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University–industry teaching collaborations: a case study of the MSc in structural integrity co-produced by Brunel University London and The Welding Institute

University–industry teaching collaborations: a case study of the MSc in structural integrity co-produced by Brunel University London and The Welding Institute

Samuel, Gabrielle, Donovan, Claire ORCID: 0000-0002-6105-7794 and Lee, Jeung (2016) University–industry teaching collaborations: a case study of the MSc in structural integrity co-produced by Brunel University London and The Welding Institute. Studies in Higher Education, 43 (4). pp. 769-785. ISSN 0307-5079 (Print), 1470-174X (Online) (doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2016.1199542)

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Abstract

The paper presents an evaluation of an MSc in Structural Integrity co-produced by Brunel University London and industry partner The Welding Institute (TWI), designed to supply ‘work-ready’ graduates. Pre-, mid- and post-course quantitative surveys were administered to students, and two mid-term focus groups were conducted. Pre- and post-course quantitative surveys were administered to industry supervisors. Seventy-seven per cent of students chose the MSc because it was co-designed with industry. Student expectations of the course and skills attainment were largely met; hopes for employment decreased due to a downturn in the oil and gas industry; industry supervisors were ‘bridging scientists’ between Brunel and TWI for largely altruistic reasons. The paper concludes that being ‘work-ready’ is composed of technical and ‘soft’ skills, employer engagement being important for the latter. It recommends integrating group-placed students with industry employees, including within social spaces; and tax incentives for employers engaging with postgraduate training provision.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Brunel University London, higher education, Master’s teaching, engineering, structural integrity, The Welding Institute, university–industry collaboration
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Education (EDU)
Last Modified: 15 Jul 2020 09:24
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/28853

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