Work Placement

A placement is a period of time spent in the work environment.  This will normally be 48 weeks spent in paid employment between the second and final years of your course.

Placements are available in all areas of the economy, for example: manufacturing, retail, local government, central government, NHS, hospitality and tourism.  Placements will be located throughout the United Kingdom.

The placement year provides an opportunity to put your studies into perspective, a chance to put theory into practice.

Many employers now use the placement year as part of their graduate recruitment process.  They use the year to assess whether you fit with their organisation, and whether you can do the job.  A number of students are offered graduate positions towards the end of their placements.

Final year students get more out of their studies following a placement.  In addition, they usually achieve a better classification of degree.

The process mirrors the jobs market.  Placements will be advertised.  You may be required to apply by letter,CV or application form.  If you are short_listed, you will attend at least one interview (sometimes more).

Placement will come available throughout your second year.

The Business School has a dedicated Placements Team to help you with the process.  You will be supported in preparing a CV, a letter of application and answers to the typical questions found on application forms.

The placement Team will advertise positions appropriate to your needs, on their website.

When on placement, a member of the academic staff will be assigned to you, and will visit you, normally twice, during the year.  Your Placement Tutor will be available to answer queries and help solve any problems, which may occur.

You will be expected to prepare your job application documents at the beginning of your second year and submit them to the Placements Office.

You will need to show enthusiasm and be proactive in looking for a placement.  You will need to check the Placements website on a regular basis to look for new opportunities.