Work Integrated Learning Policy

Work Integrated Learning Policy

The purpose of our policy

Our policy describes the framework and principles under which Adelaide University designs, delivers, and governs Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities.

Our policy provides authority to maintain our [Work Integrated Learning Procedure].

Please read this policy in conjunction with our:

  • Privacy Policy
  • [Reasonable Adjustments Policy]
  • [Critical Incidents Policy]

Who our policy applies to

Inclusions

Our policy applies to all staff and students associated with WIL courses. 

Exclusions

It does not apply to:

  • work experience undertaken outside the academic requirements of a program or course
  • graduate research programs.

Our Work Integrated Learning principles

Adelaide University provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical learning in practice through structured WIL activities. These experiences are designed to be safe, productive and, where relevant, aligned with professional accreditation requirements or standards. Our WIL courses are developed in collaboration and consultation with our industry partners and students. 

The seven (7) principles for our Work Integrated Learning Policy are:

  1. Adelaide University will offer students high quality WIL opportunities and will partner with industry, business, government and/or community organisations, as applicable.
  2. WIL activities will provide authentic, work-based activities that integrate theory with practice and form part of a coherent program of study.
  3. All WIL activities will have clearly articulated learning outcomes and assessments to support these outcomes.
  4. Adelaide University will ensure that WIL activities are fit for purpose, accessible and inclusive where possible, while meeting professional accreditation or registration requirements, where applicable. 
  5. WIL activities will meet our administrative and pedagogical models, while aligning with our WIL partners’ capacity, aims and objectives. Adelaide University will ensure that students undertaking WIL activities are supervised, monitored and provided with the required support to ensure their wellbeing and safety, and that risks are identified and mitigated.
  6. Where WIL is delivered with an external party, a formal agreement must govern the activity and comply with Adelaide University policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
  7. WIL activities and partnerships will be reviewed regularly, taking into account student and industry partner feedback.

Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Graduate Research Program means a program at doctoral or master level which comprises two-thirds or more of its assessable content by research.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an umbrella term for a pedagogical approach that combines theoretical learning of a discipline or professional context with practical experience, either actual, simulated and/or virtual, as part of the academic requirements of a program or course. This approach helps students apply academic concepts to real-world work and professional situations, enhancing their skills, employability and understanding. See (website) for a list of different types of WIL.

Our Work Integrated Learning Procedures

The following procedures are part of our [title] suite.

Procedure

Procedure title and link

How our policy is governed

Our Policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

Policy category

Academic

Approving authority

co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President

Policy owner

Deputy Vice Chancellor -Academic

Responsible officer

Pro Vice Chancellor (Teaching and Learning)

Effective from

24 July 2025

Review date

[3/4/5 years after date this version is approved, TBC]

Enquiries

Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit]

Replaced documents

None

Legislation and other documents related to this policy

Adelaide University Act 2023

Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)

Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA)

Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

Section 1.4: Learning Outcomes and Assessment

Section 2.3: Wellbeing and Safety

Section 2.4: Student Grievances and Complaints

Section 3.1: Course Design

Section 5.4: Delivery with Other Parties

National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018

Standard 2 Recruitment of an overseas student

Standard 3 Formalisation of enrolment and written agreements

Standard 11 Additional registration requirements

History of changes

Date approved

To section/clauses

Description of change

24 July 2025

Policy Principles

Minor edits

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees, or any other unknown item etc. for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose such information in this procedure until confirmed.