Secondary Teacher Ryan Marlow working with upper school students.
Life is busy, and adult responsibilities can make your goals seem unachievable.
But with the 5-star student support and flexible study options offered at ECU, you can make your dreams a reality.
Whether you haven't studied since high school, want to boost your career with a postgraduate qualification – or switch careers – ECU can help you get there.
Open the door to a bright future
ECU nursing graduate Miss Kellie McDiarmid crossed the graduation stage recently. She gained entry into ECU and achieved her degree without having completed high school, and while juggling the demands of being a single mother of four.
"I enrolled to study in the university preparation course at ECU in 2017 with aspirations to become a nurse. My youngest of four was merely turning one year old," she said
"I never completed year 10, I did not even know what an exam was when I started university."
A proud Dieri, Arabana and Kokatha woman from South Australia, Miss McDiarmid grew up in an outback remote town and is the first person in her family to graduate from university.
"As a mature age student, the idea of studying again was daunting, although I had feelings of excitement and determination to lead an example for my four babies watching me."
Reward worth the journey
Miss McDiarmid said the support she received from ECU throughout her studies helped her realise her dream.
"My journey at ECU has been the most rewarding journey I've ever travelled, one that I describe as turning doors of opportunity."
Miss McDiarmid is now employed in a graduate program at Royal Perth Hospital and is excited to be able to give back to the community in her new role as a registered nurse.
Secondary teachers in high demand
Not only is ECU helping to answer the call for more nurses during a global pandemic – the University is also ramping efforts to supply more qualified high school teachers to Western Australian schools with a new fast-track version of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) that can be completed in just 18 months.
It offers a fantastic opportunity for already-skilled professionals to bring their unique wealth of skills and knowledge into the classroom.
Switch to teaching and accelerate your career
ECU graduate Ryan Marlow switched from engineering to teaching high school Mathematics and Science, and has never looked back.
"Being able to use your industry experience to relate classroom learning to real-world situations is a huge benefit," he said.
Within two years of graduating from ECU, Mr Marlow was promoted to Head of Year 11/12 at St James' Anglican School.
"Do it sooner, rather than later. It is so rewarding."
Flexibility to get your career moving
ECU provides flexible study options including online and part-time, which means you can choose how you study, to suit your life and work commitments.
The University's focus on putting students first has been recognised by the 2022 Good Universities Guide, which awarded ECU a five-star rating for teaching quality for 15 years in a row – making ECU one of only two public universities in Australia to achieve this.
Apply now: www.ecuworldready.com.au
