b'12 Partner News Summer 2020AcademicOxford Brookes balance between theory and work-based learning: Supporting the new generation of engineerseven before they graduateArticle byRebekah Potter.Oxford Brookes University has a carefully designed curriculum to provide the optimum balance between theory and applications; their key differentiator. Such a developed programme ensures that graduates are versatile and capable of excelling in their chosen field of expertise.University curriculumThe Universitys facilities are arranged so that taught students have access to practically all the research labs, providing opportunities for students to get involved in projects run by the research centres and groups. In addition to modelling and simulation, students spend a large portion of time in laboratories andis an excellent way to influence OxfordThe Formula Student project at Oxford workshops, and can see first-hand howBrookes developments, as their curriculum,Brookes pays a pivotal role in the the theory is applied in live projects. extra-curricular activities and research arepreparation of students for industry. Such very strongly interlinked. The University is inprojects offer students opportunities There have been several studies inclose contact with virtually all Formula Oneto showcase learning and achievement, engineering showing that the shortageteams, discussing the competence they lookand perform well in interviews with in numbers exists, explains Gordanafor when recruiting, and has an excellentextra, relevant interest in an area of Collier, Head of the School for Engineering,track record in securing large industry- their expertise. Many Oxford Brookes Computing and Mathematics.based research grants, such as a multi- graduates already have 1-5 years of on-million grant with Ford Motor Company.the-job experience in a race team, fresh At Brookes we have adopted a strategyout of their university degrees, making for sustained but moderate growthThe extra-curricularthem highly desirable graduates.with a focus on the quality of deliveryExtra-curricular projects are built into the and increased contact time, whichcurriculum, in terms of teaching design, produces highly employable graduates.as students involved in the projects Rather than replacing practical workconsistently perform better.Whilst these with simulations, we have added moreprojects are voluntary, many top employersRather than replacing contact time to curriculum delivery. will only consider candidates that have participated in extra-curricular projects (inpractical work with Industry connections addition to top marks). One such examplesimulations, we have The University maintains close industryis Ferrari Engineering Academy, where only relations and has a buoyant IndustrialBrookes and two other UK universities areadded more contact time Advisory Board that is consulted regularlyinvited to put forward students, as one ofto curriculum delivery.on curriculum development. They alsothe conditions is relevant extracurricular sponsor extra-curricular projects, whichexperiencelike Brookes Formula Students.'