Placements

A placement is your opportunity to gain relevant work experience which is crucial for securing the best possible job when you graduate. You will also spend time applying and developing the skills and knowledge you have learnt on your course.

Why should I undertake a work placement? 

• Acquire real world experience.
• Maximise your long term employability.
• Determine your career path.
• Develop key skills relevant to your subject specialism.
• Placements available UK-wide and overseas.
• Increase your starting salary.
• Gain ideas for your final year project.
• Gain a higher degree classification by applying theory to real world applications.
• Extend your network of contacts.
• Make new friends.
• Earn money.

What does a placement involve?

• Minimum of 40 weeks placement; usually paid and after your second year.
• An assessed placement culminating in a portfolio of work including log books and a reflective report; the outcome is either pass or fail.
• Optional Employment Skills Award for Placement that is endorsed by Northumbria’s Careers and Employment Service.
• Professional body recognition.
• Normally two tutor visits if UK-based.
• Limited opportunities to undertake a semester’s work experience as part of the Study Abroad Scheme in key partner countries.
• Placements undertaken in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.

What does a placement cost?

• A reduced tuition fee (£1000 in 2016/17 but subject to change) but this is covered by existing student finance/loan arrangements.
• Most placements are paid with salaries of at least £12,700 per annum.
• Students doing specific unpaid placements for specified charitable organisations (check with Student Finance England) may be eligible to receive a maintenance grant or loan during their placement year. Please ensure that you check which organisations this covers and be prepared to support yourself.

For more information contact The Link at ee.placements@northumbria.ac.uk