Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Questions:

1. How do I apply for an undergraduate program and what documentation do I need to submit?

   Answers

   To apply for one of our programs you must submit all the required documentation outlined in the checklists below. You can submit documentation via post, email, facsimile or in person. Please be aware that in order to gain a full offer you must meet our minimum entry requirements and all your original transcripts will need to be sighted by one of our Admissions Officers. Please use the checklist below and submit all documentation before the relevant due date. UG/MUPC Application Checklist: Complete the undergraduate application form. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results. This will help the university to properly assess your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable. An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed. Undergraduate application fee – AED 250 Submit two passport size photographs. Submit your passport copy with visa page.

2. How do I meet the English proficiency requirements? Do I have to submit an IELTS or a TOEFL exam, if so what are the required scores to qualify?

   Answers

   To be eligible for admission at Murdoch University Dubai you must meet both the academic and English proficiency entry requirements. The chart below outlines different ways that you can meet our English proficiency requirements.

   English language proficiency tests	Score
   IELTS	6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0)
   TOEFL – Paper based	550 (with the Test of Written English 5)
   TOEFL – Computer based	213 (with the Test of Written English 5)
   TOEFL – Internet based	80 (no band less that 20)
   Australian Matriculation English	Pass
   GCE ‘O’ level	C6 or better
   Cambridge	C6 or better
   1119 General Paper	Credit pass
   Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English	C or better
   Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English	C or better
   TEE ESL	60%
   German Abitur	3 or better in English in year 11 or 12
   Norway Vitnemal	VG or better in English

3. When are your intakes for the undergraduate programs and when should I apply?

   Answers

   Murdoch University has two undergraduate intakes per year. The first intake is in the fall (August) and the second intake is the spring (February).

   The intake dates are:

   • Sunday the 29th of August 2010
   • Sunday the 6th of February 2011

   Students should apply as soon as possible and before the semester commencement date to reserve a seat. Early applicants will be given preference.

4. What do I do once I receive an offer of admission?

   Answers

   You can accept, defer or decline an offer of admission.

   To accept your offer of admission, you must submit a signed acceptance letter (attached to offer letter) and pay the registration fee of AED 3,500.

   To defer your offer of admission, you must submit a request in writing and inform the admissions office. An offer of admission cannot be deferred for more than one year.

   To decline an offer you must submit a notification in writing and inform the Admissions Office of your intent.

   For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

5. Can my application fee be refunded if I am not accepted?

   Answers

   Application fees will not be refunded. For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

6. Do you offer double majors or double degrees? How do they work?

   Answers

   Murdoch University Dubai offers flexibility to students to design their courses as they want. The university gives students the opportunity to opt for a double major and even a double degree.

   It’s important for you to understand how our courses can be structured so that you can discover all of the options that are on offer for you at Murdoch Dubai. You can combine almost every degree that we offer with another area. For example, if you’re interested in studying Finance, but also enjoy Media, why not combine the two areas and come out with either a double major, or a double degree. In most cases, double major won’t take you longer than three years to complete. So, why not take the opportunity and increase your knowledge, skills and career opportunities at the same time.

   Most degrees have core units and elective units. When completing a double major, you simply take the core units from another degree as the elective units for your first degree. Check out the diagrams below and you can see for yourself how easy it is to do!

   

   For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

7. Is the degree obtained at Murdoch University Dubai of equivalent standards to one obtained by students studying in Australia?

   Answers

   The degree awarded to students at Murdoch University Dubai is exactly the same degree a student would receive at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.
   
   Our campus in the UAE maintains the same academic entry requirements followed by the campus in Perth.
   
   The campus in the UAE receives all unit and course materials from the campus in Perth. Assignments and examinations are moderated by the unit coordinator in Perth.
   
   Students in Dubai can freely transfer between campuses in Dubai and Perth.
   
   Students who graduate in Dubai receive the exact same degree conferred to students graduating in Perth. Students from Dubai can also attend graduation ceremonies in Perth or Singapore.

8. Can I transfer credit or receive an advanced standing?

   Answers

   Students who have completed a part of their undergraduate studies at another university can apply to transfer their credits to our campus in Dubai and may receive advanced standing.

   For our Admissions Office to be able to assess your eligibility for a credit transfer you must submit a complete application and receive an offer of admission. Along with the application a student must submit the following documentation:

   1. Detailed course outlines including textbooks for each unit completed at another university. Course descriptions are not sufficient.
   2. A breakdown of the assessment and grading scheme for each unit.
   3. Examination paper for each unit (if possible).

