An innovative learning approach offered through the University of Newcastle and Hunter TAFE has proven so successful it is being rolled out across NSW.

The University of Newcastle has partnered with TAFE NSW in Industrial Design studies to offer students a learning pathway that comprises three years vocational study through TAFE to achieve an Advanced Diploma of Product Design, and the choice of a fourth year through the University to receive a Bachelor of Industrial Design degree.

Associate Professor Tony Williams, Head of the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University, said the first cohort of students to benefit from the partnership would graduate this year.

"This new partnership involves a very generous articulation agreement, where TAFE NSW Advanced Diploma students will receive two years credit of a three year University degree.

"This partnership model is offering TAFE students more options to use their existing skills and knowledge to enter university and gain a degree.

"The 2009 Bachelor of Industrial Design graduates have a unique blend of vocational skills and academic theory that will give them an edge in the job market."

Hunter TAFE Director, Phil Cox, said Hunter TAFE already had a long standing articulation agreement with the University of Newcastle for the Advanced Diploma of Product Design, and now international students and other TAFE NSW Institutes would have access to the same articulation arrangements.

"It is great to see that such a long standing agreement between Hunter TAFE and the University of Newcastle can set such a precedent for the rest of NSW," Mr Cox said.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, and Director of Hunter TAFE, Mr Phil Cox, will formalise the agreement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

"The Memorandum of Understanding allows Hunter TAFE and the University of Newcastle to draw on the expertise of staff from both organisations, consequently offering highly regarded, quality graduates that meet the needs of industry," Mr Cox said.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Industrial Design work in product design and development across all industries.

Photo opportunity: The Memorandum of Understanding and an exhibition by students of their major project work will take place at 10am, Friday 19 June, in the Fishbowl at the Architecture Building, Callaghan campus.