Balancing work, family and study with an online degree

Garrath’s path to higher education was anything but traditional. Growing up in a family of six, with a twin brother, he attended seven different schools across Australia as his father's engineering career took them from place to place. This nomadic lifestyle shaped his adaptable nature and sparked a curiosity about human behaviour.

After a 22-year career in media, Garrath decided it was time for a change. A long-standing interest in psychology grew from casual curiosity into a deep passion.

'Some people like to see how an engine works. I wanted to understand how the mind works,' he explains.

That drive led him to pursue a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a field that resonated deeply with his inquisitive mind.

Garrath’s journey didn’t start at Deakin, but it led him there. After initially enrolling at a different university, he soon realised that Deakin’s approach to online degrees was a better fit. Having worked at the university for three years, he’d seen firsthand Deakin’s professionalism and the quality of its courses. 'I could see how Deakin operated, the professionalism of the course, and the engaging online dashboard,' he recalls.

The flexibility of online learning at Deakin was a game changer for Garrath. Juggling full-time work and family commitments, he needed an online degree that fit seamlessly into his life. 'Online learning fits in with you, as opposed to you fitting in with it,' he says.

Whether studying early in the morning, late at night or even while waiting in line to vote, he found Deakin's online platform made it easy to fit online learning seamlessly into his daily routine.

One of the biggest advantages of Deakin’s online degree is its emphasis on practical learning from the outset. Unlike other universities that delay practical experience, Deakin integrates case management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) right from the first year. 'You can take your skills into your workplace and start using them right away,' Garrath says.

Interactive learning was a key part of the experience. Garrath practiced techniques with fellow students, applying his theoretical knowledge in real time. ‘We would link up on Zoom and go through a scenario, which we would both practice and take turns,' he explains.

This hands-on approach deepened his understanding and made online learning feel truly interactive. 'It's as engaging as it could be without having someone right in front of you,' he adds.

Garrath’s experience with Deakin’s teaching staff was extremely positive. He appreciated the thoughtful and actionable feedback on assignments, which helped him continually refine his skills. The high standard of teaching and the well-structured course content in his online degree made a real difference in his learning journey.

But it wasn’t just the academic side of things that stood out. The support from Deakin’s student advisers also played a pivotal role in his decision to study. A casual conversation with a prospective student adviser became the catalyst that encouraged Garrath to take the leap into his online studies at Deakin. 'It was a pivotal moment,' he reflects.

Managing a full-time job, family responsibilities and university studies isn't easy, but Deakin’s trimester system made it possible. With 12-week teaching periods and the flexibility to adjust his subject load each trimester, Garrath could pace his studies in a way that worked for him.

'It allows you to study at a sustainable pace when you've got a family and work commitments,' he says.

Garrath’s story is a testament to the power of an online degree and the opportunities it can unlock. Studying with Deakin equipped him with valuable skills and opened doors to new possibilities. Now, he’s looking ahead with optimism, excited to see how far his online degree can take him.

Learn more about Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychological Science or explore studying an online degree.