Postgraduate Coursework Student Profile
Sagar Shirodkar
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
I am presently studying Masters in Urban Design. I am still in the 1 st semester and my subjects include Housing Sustainability and Managing Change, as well as a Design studio. Subjects like Managing Change have offered me the advantage to communicate well, with my lecturers as well as critics. Though the subject is not directly related to design it gives me the extra mileage to express my thoughts creatively and visually.
What did you study before commencing your studies at the University of Melbourne, and at which institution?
Before engaging myself here I had completed my bachelors in architecture, from the Goa College of Architecture (Goa University), and then was working for an architectural firm for 2 years in Bangalore (India).
What interested you in coming to the University of Melbourne? What attracted you to the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
I always had the desire to earn a masters degree after my bachelors but was confused about the number of options displayed in front of me. I was then made aware about the University of Melbourne and the flexibility in the structure of the programs that the faculty offers to the architecture students. Besides this I was in touch with some of the alumni of UniMelb who exposed some good insights of the faculty and the global perspective it offers, thus augmenting my desire to wish for a position in Melbourne University.
How are you finding your experience at the University so far? What are the highlights?
It's a different experience altogether studying at the University of Melbourne, mainly because of the way it structures its programs, and the research which goes into each study area. The fully equipped library is another factor which adds to the strength of the university. The diversity in terms of cultures and people from various countries create a different milieu to work in.
Besides this, the IPCA scholarship I received from the University has helped me financially, encouraging me to further my prospects in a way.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your studies at Melbourne?
After my course I would probably go back to my country and contribute to the urban scape with the concept that I learnt and would be able to apply the skills, seeing the world in a much bigger scale.
What advice do you have for other students thinking of studying in the Faculty?
I would frankly encourage students to pursue higher degrees in Melbourne, considering the fact that the faculty offers a different insight to look and tackle issues at varied scales. There is still a thorough study to be done, in terms of choosing ones course or subject, because of the endless variety that the University offers. Besides this the university website is a great deal of help.