Courses developed in partnership with business leaders
Professional Placement Year
Who can take a placement year?
All BSc, BA and MSc students can apply for a one year Professional Placement. This includes international students, who can extend their student visa to cover the extra year of a programme. At Salford Business School we use the term 'placements', but the term 'internships' is also used.
Why take a placement year?
Salford graduates who have completed a one year placement have higher marks than average. Over the last 5 years 90% of Salford Business School undergraduate students who have undertaken a one year placement have secured a 2:1 or 1st class Honours degree.
Furthermore, a one year placement experience will usually substantially help you to secure a graduate position when you finish at University. Some employers only recruit students with placement experience.
What placements are there?
You will be provided with opportunities related to your degree. We currently have placement students in over 40 companies in Greater Manchester and elsewhere in the UK. You will have opportunities to meet employers at our Placement Fair, and local and regional employer presentations. You will regularly receive updates on vacancies through the Salford Business School intranet and the university Careers service.
Paid internships abroad
Working on a placement abroad can be within your reach. One of the great things about doing a placement is that - as long as it is relevant and approved by the School, you can go anywhere. Students have been on placements at home in Manchester and as far away as Australia. So if you have ever dreamed of working abroad, this is your chance!
What support do we provide?
Students are provided extensive support in the application process. This includes regular workshops, personal guidance, practice test and interview sessions. We also employ ex-placement students to provide mentor support.
Is a placement guaranteed?
No. We support you in the application process but all placements are a contract of employment and thus the employer has the final say. Students apply for positions on a competitive basis or secure positions through their own efforts - as a result of part-time work experience, for example. Postgraduate students must pass their first two semesters in order to start a one year placement.
Do you get paid?
Most one year placement positions are paid. The average salary in 20011-12 was £14,500.
When can you do your placement year?
For BSc and BA students the placement takes place between their second and final years. For MSc students the placement takes place after their first two taught semesters so that the MSc takes 2 years in total to complete. This is made up of 2 semesters of taught study, a 12 month placement and a 3 month writing up period. Thus the MSc is made up in total of just over 12 months in the University and 12 months on placement.
Assessment?
We have a thorough assessment process and the placement mark counts towards your degree. The quality of our placement programme is externally recognised by the City and Guilds whose higher award is available to all our students completing a placement.
Are there any similar schemes of which I should be aware?
Yes! Together with the Unite with Business project, we run a scheme that provides paid, 20 day work experience opportunities open to all final year undergraduate students, postgraduate students and graduates. Many students also undertake shorter internships - at the end of their first year, for example. There are also many opportunities for part-time work promoted through the University; this experience could help you to secure a one year placement.
All undergraduate programmes include professional development. For example, this includes Live Student projects in the second year of your studies. These offer you the opportunity to work with organisations and these projects are sourced for you.
