Murdoch College is a tertiary pathway provider located on the Murdoch University campus in Perth, Western Australia. It specialises in preparation programmes that build academic skills, English proficiency, and confidence for university studies. The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) is a short, focused course designed to help students who do not yet meet the academic or English requirements for direct entry to a Master’s degree.

 

Why Study the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP)?

The PQP is ideal if you:

• Have completed an Advanced Diploma, Associate degree, or equivalent (AQF Level 6) but not the full criteria for direct Master’s entry.
• Need to adapt to academic expectations and research skills at the postgraduate level.
• Want extra support to improve academic English and critical thinking skills before starting a Master’s.
• Aim for a smooth transition into Master’s programmes (e.g., business, IT, development, criminology) at Murdoch University.

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The Postgraduate Qualifying Program includes five core units designed to build academic foundations for postgraduate study.

Core Units

1. Academic English – develops postgraduate-level language for academic contexts.

2. Study and Research Skills – focus on academic writing, presentation, research planning and execution.

3. Critical Thinking Skills – builds analytical and evaluative thinking for academic work.

4. Quantitative Studies – introduces core quantitative methods, statistics, and data interpretation.

5. Intercultural Studies – prepares students for academic and professional interaction in multicultural settings, especially in Australia.

 

Disciplines & Progression Opportunities

After completing the PQP successfully (often with a Credit pass or equivalent), you can progress into a range of Murdoch University Master’s degrees, including:

Business & Management

• Master of Business Administration (Global)

• Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced)

Information Technology

• Master of Information Technology

• Master of Business Administration / Master of Information Technology (combined)

Social Sciences & Development

• Master of Criminology

• Master of Sustainable Development

• Master of Community Development

• Master of Development Studies

Engineering & Environment

• Master of Renewable and Sustainable Energy

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Short and focused — complete in ~1 trimester (3–5 months).
• Bridges academic gaps for entry into postgraduate study.
• Develops key academic skills like research strategy, critical thinking, quantitative literacy, and intercultural communication.
• Offers flexible progression into a wide range of Master’s programmes at Murdoch University.
• Supports English language development tailored to academic expectations.

 

Career Outcomes

While PQP itself is not a professional qualification, it prepares you to enter a Master’s level programme, which can unlock career opportunities in fields such as:

• Business Management and Leadership
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology and Systems
• Sustainable Development and Community Practice
• Criminology, Policy and Social Services

 

Visa Requirements

International students undertaking full-time on-campus study in Australia must obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Typical requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Murdoch College
• Proof of funds (tuition + living expenses)
• OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover, mandatory)
• Valid passport and supporting documents

 

Latest Updates & Special Requirements

• Entry often requires completion of an AQF Level 6 qualification or equivalent.
• Required English for PQP is IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 each band).
• Some Master’s pathways (e.g., renewable energy) may require additional prerequisites beyond PQP.