   Please note, transfer students may need to be of good academic standing at their previous university. The university they are transferring from must be on our approved database of universities.

   For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

Postgraduate Questions:

1. How do I apply for a postgraduate program and what documentation do I need to submit?

   Answers

   To apply for one of our postgraduate programs, you must submit all the required documentation outlined in the checklists below. You can submit documentation via post, email, facsimile or in person. Please be aware that in order to gain a full offer you must meet our minimum entry requirements and all your original transcripts will need to be sighted by one of our Admissions Officers. Please use the most appropriate checklist below: PG Application Checklist (degree holders): Complete the postgraduate application form. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results. This will help the university to properly assess your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable. Submit your resumé. Enclose a complete International Students Personal Statement. Enclose two complete International Referees Reports. These are to be completed by your referees An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed. Postgraduate application fee – AED 300 Enclose two passport size photographs. Enclose your passport copy with visa page. PG Application Checklist (work experience applicants): Complete the postgraduate application form. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results. This will help the university to properly assess your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable. Submit your resumé. Enclose a complete International Students Personal Statement. Enclose two complete International Referees Reports. These are to be completed by your referees They must be professional references preferably from your current or previous employer Letters demonstrating your workforce history They must support your resumé An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed. Postgraduate application fee – AED 300 Enclose two passport size photographs. Enclose your passport copy with visa page.

2. When are your intakes for the postgraduate programs?

   Answers

   There are three postgraduate intakes per year. The next intakes are as follows:

   • Sunday the 2nd of May 2010
   • Sunday the 29th of August 2010
   • Sunday the 2nd of January 2011

   Students should apply as soon as possible and before the semester commencement date to reserve a seat. Early applicants will be given preference.

3. I am applying based on my work experience. What documentation will I need to submit to demonstrate my work history?

   Answers

   You will need to submit the following documentation:

   PG Application Checklist (work experience applicants):

   1. Complete the postgraduate application form.
   2. Submit all of your completed qualifications and the transcripts of your results.
      • This will help the university to properly assess your application.
      • Incomplete applications will not be processed.
   3. Enclose certified copies of your English test score (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable.
   4. Submit your resumé.
   5. Enclose a complete International Students Personal Statement.
   6. Enclose two complete International Referees Reports.
      • These are to be completed by your referees
      • They must be professional references preferably from your current or previous employer
      • Letters demonstrating your workforce history
      • They must support your resumé
   7. An application fee should be included along with the application. Applications sent without this fee will not be processed.
      • Postgraduate application fee – AED 300
   8. Enclose two passport size photographs.
   9. Enclose your passport copy with visa page.
4. How many reference letters do I need?

   Answers

   Postgraduate applicants must submit written references from two professional referees.

   Applicants applying based on their work experience will need to submit them using the character reference reports. These reports are to be completed and signed by the appropriate person.

   All character references should be completed by the most relevant and suitable person to you. For example Referees should preferably be from senior professionals familiar with your most recent work and in a position to comment on your work history and future potential. It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees submit their references by the due date.

5. What is the duration of the MBA/ MHRM program?

   Answers

   At Murdoch University Dubai, a student can complete the MBA or MHRM program as a full-time student in one year or as a part-time student over two years.

   The full-time option is a one year program that consists of 3 trimesters. Each trimester consists of 13 weeks.

   Full time students will need to pick 4 units per trimester to complete the total of 12 units for the program over three trimesters. Students will attend four evening classes per week from Sunday to Thursday between 6pm and 10 pm.

   The part-time option is a two year program that consists of six trimesters. Each trimester consists of 13 weeks.

   Part-time students will need to select two units per trimester to complete the total of 12 units for the program over six trimesters. Students will attend two evening classes per week from Sunday to Thursday between 6 pm and10 pm.

   To find out more please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

6. When are the postgraduate classes held and do you offer evening classes?

   Answers

   All our postgraduate classes are held in the evenings, from Sunday to Thursday between 6 pm and 10 pm, to accommodate working professionals to start their postgraduate qualifications. We offer evening classes that are held in the evenings from Sunday to Thursday between 6 pm and 10 pm.

