Work Integrated Learning

Most Business, Law and Arts degrees include a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) requirement.

The type of WIL activity varies by course and may include a placement, internship, industry project or other practical learning experience. Each course has specific requirements, including unit prerequisites, placement hours and assessment tasks.

Students should refer to their course information for detailed WIL requirements.

The number of placement hours depends on your course and WIL unit.

Typical requirements include:

• Professional Work Experience (BUSN3012): 200-hour placement or approved industry project.
• Law Placement (LAWS3002): 15 days in a legal workplace.
• Paralegal Placement (LAWS2004): 10 days in a legal workplace.
• Professional Placement (COMM3002): 70-hour placement.

Students should check course-specific information for current requirements.

Most Work Integrated Learning units are completed in the final year of your degree.

The professional placement and professional work experience units require students to complete at least 16 units before enrolling. BUSN3012 Professional Work Experience also requires successful completion of BUSN2001 Professional Development for the Workplace.

Law and Paralegal Placement units generally require students to have completed at least eight units before enrolment.

Students should check unit prerequisites before planning their placement.

Yes, if a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit is a requirement of your degree, you must complete an approved WIL experience to graduate.

Our law courses provide a placement unit as an elective. These alternatives are designed to help students gain practical experience while accommodating different circumstances and career goals.

Students with substantial professional experience may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Advanced Standing.

Applications should be submitted as early as possible and no later than the teaching term before the scheduled WIL unit. Approval is not automatic and is assessed against University requirements.

SONIA is Southern Cross University's Work Integrated Learning management system.

Students use SONIA to:

• Search and apply for placement opportunities
• Access WIL resources and guides
• Submit placement documentation
• Complete preparation requirements
• Review WIL information and policies
• View previous placement locations and opportunities

Students enrolled in eligible WIL courses receive access to SONIA through their Southern Cross University account.

Access to SONIA is activated after enrolment in specific WIL-related units.

Access is generally provided when students enrol in:

• LAWS3002 Law Placement
• LAWS2004 Paralegal Placement
• COMM3002 Professional Placement
• BUSN2001 Professional Development for the Workplace

Business students are encouraged to enrol in BUSN2001 as soon as they become eligible to gain early access to placement resources and preparation materials.

Yes, students can arrange their own placement host.

Students may either source a placement independently or apply for opportunities advertised through the Work Integrated Learning team. All placements must meet Southern Cross University requirements before approval can be granted.

Students should review placement host requirements and placement procedures before making arrangements.

Southern Cross University provides resources and guidance to help students prepare for placements and internships.

Students have access to:

• The FBLA Undergraduate Student Hub on MySCU
• Placement preparation resources
• Resume and application advice
• Advertised placement opportunities
• Volunteer opportunities
• Guidance from the Professional Experience Coordinator.

Students are also required to complete preparation activities and placement documentation before commencing their placement.

Students are generally responsible for the costs associated with their placement.

Support may be available through University scholarships, student loans and accommodation services. Students should review current student support options for available assistance.

Students experiencing issues during placement should contact their Unit Assessor as soon as possible.

Early communication helps the University provide support and address concerns before they affect placement completion.

All Work Integrated Learning activities must comply with Southern Cross University policies and procedures.

Students should review the University's:

• Work Integrated Learning procedures: Southern Cross University
• Code of Conduct: Southern Cross University
• Relevant unit and placement requirements.

Students are expected to meet both University and workplace expectations throughout their placement.

Placement hosts must provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students.

Host organisations are responsible for:

• Providing appropriate supervision
• Offering work relevant to the student's learning outcomes
• Completing required placement documentation
• Providing workplace induction
• Meeting insurance requirements
• Supporting students to complete required placement hours
• Maintaining a safe workplace and provide adequate facilities.

The University provides hosts with detailed information before a placement begins.

No, student placements do not have to be paid.

Many placements are unpaid because they form part of an approved University vocational placement. Any paid placement arrangements must comply with applicable employment laws, awards and workplace agreements.

Placement requirements vary according to the student's degree and unit.

Typical requirements include:

• Professional Work Experience: 200-hour placement or industry project
• Law Placement: 15 days
• Paralegal Placement: 10 days
• Professional Placement: 70 hours

The University will confirm the specific requirements for each student.

No, advertising an opportunity does not guarantee a student placement.

Students apply for opportunities that align with their interests, skills and geographic location. Placement hosts are responsible for selecting the most suitable candidate and are not required to offer a placement to every applicant.

Southern Cross University promotes placement opportunities through multiple student channels.

Opportunities are advertised on:

• SONIA
• The FBLA Undergraduate Student Hub
• Faculty communication channels
• Professional Experience Coordinator communications

Students are encouraged to review opportunities regularly and discuss options with the Professional Experience Coordinator.

Organisations can advertise placement opportunities by contacting the Work Integrated Learning team.

Before an opportunity is promoted, organisations may be required to:

• Complete a Work Integrated Learning Agreement
• Provide a position description
• Complete a placement opportunity form

To advertise an opportunity, email fbla.wil@scu.edu.au.