RSK-Greenwich partnership puts sustainability and employability at heart of new curriculum
The University of Greenwich is introducing a new curriculum framework in 2027 that embeds sustainability and employability at every stage of the student journey.
As issues around sustainability and sustainable development become pivotal to a broader range of career pathways, this emphasis will play an important role in developing the skill set expected in the modern graduate.
Since May 2023, RSK Group and the University of Greenwich have been working to develop these green skills, advancing sustainability and supporting student success by creating pathways into environmental and engineering careers. As the partnership enters its fourth year, the new curriculum focus will sharpen these priorities further.
RSK Group Higher Education Relationships Manager Joanne McCarthy has been working with the university to build a partnership that delivers real-world benefits for students through their university careers and into employment. Joanne said: “Our collaboration with Greenwich demonstrates how industry and higher education can work together to address the UK’s green skills challenge. Working closely together, we have been able to strengthen graduate outcomes, support sustainability innovation and contribute to both organisations’ environmental and social value objectives.
“Over the years, the partnership has developed into one of the university’s most impactful industry collaborations and in 2026, RSK has been recognised by the university as Partner of the Year. We look forward to harnessing this momentum and continuing to share knowledge and skills to support the university with its new curriculum and continuing to invest in student support initiatives.”
University of Greenwich Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising Associate Director Mary Ivers explained that the new curriculum strategy focuses on real-world learning, strong employer partnerships and making sure every student can succeed. She said: “Instead of employers providing separate projects, the core strategy is embedding industry briefs into shaping what students learn and how. This positions partner organisations as knowledge partners, not just project providers.
“Living Labs, where the university’s campuses and everyday challenges become live learning opportunities, is a key part of this, and gives partners like RSK a proper role in shaping what students learn, not just funding one-off projects.
“The key point is students would earn academic credit for tackling real challenges, with RSK involved in the design, feedback or assessment. RSK is moving from sponsoring experience to shaping how students learn, with multiple touchpoints and genuine co-design.”
- Ten bursaries have been awarded through the partnership since it began, supporting students on undergraduate engineering and architecture programmes.
- The funding has contributed to reducing the financial pressures associated with study, including covering materials, software and printing costs for students.
- Students describe the bursaries as helping them focus on coursework, balance responsibilities and pursue wider learning opportunities linked to sustainable building practice.
- Fifty-eight RSK specialists have taken part in the career mentoring initiative, supporting students across a range of disciplines.
- The programme gives students insight into real work environments and projects through one-to-one support and group sessions.
- Mentoring helps build confidence, networks and employability skills.
- In 2026, University of Greenwich students gained work experience through the RSK National Energy Action Cup football event, supporting the RSK Marketing and Communications team with social media content.
- Students created short, phone-shot video content from the day, using their own style and creativity.
- The experience helped students develop content creation skills and gain first-hand insight into the realities of a communications role.
- Early career engineers from Binnies, MWH Treatment and Nicholas O’Dwyer delivered a series of lectures to University of Greenwich students across multiple engineering disciplines, sharing technical expertise and insights into engineering career pathways.
- Students explored real-world engineering projects through case studies and examples, gaining practical understanding of how projects are planned, delivered and managed.
- Sessions covered topics including health and safety, creativity and innovation, inclusion and diversity and sustainability in engineering, helping students connect academic learning with industry practice to develop transferable skills, professional networks and awareness of graduate career opportunities within the engineering sector.
As the partnership continues to evolve and focus more closely on supporting curriculum enrichments, emphasis remains on engaging with academic programmes in key skills areas of engineering, the built environment, architecture and landscape architecture. Joanne said: “Our relationship has centred on supporting student success and the focus on specific academic programmes has seen four architecture graduates successfully gain places on the RSK Group graduate scheme in 2025.”
University of Greenwich UK Head of Partnerships Dr Leon Annett said: “The RSK Group and University of Greenwich partnership demonstrates how collaboration with industry can bring learning to life. Through the creation of engaging student‑focused content, career insights and sustainability projects, we are helping students connect their studies with real‑world challenges while showcasing the exciting pathways available within the sector.”
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