Frame
Academic teams and partners define a challenge with clear learning value, scope and responsibilities.
The Acedex Model
A programme connected to an ecosystem.
The Acedex Programme–Industry–Enterprise Model (PIEM) brings academic learning, a substantial network of relevant partners and departmental enterprise into one coherent experience.
Three dimensions.
One academic experience.
Each dimension strengthens the others. Academic purpose guides every connection.
- 01 / PROGRAMME
Understand deeply.
Build disciplinary knowledge, question evidence and develop independent judgement.
- 02 / INDUSTRY
Engage with a challenge.
Apply that knowledge to a relevant brief, informed by a substantial network of organisations.
- 03 / ENTERPRISE
Create something useful.
Develop and evaluate a product, service or solution through your programme’s departmental enterprise.
From a useful question to thoughtful contribution.
Investigate
Students research the context, examine evidence and develop an informed approach with supervision.
Create & test
Teams produce a prototype, analysis, service or intervention and evaluate it against the brief.
Reflect & improve
Academic assessment and partner feedback help students explain what worked, what did not and what should follow.
A record of what you can contribute.
Learning becomes visible through the work and the reasoning behind it.
A PIEM project can include a research brief, a prototype, a test report, a partner presentation and a reflective account. Together these show capability more clearly than a statement of interest alone.
Roles and opportunities vary by programme. Each student’s participation should have a defined educational purpose and an appropriate level of supervision.
Explore departmental enterprises See PIEM project conceptsAcademic purpose comes first.
Partnership and enterprise activity must support the programme’s learning outcomes and protect students’ interests.
- The university retains responsibility for curriculum and assessment.
- Project briefs set out responsibilities, supervision and expected learning.
- Conflicts of interest, confidentiality and intellectual-property expectations are addressed before work begins.
- Students receive appropriate feedback, support and a route to raise concerns.
- A partner opportunity or enterprise activity is not a guarantee of employment or income.
Your next step
Your future starts with a question.
Explore your options, discover the Acedex approach and talk to us about the path you want to take.