Professional placements for undergraduate biosciences students
If you opt for our Professional Placement or Industrial Experience programmes, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience beyond the scientific and technical experience provided within Biosciences.
You will learn skills and gain experience related to management, health and safety in the workplace and company structure, and will gain invaluable practical experience from working in a professional workplace environment relevant to your degree programme.
You will be expected to reflect and report upon your experiences, relating your newly-obtained skills to the processes learnt at University.
Boost your employability
What’s more, your placement will give you a proven employment track record and professional networking opportunities, which will give you a significant advantage when you set out to find your first graduate job. Many graduate employers now use industrial placements as a pathway to permanent roles, so you may even get a graduate job offer from your placement provider.
Frequently asked questions
How do I secure a placement?
You will be enrolled on ‘Introduction to Professional Placement’ and ‘Preparing for Professional Placement’ modules to support your work placement search. Ultimate responsibility for sourcing and securing the work placement rests with you.
Do all students enrolled on the programme get a placement?
The majority of students who actively apply and compete for roles secure a placement. It is a competitive process in an ever-changing labour market, which requires resilience and persistence. However, we adapt our support depending on recruitment trends, to make sure you have the skills you need to succeed, and we're on hand to advise and support you every step of the way.
How much do you get paid?
This will vary depending on your placement provider and location.
How long do placements last?
Placements usually last for 12 months, although this can be flexible. The minimum placement length requirement is 33 weeks excluding holidays. It may be possible to extend the placement period, depending on the final year start dates.
Where can I do my placement?
You can complete your placement in the UK or anywhere in the world. Placements abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking a thorough risk assessment into account.
What happens if I don’t secure a placement?
You simply revert to a standard three-year degree.
How will I be assessed?
The placement year assessment currently comprises:
- Progress Reports provided by employers
- A Reflective critique/portfolio
- Written report
- Oral presentation
Please note: these assessments are based on current teaching and may be subject to change.
You will be allocated an academic tutor to support you during your placement year.
How many students do 'with Professional Placement' or 'with Industrial Experience'?
Between 15-25 students have a placement each academic year.