The most important force for changes is new knowledge and understanding gained from research. The adaptation of content and its presentation is also necessary because of changes in the school curriculum, the widening mix of students and the changing aspirations of students and requirements of employers and professional bodies. The University is building on its strong local, regional and national links with industry to develop collaboration in teaching. Industry is not only sponsoring students but is also contributing to the development and teaching of programmes. For instance, in the final year of Aerospace Engineering degrees, the student project is both set and marked by staff from a large employer of engineering graduates in the aerospace industry.
Many departments have industrial advisory boards.
39 Recent developments have included the introduction of four undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science which offer students the opportunity to spend their third year on a placement in industry. The development of further, similar programmes is planned. In the Faculty of Engineering, a number of undergraduates are sponsored for the duration of their studies by employers. During the first year of some engineering programmes, students are assigned a tutor from local industry to help them gain an insight into practical engineering applications. Programmes with study in Continental Europe include a year abroad during which students may choose to spend time at an industrial location.