Successfully delivering authentic projects in engineering education

Authentic project-based learning (PBL) plays a crucial role in engineering education by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This paper explores the implementation of authentic projects in software engineering education, emphasizing collaborations with external partners such as NGOs, charities, and public sector organizations. By engaging students in projects with genuine stakeholder needs, this approach fosters technical proficiency, project management skills, and professional communication. The paper identifies five critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for successful project delivery: clear expectations among stakeholders, effective communication processes, front-loaded requirements to mitigate disengagement risks, structured milestones and monitoring, and well-defined handover procedures. An exemplar project—the Cyber Escape Room, developed in collaboration with a UK police service—demonstrates how these CSFs contribute to project success. The discussion highlights the benefits of authentic projects, including enhanced student engagement and employability, while acknowledging challenges such as partner disengagement and resource intensity. Recommendations for future implementation and research directions are provided to guide institutions in adopting and scaling authentic project-based learning within engineering curricula.