It is accepted that discipline-based learning fosters student engagement with the subject, enhances subject-related skill proficiency, and ultimately supports job securement within the field. However, postgraduate student numbers have increased to record levels, meaning that graduates enter a highly competitive market for employment after completing their postgraduate studies. It follows that postgraduate students who have obtained transferable skills and/or other extra-specialised training are more likely to be valued favourably by employers, compared to those who do not have such additional graduate attributes. Skills provision within MSc programmes has historically been delivered by academic teaching staff with limited input from external partners. However, courses which foster knowledge exchange between university, partners, and industry, are more relevant. Such an approach enables active and constructive learning, which reduces the gap between knowledge, and skills development for real-life challenges. In this paper, we describe our transdisciplinary triple helix approach which involves expert university academics, professional industrial partners, and training by an accredited government body. Our model embeds accredited certification as part of the curriculum and provides work-related learning opportunities, alongside future employer engagement. Student learning is therefore enriched by real-world activities and challenges. This paper is of importance as it showcases that authentic learning and skills provision better prepare students for a life beyond their degree. Our model can be used by other academics to support a "curriculum for life".

Authors:
Susan Lindsay, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Lesley Graham, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Carolyn Loveridge, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
Ana Da Silva Costa, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Susan Lindsay is a lecturer within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

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