Prepare for Diplomas

It is challenging to begin studying in a new environment. Don't worry, we are here to help, and we have some useful information to help you get started.

Trish Cap

Unit Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Arts

Trish Cap (BA (Social Sciences), BBus (International Trade))

Trish completed a double degree in Arts/Business at Monash University in 1994. She went on to live and work in Japan following her graduation and joined Monash University as a Teaching Associate in 2001. Working across both Arts and Business disciplines she joined Monash College in 2006. She currently leads three units in the Diploma of Arts and facilitates the Sharing Our Practice Community of Practice at Monash College. This Community focuses specifically on the use of resources/technology in the classroom. In 2014 she was nominated for an Outstanding Contribution Award for integrating hands on exercises into her teaching program, enabling students to take a ‘real world’ approach to their studies. In 2018 she won the Outstanding Contribution Award for innovative practices for her work on the "Global Crisis" which involved gamifying lectures to enhance student engagement in the classroom. Trish is passionate about helping and engaging students to achieve their academic goals while understanding the issues facing them in the contemporary world.

 

Nhai Nguyen

Unit Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Arts (Education)

Nhai Nguyen ((PhD), Master of Teaching (TESOL/TEFL), Master of Educational Leadership and Management, Bachelor of Teaching (TESOL/TEFL))

Dr Nguyen earned her PhD in Education at Monash University. She has 17 years of research, teaching and industry experience in the design, development and delivery of teacher education, cultural studies, professional communication and higher education. Before joining Monash College, she was a Senior Lecturer in the Centre of Communication and Design at RMIT University, Vietnam. She has delivered key note speeches in international and national conferences and has been published across multiple disciplines. She has won a number of awards and fellowships including the Australian Leadership Award (ALA) between 2009 and 2013, Professorial Fellowship in the Centre for Studies in Higher Education at the University of Melbourne (2009-2010) as part of her ALA award, Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) 2016 International Travel Award for Distinguished Service in Educational Reforms in Canada, and the CIES 2018 International Travel Award for Emergent Scholars in Mexico.

 

Dr Kanvar Nayer

Unit Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Art and Design

Kanvar Nayer ((PhD (Industrial Design), Bachelor of Industrial Design (Hons), Diploma (Art and Design))

It gives Kanvar much pleasure to teach alongside his colleagues, some of whom were once his teachers, at the very place where his design career began – Monash College in 2006. Kanvar coordinates the Part 2 Industrial Design stream and recognises that each student is different, therefore providing a tailored learning approach with a side of empathy. Kanvar's PhD research resulted in the development of 'MemoryBox' – a personalised multimedia system for individuals with dementia. He is also a Director (Collaboration Design & Research) at CollabCare, currently working on the commercialisation of MemoryBox. His design and research interests lie in improving the quality of life of the geriatric population, their families and caregivers.

 

Titus Ng

Unit Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Business

Titus Ng (currently completing PhD (Business), MBA, Bachelor of Engineering, Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management)

Titus has nearly 20 years of teaching, training and consulting experience in organisation, leadership, team, and personal development.  He has conducted workshops in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China for both private and public sectors including companies such as Adidas, AIG, Citibank, Hewlett Packard, HSBC, Mitsui and Schering Plough. He taught at the University of Melbourne and RMIT University prior to joining Monash College, and has been awarded the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award 2016 at the University of Melbourne for his outstanding innovative teaching practices.

 

Tarek Shehata

Subject Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Engineering

Tarek Shehata (PhD Mechanical Engineering, Master of Education)

Tarek completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Monash University.  He has extensive experience in engineering teaching and has worked as a tutor and lecturer in Mechanical Engineering all over the world. In Australia, he has worked for Swinburne and La Trobe Universities and Chisholm Institute of TAFE. Tarek recently completed his Master in Education at Monash University.

 

Joab Hwang

Subject Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Science

Joab Hwang (BSc (Honours) – Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Genetics, PhD (Genetics))

Joab has over 5 years of experience teaching science at the tertiary level. Before commencing at Monash College, he carried out genetics research at Monash University and taught at various higher educational institutes including Monash University and Deakin University. Joab has a strong interest in learning design and using technology in teaching and learning.

 

Haidar Al-Khalidi

Subject Leader and Teacher, Diploma of Engineering (IT)

Haidar Al-Khalidi (PhD (Computer Science), Masters (Information Technology), Post Grad Dip (Computer Science), Bachelor of Education (Computer Science), Advanced Diploma (Electronic Engineer))

Haidar has more than 15 years of teaching experience in higher education and the IT industry.  He has completed higher degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology, including a PhD and Post Grad Dip from Monash University. He received an Australian Postgraduate scholarship from the Australian government APA towards finishing his PhD at Monash University in 2010.

