What is a Placement Year?
It is an additional year, which normally extends your degree to 4 years (sometimes 5) and rather than study, you will gain professional work experience in a placement of your choice.
Who can do a Placement Year?
All undergraduate students can take a placement year if they wish. Students taking a 3-year degree usually do their Placement Year between years 1 and 2 and those taking a 4-year degree between years 3 and 4.
How do I find a Placement Year?
It is up to you to find your placement, but there is support offered through the Careers &
Enterprise Centre and in addition each faculty has a designated Placement Manager who is available for consultation appointments. These sessions will enable you to explore options for Placement
Year and provides bespoke support and guidance.
When do I need to find a placement year?
If you have decided that you want to take a Placement Year, you must let your department know as soon as possible. Students, with the support of the Careers & Enterprise Centre and faculty Placement Manager, usually start planning their Placement Year in year 2, but it’s never too early to start as some placement schemes close quite early.
Where can I go on a placement year?
As you will be the one arranging your Placement Year, you can do it anywhere in the world. Once offered a Placement Year, you will need to have this approved and checked by your faculty Placement Manager and faculty to ensure you have a safe and fantastic placement experience.
Will I get paid during my Placement Year?
That is determined by the partner organisation you agree to take your Placement Year. We do encourage all students to undertake a paid Placement Year but acknowledge in some sectors there will be limited opportunities and you may have to undertake an unpaid Placement Year.
Further information can be found in our Placement Year Guide.