Student FAQs
What is WIL?
Worked Integrated Learning or WIL is an opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge with the practise of work. Other names for WIL include: internships, simulations, practicums, clinical or professional placements, and experiential projects.
Who can do a WIL course?
WIL courses are available to domestic and international undergraduate and post-graduate students at the University of Newcastle. More than 90 per cent of undergraduate programs include a WIL opportunity. WIL is also a high priority in postgraduate programs and research higher degrees. Visit the Future Students page or contact your Faculty to find out more.
Why should I do WIL?
Students who take part in WIL and the practical application of their theoretical learning are better prepared for their careers. WIL is one way the University of Newcastle offers its students a learning environment that will challenge and inspire them, and support our students to become leaders in their field of endeavour. As a result, our graduates are competitive on the world stage with a high level of employability and higher than average starting salaries.
Am I insured while undertaking WIL activities off campus?
If the activity is part of the curriculum and is assessed by a course coordinator, then yes, students are insured. The most detailed and up-to-date source of information on insurance while on WIL is available through the insurance information webpage which is managed within the Risk and Assurance Services Unit of the University.
For further details visit our insurance policies information page.
Staff FAQs
What is WIL?
Worked Integrated Learning or WIL is an opportunity for University of Newcastle students to apply their theoretical knowledge with the practise of work. Other names for WIL include: internships, simulations, practicums, clinical or professional placements, and experiential projects.
Who is doing WIL at the University of Newcastle?
More than 90 per cent of undergraduate programs at the University of Newcastle include an opportunity for students to take part in WIL. Postgraduate and Research Higher Degrees also have a focus on providing WIL opportunities for students. WIL is one way the University is achieving excellence in teaching and learning, by providing its students with relevant skills that they need to succeed in their careers. These courses are delivered across all Faculties. The number of courses and the diversity of placements offered to students are increasing.
How can WIL be incorporated into the curriculum?
WIL can be incorporated into a curriculum in many and varied ways, from placements to simulated scenarios. The important measure of WIL in the curriculum is that is it meets the University of Newcastle definition of WIL as well as meeting Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relation’s requirements for funding.
The University of Newcastle definition of WIL is:
Work-integrated learning is the term used to describe educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in a workplace, profession, career or future employment. WIL should be available for all undergraduate students, should provide a meaningful and relevant experience, and should be recognised through assessment and credit. The WIL experience can be off or on campus, real or simulated, depending on the discipline area, but must involve clearly stated outcomes, assessment and be consistent with quality teaching and learning.
How can WIL benefit me and my work team?
Creating career-ready graduates, with a complement of both theoretical and practical knowledge is at the heart of all WIL activities and is a key focus the University of Newcastle. WIL is an important element of the University of Newcastle’s NeW Directions planning process and is part of its 2025 vision of working in partnership with its community to deliver world-class innovations in education delivery and research.
These WIL partnerships also offer the University a unique opportunity to consult directly with the organisations who hire our graduates, as a way to ensure that the degree programs we offer teach our students the essential knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Taking part in WIL activities can be beneficial to academics seeking promotion and is an excellent opportunity for academic staff to build professional competencies such as management skills.
Academic and professional involved in WIL can receive $1,000 and a certificate by entering the annual WIL Staff of the Year awards, which celebrate the leadership and commitment of our staff in integrating the workplace into the University’s learning approaches.
Are students insured to take part in WIL?
If the activity is part of the curriculum and is assessed by a course coordinator, then yes, students are insured. For further details visit the insurance information webpage which is managed within the Risk and Assurance Services Unit of the University.
For further details visit our insurance policies information page.
Are there any costs associated with WIL?
WIL placements can be paid or unpaid. Cadetships and paid employment that incorporate WIL opportunities for students are provided by the University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme. Information about employment opportunities for students, both on and off campus, which may be eligible to be incorporated in WIL courses, can be accessed through Careers.
The University of Newcastle provides support in the facilitation of WIL programs. Heads of School and Course Convenors will have information about the operation of WIL programs by the Schools and Faculties.
Business and Industry FAQs
What is WIL?
Work Integrated Learning is a focus of the teaching and learning at the University of University, where students are hosted by business, industry and organisations to gain invaluable professional experience as part of their studies. Working in partnership with the University, a willingness to share expertise and the professional capacities of its staff is the major commitment an organisation needs to make to be a WIL host.
Flexibility is offered to the WIL host in the provision of the placement. It can be paid or unpaid, and can be organised to be completed in a block, or on a weekly basis, depending on the needs of all stakeholders. University staff will work with the WIL host and the student to organise the logistics of the placement, including insurances.
How will my organisation benefit from a WIL partnership with the University of Newcastle?
Hosting a University of Newcastle student offers a unique opportunity to business, industry and the community to have an active role in the education and training of tomorrow’s professionals. WIL also offers an organisation an invaluable opportunity to engage with the University, as it moves towards achieving its 2025 Vision of working with our partners to deliver world class innovation.
By working together, the University and the WIL host are providing future graduates with relevant skills that they will need to succeed in the workplace. WIL partnerships can encourage innovation in a host organisation and inject fresh ideas to its operations. Having direct access to experienced graduates, for future recruitment needs is another benefit of the partnership.
What does my organisation need to do to become a WIL host?
The University of Newcastle is proud to offer its students an opportunity to enhance their occupational capacities through WIL, which is offered across the nearly the full range of programs from business and law, information technology, engineering, construction to health. A new search engine to better match WIL hosts to students will be launched soon. Until then, the best way to learn more about a WIL partnership is to contact WIL@newcastle.edu.au or the appropriate University Faculty, which facilitates the degree program that is a best match to the needs of the host’s operations.