How students had their say in shaping the new Engineering & Innovation Curriculum

The School of Engineering & Innovation has been working in partnership with its students to co-create a more inclusive design curriculum, placing student voice at the heart of curriculum delivery.

As part of this, students worked directly with academic teams on the development of a new design qualification. More than giving feedback, they were active partners in shaping content.

The approach reflects a commitment to ensuring that the curriculum better represents the diversity of the OU student body and supports success for all learners. By taking feedback from students about their experiences and what matters to them, the School of Engineering & Innovation has been able to develop inclusive approaches to teaching and learning.

Students worked with staff on reviewing assignments, developing new case studies and creating interactive activities. For example, interns contributed diverse design examples that reflected a wider range of cultures and perspectives, and in some cases helped reshape how topics were presented to avoid unintended negative narratives.

Improvements to assignment design helped make expectations clearer, while new content (such as student-informed videos, glossaries and interactive resources) aimed to make learning more accessible and relatable.