The Best of Both Worlds: Graduating with two degrees from BINUS International and Northumbria University

For Sudiksha Ajit Lachman, graduating from the Communications program, BINUS University International, feels like gaining “the best of both worlds” as she has the experience of learning high-demand skills required for companies in Indonesia and opportunities to explore foreign education and culture in a UK high institution.

“Studying from 2 different universities is a good experience, where we could spend the first 3 years in Indonesia, learning the skills that are vital for companies in Indonesia. However, taking my last year in Northumbria made me realize that my education does not stop in Indonesia, the world is there to be explored,” said Sudiksha who just received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) with First Class Honours in Mass Communication from Northumbria University at Newcastle, the United Kingdom last July 2024.

She continued, “learning from a different education system with more independence, and a higher expectation from the students in the UK, builds up my skills and confidence. The whole experience involves exploring a whole new different culture, adjusting to different food, having four different seasons, walking to class, and living totally on your own in the UK.”

Sudiksha is one of the Batch 2024 students who took a Double Degree program offered by the Communications Program, BINUS University International which enabled her to get dual degree awards from BINUS University and Northumbria University.

She spent six semesters gaining a project-based Communication curriculum in Indonesia before continuing two semesters of study at the UK’s best university for Design Studies.

According to Sudiksha, BINUS International’s Communication Program is “a good program with a lot of job opportunities in the creative field, such as the media, advertising, publishing both in corporate companies or agencies.”

Taking the Double Degree program from the Communications Department gives her a whole new experience.

“I also got a chance to represent Northumbria University in a national conference in Blackpool (United Kingdom) from 16-18 April 2024, where more than 650 schools and universities with thousands of students attended from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland,” Sudiksha added.

While many think that taking a dual award education is an easy option, Sudiksha did not take the opportunity for granted. She managed to secure a CGPA of 3.89 before joining Northumbria University and graduated from the university with an accumulative credit of 70 which made her deserve a First Class Honour.

Sudiksha has returned to Indonesia to receive her Sarjana Ilmu Komunikasi (S.I.Kom) in the upcoming BINUS 69 Graduation this year.

Contributor: Lily El Ferawati

Editor: Lily El Ferawati