The University’s newly-created School of Engineering, Technology and Design successfully presented to the CDIO council in Denmark earlier this summer.
The CDIO model focuses on creativity and problem-solving in engineering and technology education, and recognises the growing importance of close collaboration with businesses and industry.
The University’s engineering degrees, already underway and to be fully launched in September 2020 with a new £65m STEM facility for Kent and Medway, are adopting the CDIO framework to be incorporated within all engineering and computing courses.
The University's new Engineering, Technology and Design studentsNew courses include Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Product Design Engineering and Software Engineering. Engineering degree apprenticeships have also been developed in close collaboration with industry to meet the skills and needs of employers in Kent and Medway.
"Engineering plays a crucial role in shaping the world’s future. The CDIO approach will help to create a diverse graduate engineering workforce for our region, responding to real-world opportunities and challenges now and in the future."
The University has secured £13.7m government and charity funding to deliver a significant change agenda for the region through its Kent and Medway Engineering, Design, Growth and Enterprise (EDGE) Hub.
The funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and former Higher Education Funding Council for England recognises the EDGE Hub’s potential as a strong long-term catalyst for change, stimulating new skills and growth in the regional economy.
The new approach will be critical in helping to narrow the gender and participation gap in engineering and technology education and careers, injecting an additional 1,250 highly-skilled graduates into the local economy by 2024.