Survey shows students want course flexibility and career development

New survey results show how critical it is for Australian universities to focus on graduate employability, as Swinburne takes bold steps to nurture career-ready graduates.

The federal government’s annual Student Experience Survey found that students generally have a positive experience at university but that more can be done to support students to complete their studies and find jobs.

“The survey results reiterate what our students have been telling us for some time,” says Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Jennelle Kyd.

Swinburne is rolling out a major program of work including a refresh of Swinburne’s undergraduate programs and the creation of a suite of new professional degrees with embedded work placements. A modernisation of Work Integrated Learning opportunities enhances the career prospects of graduates through the Swinburne Advantage.

“The Swinburne Advantage suite of new programs for all higher education students offer relevant, high quality work opportunities to prepare students for clear career pathways,” says Professor Kyd.

“Swinburne has offered practical work experiences to students for more than fifty years.

“We recognise that students want and needed choices to match their aspirations and fit in with their lives, so we have produced an exciting range of Work Integrated Learning options to give greater access and choice to our students.”

The new work programs include:

Professional degrees
A suite of Professional Degrees have been accredited across all disciplines that include a paid work experience placement as a core requirement of the course.

Professional placements
A new professional placement option in undergraduate courses providing a six or 12 month paid workplace learning experience.

Professional internships
Short workplace learning experiences integrated into academic studies.

Industry-linked projects
Team-based projects that involve an authentic engagement with industry and community based organisations.

Accreditation Placements
Industry experiences designed to meet professional accreditation or registration requirements in specific professions.

Work Integrated Learning study tours
Study tours that involve visits to international industry sites and have defined employability outcomes.

Find out more about Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning opportunities.

The 2015 Student Experience Survey National Report can be downloaded from the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website.

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