Embedding employability and employer engagement into postgraduate teaching: a case study from ‘environmental management systems’

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates whether the practice of embedding employability and employer engagement into the curriculum can lead to beneficial outcomes for students, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), participant organisations, and employers in general. The practice is evaluated through the case study of a specialist postgraduate module in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at the University of Southampton. The pedagogical approach is discussed, along with an analysis of the key learning and employability outcomes. The case study demonstrates the viability of developing a specialist employability profile, with a focus on relevant practical experience through a single module, whilst also enhancing core employability skills. Although the process and outcomes relate to a single specialist module approach, many of the findings are applicable across the range of approaches for embedding employability and employer engagement into the GEES curriculum.