A guide for how we’ll work with you on placements and work experience

Our programmes within Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology are varied and each programme will require different time allocations for assessments. Examples of time requirements on placements for modules include:

• Photography – Total of 45 hours between February and May
• Politics – 12-week duration, between February – May for 20 hours per week.
• PR & Digital Communications – 10 days between Feb-March
• Interior Design – 15 days between March – May

In the first instance, contact Harry Hosker, Employability for School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology to discuss projects and advice on how to progress with work experience opportunities.

Ideally, students on placement will be financially supported by employers when on placement to make sure the student is not out of pocket. This can be either with an agreed wage or travel expenses.

We do promote unpaid placements for a duration of two weeks/ten working days throughout the academic year as extra-curricular projects. This is to offer students the opportunity to build their employability skills and support their learning.

Unpaid opportunities between 3 – 12 weeks can be promoted, but only where this work contributes towards a module/assessed piece of work. We look to cap unpaid opportunities according to the module requirements. 

Unpaid opportunities longer than 12 weeks cannot be promoted.

In the first instance, contact Harry Hosker, Employability for School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology for more information.

Placements can run year-round. Uptake from students can fluctuate depending on timetables, holidays and deadlines. Here is an overview of the timelines when we look for placements throughout the year, but this can change depending on the project.

• Trimester 1 (Sept – Dec): Some programmes launch professional practice modules in Trimester 1 that run throughout the year. Likely to focus placements through October/November.
• Trimester 2 (Jan – May): Majority of placement modules take place in Trimester 2. Each module has different requirements.
• Trimester 3 (Summer) – Some MA programmes look for placements throughout the summer and we encourage students to use this time to take on extra-curricular projects.

Creative Activity – We actively encourage students to take part in placements that will add value to their education and creative practice. Therefore, when enrolling on placements, students should have a clear project or work-based learning opportunity that is relevant to their role and allows for them to develop and enhance their employability.

Management – Each student on placement should have an identifiable member of staff who will be responsible for allocating work, providing feedback, and ensuring the student is supported whilst on placement.

Contact Time – Each placement should have an agreed amount of contact time with students where they are in the work environment and/or getting feedback and management from their lead contact or relevant team.

Expenses – Where possible, students should not be out of pocket whilst undertaking a placement. We ask that travel expenses related to the role are covered for the student and where this is not possible, reasonable adjustments are made to allow the student to limit any financial hardship such as arrangements for working from home etc.

Risk Assessments – Employers will need to complete a risk assessment form highlighting the health & safety procedures in place for students and submit copies of their employer liability and public liability insurance certificates.