Amanda Jones
31 March 2015: It was a case of seeing double today when twin brothers James and Patrick Askew, 24, graduated with the same University of Canberra double degree.
They graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies/Bachelor of Laws, with both agreeing that graduating together was a memorable occasion.
"Graduating alongside my brother is very special because it means that we have both achieved our goals and have done our very best," James said.
"It means that we have both completed a major part of our lives and I can be proud of not only what I have achieved, but proud of what my brother has achieved as well," Patrick added.
They said that the University's good reputation and emphasis on providing practical and hands-on education was a deciding factor when choosing a University.
"I originally planned to study just arts in international studies because I enjoy learning about other cultures but I added a law degree because of its high quality and the challenges it would present me," Patrick said.
James said he chose the double degree because of the wide range of opportunities it offered upon graduating.
"The range of electives and subjects within each degree meant that I was always able to not just do core subjects, but other subjects I was interested in as well. The quality of teaching was something that also allowed me to get the most out of my degrees," he added.
"When my brother and I did study together it was very helpful being able to talk to someone who also understood not only the work involved but also had a similar way of thinking to help explain things if necessary," James said.
Patrick and James agree that going on exchange to Canada was the highlight of their degree, having both spent a semester studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax in 2012 and three weeks at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver in 2014. The pair also toured the Microsoft Cybercrime Centre in Seattle and attended a National Crime Victim Law Conference in Portland in the US.
"These were fantastic experiences for me, with the opportunity to study different units and gain a more international perspective to my degree. I'd encourage anyone to go on exchange, even if it's just for a few weeks. It is a worthwhile and exciting thing to do and opens up new friendships and new opportunities to learn," Patrick said.
James added: "It is a wonderful opportunity to study in a different environment and culture, while getting in some travel and fun as well."
Read about more of our recent graduates:
Gait study grad steps out with PhD
Brumbies star scores sports media degree
PhD on preserving precious paper
Climate change researcher honoured
Chancellor's medal for graduate midwife