He has published more than fifteen papers in high ranked journals and presented at international conferences. Haidar started at Monash College in 2015 and has held different roles including unit and subject leadership.

Planning and managing your time

During Orientation Week all new students will be given an 'Assessment Planner' to assist them with time management. The planner shows all assessment tasks, and their relevant due dates, for each of the units in the Diploma.

The following are sample assessment planners for Diploma of Arts and Diploma of Engineering.

What your timetable might look like

This is a sample timetable for students studying the Diploma of Business (Part 2). The typical contact hour is 5 to 7 hours per unit, per week.

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

08:30 am

  

Microeconomics – Tutorial, Classroom 2B

Accounting 1 – Tutorial, Classroom 1A

 

09:00 am

   

09:30 am

Management 1 – Tutorial, Classroom 1A

Accounting 1 – Lecture, Lecture Hall 2

 

10:00 am

  

10:30 am

  

11:00 am

 

Management 1 – Tutorial, Classroom 1B

 

11:30 am

   

Management 1 – Lecture, Lecture Hall 2

12:00 pm

   

12:30 am

     

01:00 pm

Microeconomics – Tutorial, Classroom 1B

  

Marketing 1 – Tutorial, Classroom 1B

 

01:30 pm

Marketing 1 – Tutorial, Classroom 2A

  

02:00 pm

  

02:30 pm

Microeconomics – Lecture, Lecture Hall 2

   

03:00 pm

    

03:30 pm

Management 1 – Lecture, Lecture Hall 1

  

Marketing 1 – Lecture, Lecture Hall 1

04:00 pm

  

04:30 pm

    

05:00 pm

    

05:30 pm

    

Frequently asked questions

What type of support services are available to Monash College Diploma students?

Diploma students have access to a range of support services including:

  • Learning Consultants - provide academic support (language, writing, study skills) to students. You can book a free appointment for a consultation with a Learning Consultant or attend a drop-in session if you have a quick question. Email for an appointment: learning.consultant@monashcollege.mcpl.edu.au
  • Student Counsellor - students are able to book a free and confidential appointment to see the Student Counsellor. The Counsellor can assist you with a range of issues including homesickness, feelings of depression and/or anxiety, stress due to personal or academic issues. Email for an appointment: counselling@mcpl.edu.au
  • Teachers - your teachers are a valuable source of knowledge and expertise. It is important to consult your teachers if you are struggling with any class materials. They will be able to offer you additional support and guidance.

Do I need to attend all my classes?

Yes, we expect you to attend all classes. Monash College has an attendance policy which requires a minimum of 80% attendance. If you are unable to attend classes you must provide medical certificates to explain your absence. Students are not eligible to return home for ceremonies or family events during the trimester teaching period.

What are the different Diploma streams?

Diploma of Business:

Business stream -
leads to degree programs at Caulfield, Peninsula and City campus.

Commerce stream -
leads to degree programs at Clayton.The main difference between the business and commerce streams are the maths requirements. The Bachelor of Commerce stipulates a higher maths requirement.

Diploma of Arts:

Sociology stream -
For students considering majors in communication, international relations or media studies.

Psychology stream -
For students who would like to complete a major in psychology.

Diploma of Art & Design:

Industrial Design stream -
Graduate with the Bachelor of Industrial Design and you'll be equipped to develop effective, attractive and marketable products, systems and services, from initial concept to final prototype, and to make designs that can be put into production.

Architecture stream -
Architects combine creative vision and technical expertise to help shape the built environment. Successful architecture can help revitalise a city, make housing affordable or help us live more sustainably.

Interior Architecture stream -
Interior architecture professionals understand how people engage with the world, and how structures, spaces and environments can offer outstanding experiences.

Fine Arts stream -
This course will help launch your career in the visual arts as an artist, commentator or curator. By specialising in Fine Art you can find and develop your own artistic voice, preparing you for a career as a contemporary artist.

Diploma of Engineering:

Engineering stream -
This leads to an Engineering course at Monash University. Part 2 consists of three trimesters over 12 months. During your first trimester you can choose one elective depending on your interests and the degree you wish to apply for. For your second and third trimesters, choose five electives to complete over eight months. You study units such as, Applied Mathematics, Computing for Engineering.

Information Technology stream -
This leads to Computer Science or Information Technology course. Part 2 consists of two trimesters over eight months. For each trimester you can choose two electives depending on your interests and the degree you wish to apply for.

How do I make friends?

Orientation is a great opportunity to make friends with other commencing students. It is important to feel confident in approaching other students and introducing yourself to them. Remember many students are in the same position as you and wanting to increase their friendship circles. Get involved in extracurricular activities and events such as Get Connected program or social sport.

What important dates do I need to be aware of?

Find out date information about orientation, census dates, holiday and teaching periods by visiting our Diplomas dates and fees page.

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