• Charles Sturt Bachelor of Communication (Radio) course updated to reflect needs of both graduates and industry
• Specialist career development support, a condensed timetable, and an increased focus on workplace engagement prioritised
• The University’s ongoing course co-creation process is designed to tailor learning to the emerging needs of the workforce

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) is responding to graduates’ and the radio industry’s needs via changes to its Bachelor of Communication (Radio) course brought about by the University’s ongoing course co-creation process.

Starting in 2020, students studying Radio at Charles Sturt in Bathurst will receive specialist career development support, a condensed timetable, and an increased focus on workplace engagement throughout their studies.

Course director for communication and creative industries in the Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Dr Travis Holland said the changes will allow students to remain engaged in employment for the duration of their studies.

“While a recent course review redeveloped the overall curriculum, employers and students also told us they need a clearer approach to career development as part of their studies. This is what we’re delivering as part of these course revisions,” he said.

“Students commencing the Bachelor of Communication (Radio) on campus in 2020 will have classes scheduled just three days a week, allowing them to return home for employment and family responsibilities for the rest of the week.

“They will also have exclusive access to careers workshops featuring successful radio alumni.”

The changes are a product of the University’s co-creation process, which involves extensive consultation with industry leaders and community stakeholders to develop courses that are tailored to the emerging needs of the workforce.

Project Manager for Charles Sturt’s Course Co-creation initiative Mrs Julie Newham said some of the enhancements to the Bachelor of Communication (Radio) course were adopted from the University’s Bachelor of Business (Industry Professional Practice).

“This builds from our ongoing commitment to the co-creation process, which provides a new way of engaging with community and industry to ensure Charles Sturt University continues to graduate students with the skills to succeed and have impact in their communities,” she said.

“If Radio students and employers embrace this approach as we believe they will, we’ll look to expand it to the rest of our Communication courses, which already produce in-demand graduates.”

Dr Holland said input from several key industry partners continued to inform development of Charles Sturt’s Communications courses.

“We’ve always had excellent partners in Commercial Radio Australia, and its members such as Southern Cross Austereo, ACE Radio, Nova, and of course our local stations 2BS and B-Rock, owned by Bathurst Broadcasters and now part of the Super Radio Network,” he said.

“Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Communication (Radio) graduates are already renowned in the industry for being ready to work to the highest standards, and these changes, driven partly by these industry stakeholders, will only enhance that reputation.”

Recent co-creation processes led to three new Charles Sturt courses: a Bachelor of Business (Industry Professional Practice) launched in 2018, and Graduate Certificates in Case Management and Coordinated Care, and Community Leadership and Resilience, both of which will commence in 2020.