Work-Related Learning

The term work-related learning is used to describe all directed or supported educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. Work-related learning may take place within the workplace, may be sourced from the workplace or may prepare students for specific professional roles within the workplace. Work-related learning is highly valued by students and employers. Effective work-related learning activities develop, deliver and reflect upon learning experiences that benefit all stakeholders.

Co-operative education / Work integrated learning

Co-operative Education is a type of program that formally integrates a student's academic studies with work experience in cooperating employer organisations. The usual plan is for the student to alternate periods of experience in appropriate fields of business, industry, government, social services and the professions with periods of university study. These co-operative paid work placements in the industry, providing you with real-life work experience where you can earn while you learn. We have these integrated learning opportunities for our programs in Engineering, Physics, Human Movements, Business, Information Technology, Accounting and Physics.

Engaged learning and teaching

Engaged learning and teaching enables students to "be what they want to be", through learning experiences that are focussed on real-world issues in the communities in which they work and live.

With about 100 different degrees to choose from, CQUniversity offers some of the best mixes of classroom and workplace learning across any of the Australian universities - whether you choose to study by distance education or on-campus. Many of our programs (even those offered by distance education) provide students with one form or another of work-related learning, often paid, in fields where practical experience is a major advantage for graduates entering the workforce.

Through programs and in partnership with hundreds of employers we aim to equip students with the practical skills they need for their careers by involving them in a wide range of work-related learning from simulated projects to immersing them in real-world situations and work environments.

The engagement that we have with our communities, industries and businesses enables the University to work in partnership to provide multiple experiences, contexts and approaches to enrich the experiential learning of our students. These learning opportunities assist in the development of discipline specific skills and generic transferable skills relevant to life-long learning. Work-related learning is not a ‘one-size-fits-all' approach. It recognises that a variety of strategies can be used to enhance the relevance of formal studies, to improve student engagement and to enrich the student experience. The approach used will vary with the requirements of specific programs.