Unlocking Career Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to Placement Year in UK Universities

1. Introduction to Placement Year

As a part of a university degree, the Placement Year presents an excellent opportunity to accumulate work experience. Typically, between the penultimate and final year at university, students take a break from their studies for 9 to 12 months to work as full-time employees. The internship year may be a matter of choice or be part of the curriculum; upon completing the Placement Year, credits are earned towards the degree.

2. Why choose Placement Year?

  • Enhance employability and gain practical experience
  • Apply the theoretical knowledge acquired from textbooks in real-world scenarios
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the industry you aspire to work in
  • Develop industry-specific professional skills highly valued by employers
  • Build valuable industry connections

Companies where students work provide continuous training and assessment. Upon completing the entire program, a comprehensive assessment is conducted. Outstanding studentseven have the opportunity to receive a Full-Time Return Offer, inviting them to work for the company directly after graduation.

3. Differences Between Placements and Internships

Some degrees incorporate Placement as part of the curriculum. In contrast, Internship offers an independent job opportunity unrelated to degree requirements.

Key distinctions include:

Duration: Internship durations vary by role and industry, usually lasting from weeks to months. Placements typically extend up to a year, offering a more structured and planned experience.
Participation: Placement is commonly undertaken by students in their second or third year of university while they are still enrolled. Internships can be pursued at any academic level.

4. Do All Universities Offer Placement Year?

Each university has distinct requirements, with some including Placement Year directly within their programs, while others require separate applications. For example, the University of Bath and Royal Holloway, University of London, offers Placement Year options across all departments.
Additionally, universities that provide Placement Year options often offer Study Abroad opportunities. Both choices hold different significance for each individual. Opting for Study Abroad allows students to experience diverse teaching methods, immerse themselves in local customs, and broaden their horizons. On the other hand, selecting Placement Year can significantly benefit future career development, as it extends beyond the limited scope of classroom learning. Whichever path is chosen, it will undoubtedly provide invaluable life experiences.

Application Timeline

  • Preliminary Preparation:

    Prepare your resume and cover letter.

    Valour’s recommendation

    Resume (CV): Use the free online tools provided by Barclay’s LifeSkills
    Cover Letter: Refer to Brightknowledge

  • November:

    Main application period. Apply to numerous job vacancies through websites like RateMyPlacement. Apply! Apply! Apply!

  • December - January:

    Participate in first-stage interviews (may vary by company).

    Valour’s recommendation
    Mock interview: LifeSkills provides online mock interviews
    Interview tips: Nationalcareerservice provides lots of useful advices

  • February - April:

    Attend final-stage interviews or Assessment Centers.

    If you haven’t found a placement yet, don’t be discouraged. Some positions on the website have rolling admissions, open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • May-August:

    After receiving admission notices, start looking for accommodation during the Placement Year and apply for living expense loans.

Q&A

Q: Do you get paid for the placement year?
Part of the tuition fee must still be paid during the Placement Year because salaries are not mandatory. However, students are highly encouraged to seek paid employment, with an average annual salary averaging GBP 21,840 (approximately equivalent to NT$870,000).

Q:Does Placement have to be local?
You can apply for placements abroad or closer to home; both are feasible. Please don’t limit your work scope, but also consider your financial capability, as housing costs should not be underestimated.