CQUniversity has unveiled a state-of-the-art collaborative learning space as the centrepiece of its highly-anticipated $2.5 million Noosa Campus expansion.

A combination of the latest in educational design and cutting-edge audio-visual and communications technology, the Collaborative Learning Space was built to foster creativity and innovation among students through group projects and interaction.

Professor Kevin Tickle, MP Glen Elmes, Cr Lew Brennan and Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman at the launch of our expanded Noosa Campus

CQUniversity Pro Vice-Chancellor Kevin Tickle said the facility was one of the world's most advanced learning spaces.

"We're very excited to offer our students the opportunity to develop their skills in an environment that is at the forefront of education practice worldwide," Professor Tickle said.

"The space facilitates project-development as it occurs in the professional world - students work in small groups to develop ideas, and then present them to larger groups using the space's state-of-the-art technology.

"It also ensures students take the knowledge they gain from lectures and apply it practically in group situations, giving our graduates a significant advantage when they enter the workforce."

The space features eight main guitar pick-shaped tables that comprises three ‘pods' - each with their own iMAC - ensuring there is both privacy for small groups and the flexibility to expand into larger groups when needed.

However, Professor Tickle said where the space really came alive was through its technology.

"A series of interconnected iMACs, LCD monitors and a main presentation screen mean the contents of one screen can be displayed on any of the others," Professor Tickle said.

"The space has been designed to ensure students are not chiselling along alone in their degrees, but working together with their peers, just as they will be expected to do professionally.

"Through the Collaborative Learning Space, we aim to encourage the same level of creativity and spontaneity that has produced some of the greatest ideas of our time."

Officially opened this week (Monday), the campus expansion also includes a six-bed nursing lab, an enhanced library, two videoconference areas, campus-wide Wi-Fi and other new facilities.

The development has seen the Noosa Campus double in size in readiness for a projected two-fold increase in student numbers from 600 to 1200 over the next four years.

Professor Tickle and other senior CQUniversity staff have also relocated to the campus in what the Pro Vice-Chancellor said was a sign of the institution's ongoing investment on the Sunshine Coast.

"We are very excited about CQUniversity's future here where we will work with the region to deliver more locally-trained graduates to the community," Professor Tickle said.

"On top of the expansion, we have introduced a range of new programs for 2012, including an online law degree, a creative writing program, on-campus nursing degrees and a music program conducted in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE.

"CQUniversity has a strong commitment to building the Noosa Campus, engaging with the community and providing quality education pathways for students in the Sunshine Coast and southern Wide Bay regions."