- Tharani Thisuri Dissanayake

I am, currently an undergraduate student enrolled for Bachelor of Forensic Science majoring in forensic biology and forensic chemistry at Deakin University, Australia.

I pursued both my primary and secondary education at Musaeus College, Colombo, and successfully completed the GCE A/L Examination in the Commerce stream in 2014. However I realized that I was more passionate about Sciences, and was wondering how I could make the switch when I decided to pursue higher studies overseas.

It is then that I contacted counselors at Edlocate who very professionally showed me the pathway to do so without facing any difficulties. This had to be a smooth transition that would not make it too tough for me. The counselor advised me to first do the Diploma in Science at Deakin College which would prepare me to take up a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Sciences at Deakin University.

Changing my study stream was a challenge at the outset but having enrolled in this course, I got immense confidence. At Deakin College the class size is small which enabled me to get almost personal attention of the lecturers and their guidance. It was indeed the perfect foundation to my tertiary studies at the bachelor’s level. I was awarded a 50% academic scholarship at Deakin College for the academic results I achieved in the first trimester of the Diploma course. Deakin College is an excellent provider of transition from secondary to tertiary education, especially for students who need a solid base before undertaking undergraduate studies.

Why did I select a course in Forensic Science? It is an exciting field of studies and leads to an exciting career. Forensic scientists are well versed in modern forensic science and have the skills and expertise to go from “crime scene to court”. Why did I select Deakin University to do this course? I found out that Deakin is the first university in Australia, and the only university in the Asia-Pacific region, to offer a professionally-accredited forensic science course.The course has extensive industry links with local and Australian forensic organisations, and features guest speakers and site visits in collaboration with leading forensic organisations.The degree is professionally accredited by the Australian and New Zealand Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (ANZFSS).

Upon enrolling this year at Deakin University as a second-year forensic sci- ence student, I was awarded the ViceChancellor’s International Scholarship. Here I am – a student new to sciences after being in the commerce stream for so long – achieving great results. It is true that I am doing my studies diligently and well, but credit must go to the academics for their support and guidance. My experience as an undergraduate so far has been ideal both with my course and the student life in Deakin in Melbourne.

From the convenience of staying in an “on-campus”residence facility to the academic support offered by the University are beyond my expectations.The academics at the University are not only available when help is needed, but they go out of their way to assist students to achieve even greater heights beyond our aim. Deakin University meets the expectations of students in every possible way. With the state- of-the-art facilities and highly qualified lecturers to interesting methods of delivering the courses, it is no wonder that Deakin is held in high esteem by the large number of students studying at the University.

It is not all studies at Deakin. I had the privilege of becoming a member of the Student Committee, which turned out to be a great experience as an undergraduate. During the period of study, I was employed by Deakin College as a student mentor to assist prospective students at the Orientations held for each new intake of students.

The choice of study I made regarding my tertiary education was, without a doubt, a worthy one and Australia as a country has given me the best experience of my life so far. To the prospective students – my advice is to get good advice and guidance in selecting your career, course/s, pathway and institution to study. Once enrolled do systematic studies and you cannot go wrong.

Deakin University

Deakin University, Australia, is a top-rated university with world-class graduates. Industry-focussed degree programs and a strong international outlook mean that Deakin graduates are ready for the global workplace.

Deakin is ranked in the Top 2% of universities worldwide and is among the top 50 young universities in the world, according to QS and Times Higher Education.

Deakin offers hundreds of degree programs across four faculties, 17 schools and a range of research institutes and strategic centres. A variety of courses are offered in numerous disciplines. Whether it’s the Sciences at our innovative nanotechnology facilities or the Arts at one of the world’s largest motion capture labs, Deakin brings together the latest in technology to complement learning.

Deakin’s practical approach to learning ensures students get practical experience right away in the first year of study – our engineering students build, our education students teach, our nursing students take part in clinical work. Deakin also places a premium on internships to improve student employability. As a result, Deakin graduates are job-ready and equipped with the skills sought by employers around the world.

Deakin has four modern campuses that are deeply connected to their surrounding communities. Each campus offers a unique and stimulating teaching, learning and research environment. The fifth and fastest growing campus is the Cloud Campus which offers a wide range of degree programs and units online.

Deakin College – a pathway to Deakin University

Our partner institution Deakin College is a direct pathway to Deakin University and provides an excellent avenue for students who do not yet meet the admission requirements for Deakin University programs. Deakin College holds classes on three of Deakin University’s campuses, allowing students to become part of the University before they start their degree. And successful completion of a Deakin College diploma may allow students to enter a Deakin University bachelor’s degree program in the second year – saving time and money.