Science, Business, and Policy: A long-term reflection on multidisciplinary work-based learning in a master’s track for societal integration of Science

A strong theoretical approach with a specific focus on disciplinary research characterizes the common science master’s education in Netherlands. However, work-based learning (WBL) may as well be expedient and suitable for at level. In this paper, case study is presented of WBL-program designed an academic setting: one year Science, Business Policy (SBP) track, offered Faculty Science Engineering University Groningen. The paper describes design curriculum including its underlying framework, courses, multidisciplinary projects work placements. Based SBP-track’s we identified six possible indicators successful elaboration WBL-program: SBP-track 1) response to Bologna process; 2) fully within program university; 3) requires sufficient level knowledge entrée; 4) follows educational project approach; 5) focuses integration implementation knowledge, and; 6) applies objectives that are specifically formulated match WBL method. directed content analysis SBP placements revealed increase number SBP-students between 2003 2019, overrepresentation life students, large variety real-case problems addressed both business policy organisations diverse sector, size region. Students’ grades showed positive correlation initial preparation report made during placement. conclusion, societal interpretation process has been implemented successfully SBP, by combining gaining professional experience using WBL-approach.
 Received: 03 December 2020Accepted: 09 April 2021