7. Can I transfer credit or receive an advanced standing?

   Answers

   Students who have completed a part of their postgraduate studies at another university can apply to transfer their credits to our campus in Dubai and may receive an advanced standing.

   For our Admissions Office to be able to assess your eligibility for a credit transfer you must submit a complete application and receive an offer of admission. Along with the application a student must submit the following documentation:

   1. Detailed course outlines including textbooks for each unit completed at another university. Course descriptions are not sufficient.
   2. A breakdown of the assessment and grading scheme for each unit.
   3. Examination paper for each unit (if possible).

   Please note, transfer students may need to be of good academic standing at their previous university. The university they are transferring from must be on our approved database of universities.

   For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

8. What do I do once I receive an offer of admission?

   Answers

   You can accept, defer or decline an offer of admission.

   To accept your offer of admission, you must submit a signed acceptance letter (attached to offer letter) and pay the registration fee of AED 3,500.

   To defer your offer of admission, you must submit a request in writing and inform the admissions office. An offer of admission cannot be deferred for more than one year.

   To decline an offer you must submit a notification in writing and inform the Admissions Office of your intent.

   For further information please contact the admissions department on +971 4 4355700 or email us on admissions@murdochdubai.ac.ae.

9. Do I need to submit a GMAT score for the postgraduate courses?

   Answers

   No, you do not require a GMAT score to be applicable for admission into Murdoch.

Entry requirement Questions:

1. Does Murdoch have any pre-requisite subjects for the undergraduate courses?

   Answers

   Murdoch does not have prerequisite subjects for the undergraduate courses as we are a strong promoter of a well rounded education. However, we would recommend you have Math for the business course and remember that you will also need to demonstrate competence in English.

2. Do I have to answer an IELTS or a TOEFL exam and what are the required scores to qualify?

   Answers

   Students who require English proficiency scores can answer either IELTS or a TOEFL exam and need to meet the following requirements: English language proficiency tests Score IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0) TOEFL – Paper based 550 (with the Test of Written English 5) TOEFL – Computer based 213 (with the Test of Written English 5) TOEFL – Internet based   80 (no band less that 20)

3. Do my certificates need to be attested? If so by whom?

   Answers

   It is important that you attach certified copies of all your completed qualifications and transcripts of results to enable the University to properly assess your application. *Secondary schools within UAE: Permitted to enrolment as their school results should already be attested by Ministry of Higher Education. *Secondary school outside UAE: Records & Certificates should be attested by: a) Ministry of Education in Country of origin b) Ministry of foreign affairs in country of origin(if happened to be in the country they can be attested through the embassies & UAE Ministry of foreign affairs) c) UAE Embassy in country of origin d) UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

4. What makes an institution accredited?

   Answers

   The process carried out by external accreditation agencies to ensure that an institution offering degrees and/or certificate programs has the resources and necessary infrastructure to meet international academic standards. This is ensured through an extensive and rigorous process of evaluation of the following areas: Institution’s mission/vision Educational practices Administration Faculty Financial stability Policies and student services, etc. curriculum Institutions are expected to maintain international standards and are subject to review and inspection periodically. Accreditation must be verified by an external agency rather than an interested party such as the institution itself, its parent company or a student.

5. Is there an entrance exam or an interview?

   Answers

   There is no entrance exam or interview. Your application is assessed on the basis of your previous academic grades.

6. Can my application fee be refunded if I am not accepted?

   Answers

   Application fees will not be refunded.

7. When should I apply? I am in my final year of high school, and I will graduate in May/June?

   Answers

   Early applications will be given first preference. Therefore, we would advise you to apply at the earliest. Please contact the Admissions department for closing dates.

8. Do you accept GED certificate?

   Answers

   Murdoch does not accept GED certificate. Students with the GED certificate would need to take a recognised foundation course or successfully complete one year of full-time university studies.

9. How can I take double majors?

   Answers

   To take a double major, students simply takes the core units from another major in place of their general elective units. Dual majors can be done within the same duration.

10. When are your intakes for the undergraduate programs?

    Answers

    For the undergraduate programs we have intakes twice a year i.e 30th August’09; 7th February’10.

11. Is the degree obtained at MUISCD of equivalent standards to one obtained by students studying in Australia?

    Answers

    The degree awarded in Dubai is exactly the same as awarded in Australia. Both campuses have the same admissions requirements, follow an identical academic curriculum, use common faculty and offer the same careers service and student service support. There is no difference therefore, the degree awarded is exactly the same as conferred on campus in Australia.

