Enhancing graduate employability through interdisciplinary, work‐based learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi36.1494

Keywords:

graduate attributes, inter-disciplinary work-based education, employability

Abstract

This paper examines an interdisciplinary initiative at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), focusing on the collaboration between qTech and qNomics in delivering a multi-disciplinary project designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience. The collaboration fosters direct engagement with industry and provides students with authentic, real-world learning opportunities that are crucial for enhancing their employability. This initiative goes beyond traditional academic frameworks, offering students not only an opportunity to engage in practical problem solving but also a platform for reflecting on their work. In doing so, it contributes significantly to knowledge exchange while simultaneously providing a foundation for professional competencies and reflective practice. By exploring the structure and outcomes of this collaboration, the paper highlights how such interdisciplinary projects can strengthen graduate attributes, enhance work-based education, and better prepare students for the challenges of the contemporary workforce.

Author Biographies

Aisha Abuelmaatti , Queen Mary University of London, UK

Aisha Abulemaatti is the Director of Employability at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and serves as the Deputy Academic Head for the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Education at the Queen Mary Academy. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Leon Vinokur , Queen Mary University of London, UK

Leon Vinokur joined Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in 2010 and has since held a variety of academic and leadership roles across the institution. With a background spanning both Economics and Law, he has played a central role in developing several innovative postgraduate programmes that bridge disciplinary boundaries. Vinokur is the Academic Programme Director of qNomics, a pioneering, student-led initiative offering financial advisory services to start-ups, and is one of the founding members of SKETCH, QMUL’s cross-faculty platform for interdisciplinary, challenge-based learning. His work focuses on creating inclusive, practice-oriented learning environments that connect students with real-world challenges and professional contexts.

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Published

15-06-2025

How to Cite

Abuelmaatti , A., & Vinokur , L. (2025). Enhancing graduate employability through interdisciplinary, work‐based learning. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (36). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi36.1494

Issue

No. 36 (2025)

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Papers

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