In this post, Christina Starko showcases the vibrant energy and groundbreaking initiatives spearheaded by students at The University of Edinburgh, particularly through the activities of Edinburgh University Formula Student (EUFS) and HYPED. These projects do more than enrich student extracurricular life; they blend deep learning with real-world application, enhancing the breadth and depth of student academic and professional skills. This post belongs to the Oct-Nov Learning & Teaching Enhancement theme: Engaging and Empowering Learning at The University of Edinburgh.
At The University of Edinburgh, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding student-driven projects are at an all-time high. This excitement is particularly evident in student societies like Edinburgh University Formula Student (EUFS) and HYPED, where students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds come together to push the boundaries of engineering, informatics, and innovation.
Real-world learning opportunities
These projects are more than just extracurricular activities; they are invaluable learning experiences that extend beyond the borders of traditional education. Both students and staff at the University of Edinburgh recognise the benefits these projects offer across a wide range of academic, professional, and personal skills. Whether it’s refining technical expertise, developing leadership skills, or fostering entrepreneurial spirit, these projects play a crucial role in preparing students for their future careers.
To further support these activities, the University’s Careers Service offers extensive resources to help students leverage their experiences into meaningful career opportunities. The SACHA (Students As Change Agents) programme, for example, empowers students to engage in interdisciplinary projects that address real-world challenges, further enhancing their employability. These initiatives encourage students to develop a broad spectrum of skills, from critical thinking and problem-solving to communication and teamwork, all of which are highly valued by employers.
Additionally, the Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Team plays a crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset among students. Through workshops, 1-2-1 business, and funding opportunities, this team helps students turn innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Whether students are developing new technology with HYPED or building cutting-edge automotive parts with EUFS, the Student Enterprise Team provides the support needed to take these projects from concept to reality.
Integrating co-curricular activities into the formal curriculum
Given the immense value of these activities, there is a growing desire to integrate them into the formal curriculum. This is where Student-Led Individually Created Courses (SLICCs) come into play. SLICCs allow students to earn academic credit for their involvement in projects like EUFS and HYPED, ensuring that the skills and knowledge they gain are formally recognised within their degree programmes. By embedding these projects into the curriculum, students can design their own learning experiences, setting personalised goals and reflecting on their progress through structured assessment.
Experiential learning in the School of Informatics
The School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh has taken this a step further with the introduction of Informatics Experiential Learning (IEL) courses, which are structured as SLICCs. These courses offer informatics students the opportunity to earn course credit for approved curricular or extracurricular activities, allowing them to tailor their educational journey to their interests and career aspirations. The IEL courses encourage students to engage in significant independent learning and teamwork, often in interdisciplinary settings, while also receiving formal recognition for their achievements.
The IEL courses, including IEL-8 and IEL-10, provide a range of options for students at different stages of their academic journey. For example:
- EIEI-8: A second-year opportunity focused on Entrepreneurship. (In partnership with Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Team)
- EUFS-8: For second-year students continuing their involvement with EUFS.
- EUFS-10: For senior members of the EUFS AI Software team, with the potential to replace the third-year System Design Project (SDP).
- HYPED-10: For senior HYPED members, also with the potential to replace the SDP in the third year.
- IMST-8: A second-year course for students interested in Makerspace Technologies.
- IMST-10: A course for more senior students to build on their Makerspace experience and take on mentoring roles.
Bridging classroom learning with real-world experience
These courses represent a significant shift in how education is delivered at The University of Edinburgh, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By participating in these projects, students are not only enhancing their academic credentials but also gaining the practical experience and skills that will be crucial in their future careers. The University’s commitment to integrating these opportunities into the curriculum ensures that students can continue to innovate and excel, both during their time at Edinburgh and beyond.
Christina Starko
Christina Starko is an Enterprise Executive at Edinburgh Innovations, where she is currently working to embed enterprise into the curriculum. Christina prides herself on her work on ideation, and creative thinking workshops that help students see the world in a new and innovative way. With 10 years of education experience, Christina considers herself an intrapreneur who works to innovate from within companies and has 6 years of experience in the startup community here in Edinburgh.
