Since she began her studies as a Games Art and Design student at Murdoch, Alexandra took advantage of every opportunity available to her, including a semester abroad, practical experience, and getting involved in campus life.

Through hands-on workshops in 3D art or design, Alexandra made the most of the resources and support at Murdoch to explore her creative interests, and learn new techniques.

Prior to starting her journey at university, however, Alexandra first applied to study at Murdoch through the portfolio admissions pathway.

What is the portfolio admissions pathway?

The portfolio admissions pathway is a pathway for creative students who wish to enrol in an arts course based on their motivation and potential for creative aptitude. This is particularly advantageous for people who have always felt more comfortable exploring, understanding and communicating with the world around them through more creative methods. 

You have the option of choosing a major you're interested in developing a portfolio for, including: 

• English and Creative Writing
• Games Art and Design
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Photography
• Screen Production
• Sound
• Strategic Communication
• Theatre and Drama

Once you've applied, been accepted, and begin your studies, the opportunities and support available to you to embrace that passion you have for learning and creating are endless. Just take it from Alexandra:

"My classes are often practical, hands-on workshops in 3D art or design, which are always a lot of fun. They usually run for a few hours, and I have most of the week free to work on my class projects at home or in the labs.

The best part of studying at Murdoch is being surrounded by inspirational people.

The teachers are so passionate about the industry and I am constantly motivated by their experiences and advice." 

Who can apply, and when?

Both mature age and school leaving students are eligible to apply via the portfolio pathway. If you’re in Year 12, you can apply for the portfolio pathway mid-year during Year 12 – even before TISC applications are open – all the way up to the week before university starts in February.

You can find out soon after application if you have been provisionally accepted to the course. This provisional acceptance takes some of the pressure off your final exams. This acceptance is subject to the successful completion of the further application criteria, before a formal offer is made.

If you’re applying as a mature age student, you can apply at any time. If you're eligible, you'll receive a full course offer.

What is the application criteria?

There a few things you will need to consider for your application:

• Completion of the WA Certificate of Education (WACE), or its equivalent.
• You will need to be studying, or have achieved a scaled mark of 50 or more, in ATAR English, Literature, or English as an Additional Language or Dialect, or equivalent English competency.
• Selection of the course you wish to apply for using your portfolio pathway as your first preference through TISC. 
• Obtain a letter of endorsement from a teacher at your school or institution (to be submitted with your portfolio).
• Write a personal statement – 300-500 words outlining your commitment to the study area you have chosen.

So what are you waiting for? 

Like Alexandra says, "To really know if you will enjoy something, you often need to experience it first-hand ... In high school I struggled with my grades and often felt as though I didn't have the right skills for university. I wish I had known the problem wasn't my abilities, just that I needed the right inspiration."