The University of Pretoria (UP) is at the forefront of an exciting transformation in engineering education, spearheaded by Prof Lelanie Smith. Through pioneering efforts and international collaboration, the national Innovative Engineering Curricula team is redefining how engineering curricula are developed and delivered across South Africa.

The initiative is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the University Capacity Development Program, and is coordinated and facilitated by a national team representing 12 of South Africa’s 16 engineering schools and University College London (UCL) as a formal partner. It integrates expertise from academia, industry and accreditation bodies. The programme focuses on developing a cohesive understanding of an integrative curriculum in the South African context, and preparing students and staff for innovative and creative engineering education.

Prof Smith and her team recently visited two Scandinavian universities, Aalborg University in Denmark and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. Aalborg University is renowned for its evidence-based teaching and problem-based learning practices, while the KTH Royal Institute of Technology has institutionalised academic development, specifically for engineering. The team spent a week at each institution to understand the resources required, the buy-in from industry and accreditation bodies, and the preparation of students for the workforce.

Following these visits, Prof Smith participated in a global symposium at the UCL to celebrate their 10 years of  integrative engineering programme. The University of Pretoria was one of 35 institutions invited to this prestigious event. Participants included delegates from top universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Imperial College London and the Delft Technical University. This provided a valuable platform to share insights and benchmark itself against leading global practices in engineering education.

According to Prof Smith, the symposium provided insight into three aspects in particular:

• Structured frameworks and staff development: UCL shares UP’s emphasis on the importance of structured frameworks and comprehensive staff development programmes. By adopting these practices, one can ensure that educators are well prepared to deliver innovative and engaging teaching methods.
• Resource optimisation: It is crucial to address resource constraints. The temporary nature of many staff appointments can lead to burnout and hinder long-term curriculum innovation. The Innovative Engineering Curricula team aims to create more sustainable and supportive environments for the staff members of its representative institutions.
• Integration and collaboration: Effective curriculum renewal requires breaking down silos within institutions. The collaborative models observed at the symposium will help the Innovative Engineering Curricula team build cohesive teams at its members’ representative institutions that can work towards shared educational goals.

Prof Smith’s involvement in the global symposium showcased the Innovative Engineering Curricula team’s leadership in curriculum innovation. UCL’s integrative engineering programme is globally recognised, and UP’s participation alongside top universities like MIT and the Imperial College London highlights its commitment to excellence.

Building on these international insights, UP is poised to launch a new first-year engineering programme in 2026, with initial changes starting in 2025. This programme has the following objectives:

• Empower our staff: By providing robust support and development opportunities, its educators’ ability to deliver high-quality, innovative teaching will be enhanced.
• Engage industry and accreditation bodies: By aligning our curriculum with industry needs and professional standards, graduates will be well prepared for the workforce.
• Inspire students: By establishing dynamic and engaging learning environments, UP can cultivate the engineers of tomorrow, who are ready to tackle complex challenges.

The success of national changemakers’ workshops highlights the potential to create supportive learning communities across the engineering sector. These workshops have already positively impacted departments at the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town, fostering a culture of collaboration and integration.

The visit of the Innovative Engineering Curricula team to Aalborg University and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, together with Prof Smith’s participation in the UCL symposium, has provided invaluable insights into effective curriculum renewal practices. UP is well positioned to leverage these learnings to enhance its engineering programmes, ensuring sustainable growth and producing graduates that are equipped to meet South Africa’s economic and societal needs. Prof Smith’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of her national team will be crucial in driving this transformation.

We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Whether you are an academic, industry partner or prospective student, your involvement and support are crucial. Together, we can reshape engineering education in South Africa and beyond, ensuring sustainable growth and a brighter future.