LSBU launches new academic partnership with Institution of Civil Engineers
Working with the Institution of Civil Engineers, LSBU will promote student engagement and development in civil engineering through a new partnershipA one year pilot partnership programme with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) will expose London South Bank University (LSBU) students to the civil engineering industry through a variety of collaborative curricula and extra-curricular activities and events.
Through the new partnership, key ICE officials will support curricula modules and offer a free drop-in advice service to students and staff once a month in LSBU’s Student Centre.
LSBU is one of four sites chosen for the pilot scheme, which will expand on the Professional Development Scheme set up last year by Dr Amer Ali, Senior Lecturer specialising in Traffic and Highway Engineering. The scheme allows students to complete part of their Initial Professional Development (IPD) whilst studying at the University.
Dr Ali said: “This partnership consolidates the mission of both LSBU and ICE to produce academically and professionally qualified engineers, and will benefit all those involved, most importantly our students.”
Currently, Dr Ali teaches and mentors students to record their achievement of Professional Development attributes based on their relevant learning activities during their academic study, including lab work and major project work. At the end of their final year, students are asked to submit their ‘ICE Attributes Achievement Form’ and all related evidence to Dr Ali.
“Having this scheme at LSBU not only enhances students profile in terms of professional qualifications and employment, it also saves time, effort and costs spent by employers to train graduate engineers to complete their initial professional development and professional qualifications,” said Dr Ali.
The ICE supports civil engineers and technicians throughout their career. With over 91,000 members in the UK and across the world, they lead debates and training around infrastructure and the built environment. Elena Rinaldi, ICE’s Academic Partnership Manager, said: "I am delighted to be working closely with LSBU to support students at the University. By starting their journey towards becoming professionally qualified engineers with ICE, students will demonstrate their commitment to a future in civil engineering and boost their long-term career goals."
The Research, Enterprise and Innovation (REI) team based at the Clarence Centre for Enterprise and Innovation facilitated this partnership. Through collaboration with organisations like ICE, the team seeks to increase student exposure to professional institutions and enhance connections with industry.
See more about our Civil Engineering courses.