Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
View from the top: Prof. Nasser Spear - University of Melbourne
It is often the personal qualities of individual international students that drive them to success.
The focus and determination of many students can often make a major difference in getting the most out of your time as a student, particularly those enrolled at the graduate level. While universities like Melbourne offer a complete range of support services to ensure that the study experience is as fulfilling as possible for all students, Prof. Spear sees that it is often the personal qualities of individual international students that drive them to success: �A PhD student of mine from Saudi Arabia had some academic difficulties during the probationary period and was at risk of being unconfirmed as a PhD candidate. Rather than opting to change to another PhD program where the expectations could have been less demanding, this student was so determined and eager to complete his PhD at Melbourne. In spite of having a wife and five children, he committed himself to his studies and made many sacrifices to prove himself and he completed his PhD studies on time. He understood that in order to succeed, some sacrifices must be made and that to fulfil your academic objectives you must persist, believe and work hard.�
At the master�s level, the importance of offering a curriculum relevant to the international labour market has become much greater in recent years. Students see their period of study as closely related to their career - Melbourne has recognised this in the design and structure of their programs. Prof. Spear has been closely associated with this process and recognises the essential role that employers play: �Our employers are heavily involved in assessing our programs and in reviewing the technical and the generic skills development process inside and outside the classroom. In addition to our consultation with Faculty and Departmental Advisory Boards, we make regular visits to local and international employers to brief them on our programs and to receive feedback as appropriate.�
With recent fundamental changes in the academic structures at the University of Melbourne, international students are undoubtedly attracted to the institution by the offer of innovation and the sense of a university not willing to stand still. Prof. Spear too finds such qualities as integral to the Melbourne-way: �While the international brand name and the history of the University encourages top international students to come to Melbourne, we have to work hard at meeting students� expectations and aspirations. We always strive on having world-class academics in the classroom and we continually work on improving our student services and facilities. We monitor, update and revise our programs to offer a great class learning experience and, more importantly, we work hard at enhancing the total university experience for all of our students.�
With such an engaged approach to the learning experience, it is easy to see why the University of Melbourne, with academic leaders like Prof. Spear, are the number one choice for so many international masters and PhD students.
