There are two main types of placements:
In-year placements typically last between 30 and 200 hours and are aligned with a specific module within a programme of study. These placements are usually optional, although they are mandatory within some programmes. These placements typically involve working on a flexible basis for a placement provider over the course of a number of weeks as part of a module within your programme of
study.
Placement years are longer experiences and involve working with a placement provider for a minimum of 40 weeks, usually during the penultimate year of study. A placement year effectively becomes the third year of a four year degree and is usually completed on a full time basis.
I am interested in a placement year, when is the best time to start looking?
It is never too early and many students start their placement search during their first year of study. As a guide, you should actively start your search at the start of your second academic year of study, as this is when many placement providers are actively advertising their roles.
Is it hard to secure a placement year?
Starting early will give you the best possible chance of securing a placement year, however, it is a competitive process and you will usually be competing against students from our University and others across the UK.
Is it better to find a placement with a big company?
Not always. Placements are available with both large and small companies. Small companies often provide great placement experiences, as you have the opportunity to work across different areas of the organisations.
Is there a cut off date for when I have to find a placement year?
For placement years, we usually ask you to confirm if you have an appropriate placement year offer by the end of June, to allow time for us to process your request. However, it is sometimes possible for students to confirm placement years later than this.
Where should I start my placement search?
For current students, visiting one of the Employability and Enterprise Hubs (Gateway Building, City Campus and Prospect Building, St Peters Campus) to speak with a member of the Centre for Graduate Prospects Team is a good first step.
You can also access a range of information and support via our Employability and Enterprise Hub site.
Are there any useful external websites I should be looking at?
The length of a placement varies depending on whether it is an in-year placement or a placement year. A placement year essentially replaces a full academic year and lasts for around 9 months.
A wide range of support is available to students who want to complete a placement year. The Centre for Graduate Prospects provides support to students before, during and after the placement experience to help you to make the most of your experience.
This support includes but is not limited to:
- Support with developing your CV and preparing for interview and assessment activities
- Access to career development conversations
- Regular placement drop-ins in our Employability and Enterprise Hubs throughout the academic year
- Placement year pre-departure session to help you to prepare for your experience
- Return to campus session to help you prepare for returning to campus after your placement year.
Do I need to stay in touch with the University whilst on placement?
Yes. You will be expected to stay in touch with the University periodically whilst on placement. This is usually via email, but you may complete face to face or online reviews with your module leader or colleagues from the Centre for Graduate Prospects, depending on your placement.
Who can I contact if I have a concern whilst on placement?
In the first instance, you should reach out to your module leader, but you can also contact placementyears@sunderland.ac.uk for support.
Where can I access health and wellbeing support whilst on placement?
You can access a wide range of wellbeing support here.
Yes, international students can usually complete a placement year. If you have any questions about your working hours entitlement, you can reach out to the International Student Support Team before starting your search.
