About the UNSW Co-op Program

Developing students into successful young professionals

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How did it start?

The UNSW Co-op Program was started in 1987 in response to industry's unmet demand for exceptional IT graduates. Since then the Program has extended into many areas of Engineering, Applied Science, Business and the Built Environment, based on industry demand.

What's so special about UNSW Co-op?

The UNSW Co-op scholarship offers more than financial support, it aims to develop our scholars into professionals, not just graduates at the end of a university degree and makes sure our scholars have lots of fun along the way.

"Co-op students really stand out to employers during graduate recruitment season. Through the industry placements, they gain valuable real world experience in the profession. It not only gives them a head start over other graduate candidates in both technical and soft skills, but also means they can make better career choices, having had the chance to experience what various roles actually involve."

Liz Brown, Partner, Risk Services, Deloitte.

What programs are offered?

There are now 24 Programs available in the fields of Business, Science, Engineering and Built Environment.

Co-op scholars commencing in 2012 in Business Programs will enrol in the newly developed, four year B.Com (CO-OP) Degree*. Increased recognition is being awarded for increased reporting and assessment of industry experience. All industry placements will become fully assessable (Industry & University) courses.

*Co-op scholars completing their degree in Business Information Technology are also awarded a 4 year degree, Business Information Systems (BIT). All other conditions of the new B.Com (CO-OP) will apply to this degree.

Co-op scholars undertaking Engineering, Science and Built Environment Programs will enrol in the aligned existing undergraduate program at UNSW.

All Programs offer industry experience however the schedules vary with respect to program duration and the number/length of placements.

For more specific details, look up the Programs you are interested in.

Industry Experience

All UNSW Co-op scholars have the opportunity to gain experience on multiple industry placements with leading companies. This not only provides invaluable insight into the real workforce but also puts Co-op graduates ahead of the competition when it comes to graduate recruitment.

Professional Development & Leadership

To enhance the industry experience gained through the Program we recognise the need to further develop the professional skills and leadership capabilities of all Co-op scholars. In response, the Co-op Program has developed a Professional Development and Leadership Program with a number of different sessions attended by scholars throughout their degree.

The objective of the Professional Development & Leadership Program is to introduce scholars to the concepts and essential skills of leadership, teamwork, communication and professional networking. We like to present these sessions in a way that scholars find them interesting, practical, fun and social.

Friends and Fun

It's not all work and no play, Co-op scholars have fun too. Scholars are introduced to each other in the first week of university at a Co-op Kick Off day and often form strong friendships early in their degree. The Co-op community of scholars is a close knit group and offers great peer support throughout the challenges of study and into graduate employment. The regular Co-op social gatherings provide the opportunity to get to know scholars from all disciplines and also keep in touch with the Co-op team.

UNSW Co-op Program enables scholars to make the most of their years at university and offer them best start for their career.