A coastal engineering industry affiliates programme model to enhance student learning

Abstract

Industry affiliates programmes, which place undergraduate students in the workplace as part of their undergraduate training programme and have been shown to enhance student learning, are growing in popularity. These programmes are an educational collaboration between a university, an industry partner, and – most importantly – a student. The article outlines various aspects of a model chosen for the new Bachelor of Engineering in Coastal Engineering undergraduate degree offered through the School of Engineering at Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia, and shows how, with appropriate design considerations, a student-centred task can lead to enhanced learning by combining practical interactions with rigorous academic pursuits. Also presented are the tasks and benefits for each of the partners to highlight the significance of such a placement scheme in the improvement of student learning, and the development of valuable industry-university relationships.