Postgraduate coursework in Australia: issues emerging from university and industry collaboration
Forsyth, Hannah Elise Laxton, R. van de Werf, Julius Banks, R.
Forsyth, Hannah Elise
Laxton, R.
van de Werf, Julius
Banks, R.
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Abstract
Coursework masters degrees in Australia have experienced rapid, decentralised growth since deregulation at the end of the 1980s. The result is an extraordinarily high level of diversity and some confusion as to standards, strategic positioning, purpose and educational approaches. Throughout this period of growth, a sense that large-scale (often distance-education based) collaboration between universities and with industry would be beneficial has not always led to successful outcomes. Using a new collaborative, industry-funded postgraduate coursework program as a case study, this paper describes the issues that decision-makers need to address and evaluates the challenges and benefits of the coursework masters in higher education. The outcomes of industry surveys, student interviews and action research suggest that postgraduate coursework can facilitate technology transfer and aid capacity building, through mechanisms similar to ‘mode 2’ research. With some additional systems to ensure sustainability and standards, this could position coursework masters to be uniquely valuable nationally.
Keywords
Animal genetics, Coursework masters, Distance education, E-learninge, Learning, Industry engagement, Mode 2, Postgraduate coursework, Technology transfer, Research implementation, University collaboration
Date
2009
Type
Journal article
Journal
Higher Education
Book
Volume
Issue
Page Range
641-655
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts