivery.

Ms Ng, now 27, chose to take up a double major in psychology and management because she wanted to fulfill her passion of working with youths. She also felt it would be useful to further her knowledge in management since she already had a diploma in business management.

“I thought it would be relevant for me to study people-related courses so that I can learn how to make an impact in youths’ lives,” said Ms Ng, who is working as a youth officer. Prior to this, she was a counsellor at Fei Yue Community Services for two years.

Her favourite module during her studies was Statistics in Psychology.

She said: “I particularly enjoyed it, thanks to the experienced lecturer who piqued my interest in the subject and enabled me to understand statistical theories and applications using real-life research examples.”

Other modules she enjoyed included the psychology-based classes in Human Development and Cognitive Processes, as well as the management classes in Workplace Law and Strategic Management.

These days, when Ms Ng is counselling youths, she recalls how her lecturers used real-life examples to illustrate her lessons, and follows suit. “It helps in my interaction with the youths and gets them to better understand certain concepts,” said Ms Ng.

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Article by Lim Yann Ling and Melody Tan
Source: TODAY© Mediacorp Press Limited. Permission required for reproduction.