Graduate Margaret Kirkwood celebrated the arrival of 10 grandkids and study buddy Bobbi Cruice followed her own children's changing fortunes across the decade it took them to complete their degrees in psychology.

As well as sharing study notes, the 60-somethings have had the chance to share in the trials and triumphs of each other's families along the way.

Margaret and Bobbi meet up at the gowns collection office

Both are from very different backgrounds but they've forged a powerful alliance and are working in similar fields at the moment - Bobbi as a family relationship counsellor with Centracare and Margaret as a counsellor with Anglicare.

"Margaret and I have spent 10 years together ... we've supported each other on campus and supported each other through lots of life experiences. When you have families there's lots of changes and things that happen so it's been such a rich relationship, not only at Uni but elsewhere as well," Bobbi said.

Margaret agreed that she and Bobbi have been there for each other through the highs and lows of their lives, developing a beautiful friendship. 

"I come from a country background and did the book-keeping for our family business while bringing up my children," she said.

"I had a wonderful experience with STEPS (the enabling program) at CQUniversity as it gave me the confidence and academic techniques to get started. I'm about to apply for an internship to become a registered Psychologist and then will consider doing a masters degree."

Bobbi went to teachers' college in the late 1960s and has since worked as a teacher, drama teacher and professional director of theatre.

Swapping notes one last time before graduation

"I've had my own consultancy in drama and worked for over 25 years with young people, as well as being a lecturer for drama and theatre at the Uni. I've had a cross-section of wonderful jobs," she said.

"It's good to keep refreshing throughout your life. It's an inspiration to realise you've got a lot of potential that you did not realise you had when you were younger.

"The transition across the past 10 years of education of the mind and the experience of family is a wonderful combination."

Bobbi said she was happy to complete her psychology degree after having to take time out in the middle, due to a serious illness. She said future plans included the possibility of a graduate diploma in play therapy, allowing continued interaction with children and families.

"It never ends once you start to study ... you continue on!" Bobbi said.

Bobbi and Margaret enjoy their big night