General Questions:

1. Where is Murdoch Dubai located?

   Answers

   Murdoch Dubai is located in Dubai International Academic City, Block 10, Fourth floor.

2. Is the degree obtained at Murdoch Dubai of equivalent standards to the one obtained by students studying in Australia?

   Answers

   The degree awarded at Murdoch Dubai is exactly the same as conferred on campus in Perth, Western Australia.

3. What services are available to students?

   Answers

   Academic/ Personal Counselling Career Advising Teaching & Learning Centre Student Society Student Grievances Financial Advice Student Visa Internships Transportation

4. What is the Teaching & Learning Centre?

   Answers

   The TLC helps students enhance their learning skills and equips them with the required tools for success at university. Assistance is provided in the context of students’ studies, particularly in their first year, in areas such as academic reading and writing, numeracy and study skills.

5. Where will the graduation ceremony be held?

   Answers

   The graduation ceremony will be held in Dubai.

6. Do you offer scholarships?

   Answers

   MUISCD encourages deserving students by offering scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on your academic accomplishments; portfolio and/ or work experience. Please contact the admissions office for more details.

7. Can we transfer to Murdoch Australia?

   Answers

   Yes, there is seamless credit transfer to Murdoch Australia. The Student services department will advise and help you with your transition to Australia.

8. When do I enroll?

   Answers

   Once you have received your offer letter, you will be able to enroll. You have up until the end of the first week of Semester 1 to enroll and make subsequent changes if needed.

9. Do I have to attend Orientation?

   Answers

   The Murdoch University International Study Centre Dubai encourages all new students to attend Orientation. The Orientation program has been designed to meet your specific needs and to introduce you to key Murdoch University staff, campus and facilities you will require. Murdoch's Orientation Week offers student the following: Take a tour of the Campus and Library Attend a Computer Usage on Campus Seminar (essential) Attend a course advice session Attend a variety of seminars to assist your transition into the Murdoch community Organize your Student ID/Library Card and parking permit (if required) Attend your School Orientation activities (where applicable)

10. I don't know which units to choose. Who can help me?

    Answers

    Your Student Counsellor or an Admissions Officer will guide you to choose your Units. You can also check your course outline.

11. What is a Foundation Unit and do I have to do one?

    Answers

    All undergraduate students are required to take a Foundation Unit in their first semester of enrolment. Foundation units enable students new to the University to develop a range of study skills which will provide a foundation for subsequent university studies.

12. How many units do I have to enroll in?

    Answers

    Normally students take 3 or 4 units per semester. In order to complete your degree in three years you need to enroll in 12 points per semester to complete the 72 required points for a three-year undergraduate degree. i.e. 4 x 3 point units or 3 x 4 point units or combination thereof.

13. What is my timetable?

    Answers

    Remember when working out your timetable to check each unit to ascertain the contact time ie. lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab sessions required for each unit. Lecture, workshops and Lab sessions times for units are listed in the timetable. Those units with many students enrolled will run REPEAT lectures and workshops. These are indicated by Lect R or WS R.

14. What books will I need?

    Answers

    The booklist is available in the library. You will also receive Unit Outline materials at the first lecture of each unit.

15. Who can I talk to regarding my studies?

    Answers

    Staff in the Student Services Office will be able to assist you with enquiries regarding your enrolment and degree requirements.

16. What are the credentials of MUISCD Lecturers? How qualified are they?

    Answers

    Lecturers are carefully selected from a pool of experienced and highly qualified professionals. Murdoch Australia must also approve all lecturers before they are allowed to teach in the programme. Usually, they are academics from local tertiary institutions or practitioners with extensive experience from the industry. They must hold a recognized Master's Degree or higher in order to undertake teaching in any Bachelor programme.

17. I don't want to study this year/semester. Can I defer my studies until next year/semester?

    Answers

    Yes. New students may defer their offer of admission for up to one year from the original date of the offer. The student must submit their request in writing to the Admissions Office. Students are expected to submit certified transcripts for any coursework completed during the deferral period.

18. Can I transfer credit or receive advanced standing?

    Answers

    You must submit the following either during the admissions process or soon thereafter in order to be evaluated: Detailed course outlines for each unit including textbooks used. Course descriptions are not acceptable. A breakdown of the assessment for each unit. Examination paper for each unit (if possible).