Industry-Based Learning
What is Industry-Based Learning?
Industry-Based Learning at Swinburne
Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is a program for undergraduate students in which they are offered the opportunity to undertake full-time, paid employment in industry, in an area relevant to their studies.
Industry-Based Learning commenced at Swinburne University of Technology in 1963 in the engineering field. It is the longest running Industry-Based Learning program in Australia. Each year Swinburne University of Technology places about 500 students from over 30 degree programs into Industry-Based Learning placements. Usually in excess of 350 businesses participate.
The Faculty of Life and Social Sciences offers Industry-Based Learning placements in the following fields:
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering / Psychophysiology
- Biotechnology / Biochemistry
- Multimedia (Business Marketing, Media Studies)
- Games and Interactivity
- Media and Communications
- Psychology / Sociology
- Public & Environmental Health
Industry-Based Learning provides the following benefits:
- An insight into a career
- New professional networks
- An income while learning through working
- Added motivation, confidence and maturity
- The opportunity to contribute to an organisation
- A head start in the competitive graduate job market
- Valuable industry experience and professional skills
- The opportunity to increase your professional communication and interpersonal skills
Research by Swinburne University shows that, compared with other students, Industry-Based Learning graduates:
- Gain enhanced workplace skills
- Secure a job faster than their non-Industry-Based Leaning counterparts
- Have a higher graduate starting salary
- Have a higher level of responsibility in their first graduate job
- Often return to their Industry-Based Leaning employer on completion of their degree
IBL is part of Swinburne Professional Learning offering professional real-world opportunities for students
IBL Students come equipped with relevant skills and knowledge; find out more about the capabilities of our students here.
The University seeks to continuously expand the placement opportunities for students. If you are interested in participating as a host employer, find out more here or complete an enquiry form
If you are a current student, find out more about the Industry-Based Learning program and how to submit an Expression of Interest here
Other useful links
Industry-Based Learning Employer Information (PDF)
Information for prospective Industry-Based Learning employers.
Information for students interested in Industry-Based Learning.
More Information
The Cooperative Education Manager
Faculty of Life and Social Sciences
Telephone (+61 3) 9214 8753,
Fax (+61 3) 9819 0574,
Office: Room AS326 Hawthorn Campus