Real-world experience is crucial to graduating from uni ready to kickstart your career. That’s why at Curtin, our courses feature immersive, hands-on learning opportunities – like capstone units – which are designed to consolidate your new knowledge and enhance your employability.
Here, we’ll answer the question, “what is a capstone unit?” and explore how capstone experiences at Curtin enhance your career prospects. Along the way, we’ll hear from Curtin students and graduates about their capstones.
Read on, or jump to your topic of interest:
- What is a capstone unit at university?
- What is the purpose of a capstone unit?
- How are capstone units important to my career?
- What capstone units can I study at Curtin?
- More opportunities to get career-ready at Curtin
What is a capstone unit at university?
Capstone units – named after the final piece of coping added to a building, the “capstone” – are designed to ‘cap’ off your learning by immersing you in an industry environment or project. They’re an opportunity to consolidate the skills and knowledge acquired during your degree in a real-world setting. Most capstone units take place in a course’s final year and are worth 25 credit points (equivalent to one unit).
Your capstone options will differ depending on your field of study, major and location. Some capstones are condensed, intensive experiences, like a multi-week Business Study Tour. Other capstones are completed over a semester, such as our Enhancing your Business Mind unit. At Curtin, you can even use your capstone experience to travel regionally, nationally and internationally.
What is the purpose of a capstone unit?
Capstone units are designed to aid the transition from uni study to working life by allowing you to bring your knowledge and expertise into industry before you graduate.
It can be hugely beneficial to your learning and your future career to study at a university that prioritises workplace experience, and complete a capstone unit, as we’ll explain next.
While all Curtin courses include hands-on learning, not all offer a capstone unit. If your degree doesn’t offer a capstone unit, don’t stress – you’ll still graduate with a career-ready edge. Skip to more opportunities to get career-ready at Curtin to explore how.
How are capstone units important to my career?
Capstone units tie together everything you’ve learned in your course and prepare you for the realities of the working world. By helping you get the practical experience and personal skills that employers want, capstone units can help set you up for a successful career.
In fact, your capstone unit could tick off quite a few boxes from your career-ready checklist.
Gain valuable professional experience
Did you know that 50% of Australian employers require applicants to have workplace experience and relevant skills? Even if you’re applying for a graduate role, you’ll need practical experience to stand out from the crowd.
Through capstone units, you can gain this practical experience. Implement your new knowledge and skills to show employers that you’re not only qualified, but you’ve also acquired the real-world experience you need to hit the ground running in your new role.
And they’re not only valuable for securing that first job after graduation. Do your capstone right (for example, show initiative, try new tech and get involved with different projects) and your experience can be a timeless point on your resume.
Enjoy a supportive taste of the ‘real world’
Capstone units can be a chance to refine your innovative thinking and cutting-edge skills in a supportive environment while learning from industry experts.
You’ll gain confidence in the workplace and have the chance to try new things with the backing of expert supervision.
I’ve learned so many practical skills through work experience and studies into real-world economic policies and their impact. I now feel equipped to pursue a career in diplomacy and public policy, domestically and abroad.”
Alexander Jayasuria
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance)
Earn references
When making a significant investment, you likely read reviews, scour Reddit and search social media to get ‘real’ insights. It’s no surprise that employers are similarly diligent in their recruitment process, with 44% of Australian employers requiring a reference.
Having a glowing reference can make all the difference when you’re interviewing for a job, and there’s no better way to secure one of industry relevance than through a capstone unit.
Build transferable skills
Once you’ve graduated and launched your career, it’ll be your transferable skills which truly propel you forward. This is especially true now, as we undergo a major technological transformation (ahem, AI).
The World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that as AI and big data skills grow in demand, employers will also increasingly value transferable skills including creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and curiosity.
Developing your social-emotional toolkit requires patience, self-awareness and practice. Capstone units are an opportunity to build this toolkit, recognise your strengths and identify areas where you can grow.
I completed an internship with a think tank in Canada, honing my analytical skills and gaining an understanding of working with peers from another country.
I cannot undersell how important these experiences were for my professional development, and my ability to ‘stand out from the crowd’ and secure a job straight after graduating.”
Thiago Brandao
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance), Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) (Honours)
Discover what you enjoy doing
Capstone units can introduce you to different people, ways of working and careers, making them a fantastic way to recognise your interests and understand what you enjoy. Think of your capstone as a chance to gather crucial intel that’ll help you figure out what you want to do after graduation.
But it’s not all about you, with this sense of purpose also being sought-after by employers. 49% of Australian employers say that approach and/or attitude to work is important to them when interviewing candidates.
What capstone units can I study at Curtin?
Our Business Administration and Commerce courses call capstones, ‘capstone experience units’. In the final year of these courses, you’ll complete at least one of the following capstone experience units.
For those applying to study at Curtin, know that your capstone unit doesn’t need to be decided right now. During your first semester, get in touch with our friendly team to design your degree.
More opportunities to get career-ready at Curtin
Our degrees are practical, created with industry and future-focused so that you’re equipped with the skills to build a successful career, whatever the field.
While we’ve covered capstone units in this article, we haven’t even started to explore the extensive opportunities you’ll have to gain practical experience within and beyond your studies. This includes:
A cap on your capstone rundown
Capstone units – designed to prepare you for your future career by integrating your knowledge and skills – are an exciting part of the university journey for many Curtin students.
At Curtin, capstone experiences are flexible and tailored to your field of study. Whether your capstone aligns with the examples we’ve shared or takes a unique approach, it’s an opportunity to showcase your capabilities and achieve your goals.
If you have any questions about capstones or need guidance on your university journey, we’re here to help. Contact us during business hours at 1300 222 888 or visit Curtin Connect for personalised support.
If you’re ready to start your university journey, discover our cutting-edge courses online.