Postgraduate Coursework Student Profile
Zhang Rui
What are you studying in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
This semester I have started my one-year master of urban planning by coursework. This course includes six taught subjects and one research project. I am doing a research in the field I am interested and will hand in a 15,000 words thesis in the end of the year. I meet my supervisor once a week to discuss what I have done during the week. He is really nice and gives a lot of advice.
What did you study before commencing your studies at the University of Melbourne, and at which institution?
I come from an urban planning background, having completed my bachelor degree in Shandong, China in July, 2005.
What interested you in coming to the University of Melbourne? What attracted you to the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning?
Melbourne University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and provides world class teaching standards. Every time I wrote an e-mail to the faculty to get further information before I came here, the officers replied immediately, gave me instructions in detail and a lot of encouragements as well. You will find out they are so nice, patient and highly efficient and you will never regret becoming a student at the University!
How are you finding your experience at the University so far? What are the highlights?
Melbourne University has a beautiful campus and fantastic facilities. Each master student can borrow 60 books from the libraries. Additionally, the university provides many free short courses, ranging from Photoshop to Endnote. If you have health problems or you are under a lot pressures, you can make an appointment with the doctors or counselors to seek help. The faculty holds academic seminars every week and invites scholars from other countries to give lectures. In a word, Melbourne University is a wonderful place to do academic research and obtain great experiences in life.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your studies at Melbourne?
I hope to accumulate several years of work experience before I seek higher education. I want to be a lecturer and be passionate in giving what I learned to my students.
What advice do you have for other students thinking of studying in the Faculty?
Studying in Melbourne University is exciting, but needs a lot of work at the same. As English is my second language, most of the time I have to pay more attention to reading and academic writing. The faculty encourages the students to have their own ideas, which means you should read widely and think critically. At the very beginning, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed and frustrated; however, you will overcome the problems and get great satisfaction from your study.