How it works

The industry partners set a brief about a real business problem faced by their organisation. You'll work in mixed disciplinary groups to research, analyse and work collaboratively to find solutions to the set business problem. Project supervisors will allocate the groups to ensure an interdisciplinary mix of students. Throughout the project, you will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from industry experts who will provide helpful information, guidance and feedback on your project.

You'll be led by an academic supervisor who'll help you achieve the learning outcomes of the unit including, developing your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural competency, presentation skills and developing your own integrated professional, ethical and personal identity.

Generally, the assessments will be based on a combination of group and individual presentations and reports. Assessment tasks include a group project plan, an individual statement, a group presentation to industry partners and a group report.

If you have any questions about the projects, you can email pvceducation.enquiries@sydney.edu.au

Semester-long projects

Projects take place over the course of the semester and are based at the University of Sydney. You are expected to attend class at a scheduled time for 3 hours once a week over this period.

You'll engage with industry partners, who will attend lectures at least twice throughout the semester to provide insights into their company and business problems and give feedback on your progress. At the end of the semester, you will have the opportunity to present your final solutions in front of industry professionals.

To enrol in a semester-long industry project see the how to apply page.

Intensives, domestic and global

Intensive projects are run in both February and July and will take place in Sydney, Melbourne and overseas. You'll be expected to attend class Monday to Friday for the full day (exact timing of each day to be determined by your project supervisor).

For these projects, you will work intensively over a four week period in interdisciplinary groups undertaking relevant research and presenting solutions to a real-world challenge. Throughout the project, you will have the opportunity to engage with and learn from industry experts who will provide helpful information, guidance and feedback when working on your project. Many projects will require some time based at the partner's offices.

Global intensives

If you take part in a global intensive, you will spend two weeks overseas.

• Week 1 - For the majority of projects, you'll be based at the University for the first week, where you'll work through the project brief and conduct background research on the project and organisation.
• Week 2 and 3 - You'll engage directly with industry partners. Depending on your project, you may be based at the partner's office or on campus. For Melbourne based or global intensives, these two weeks will be spent either in Melbourne or overseas.
• Week 4 - You'll write up your group final assessments through a combination of on-campus and remote self-directed learning, as advised by your project supervisor.

There will be an additional merit-based application process for these units that includes an interview. You will need to be successful in this application before you can go on to select a shell unit. Find out how to apply for a global intensive.

Applicants can also be considered for the VC Global Mobility Scholarship amounting to $1500.