UNSW has launched a new diploma that equips students with the practical knowledge and skills to pursue professional careers.

“UNSW is the first Australian university to offer a Diploma of Professional Practice that is open to all students and can be studied concurrently with an undergraduate degree,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer.

“We’re proud of UNSW’s record in graduate employment and starting salaries but in an increasingly competitive job market it’s dangerous to be complacent. This diploma will boost the job-ready skills of our graduates and give them the competitive edge they need.”

The diploma (DPP) is open to students from all disciplines who have completed at least one semester of study. The part-time program will be offered outside normal teaching times.

The DPP was developed in response to feedback from students requesting the inclusion of work placements as part of their studies and from employer concerns that university graduates need more opportunities to integrate their academic knowledge and skills with real workplace experience.

Students can choose from a wide-range of DPP courses covering topics such as global citizenship, as well as leadership and professional practice. The diploma also offers opportunities to gain real-world experience through two structured work placements.

The DPP will be available to local undergraduate students from semester two and to international students from semester one in 2013.

More information on the diploma is available at the DPP website. Video: Professor Hilmer introduces the DPP.

Media contact: Judy Brookman, UNSW Media, 02 9385 3249 | 0421 061 251