An assessment of the impact on student learning via the use of role-play to simulate client interactions within software engineering assessments

For Computing degree programmes that don't currently include industry placements, strategies need to be formulated that will enable students to develop the soft-skills they will need to be successful in industry (e.g. interview skills, approaches to effective facilitation, presentation skills, etc.). This work explores the use of role-play based simulated projects, that support the development of soft-ware engineering practitioner relevant soft-skills, via embedded assessments within computing degree programmes. Evidence is presented that suggests the proposed methodology is beneficial for developing students soft-skills, enhancing student confidence and improving graduate employability. The work highlights the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the proposed approach and sug-gests several future areas of subsequent investigation relevant to this area of research.