FAQs: Applying for Placements
How long will the placement be?
Placements are typically 12 months in duration, starting and ending during the summer vacation.
Your industrial placement must be for a minimum duration of 38 weeks worked not including annual leave or absence through sickness. Students can work for a maximum of 67 weeks.
Can the University find me a placement if I don't find a suitable one?
The University can offer you guidance and help throughout the entire process, but you are responsible for finding & securing a suitable year in industry placement. Please visit our page for additional help on finding placements.
If you are unsuccessful in finding a placement, you will be required to transfer to the equivalent standard MEng/MComp or BEng/BSc course. The departmental Year in Industry Programme Leads will be responsible for assessing suitability of all placements and are looking at the technical elements of the role. If your role is not technically relevant to the degree you are undertaking, you will be recommended to complete your placement as part of a Degree with Employment Experience (DEE).
What if I am offered a placement year earlier than my penultimate year of study?
Occasionally, MEng/MComp students secure placements prior to their penultimate year of academic study. If this applies to you, you MUST obtain the permission of the departmental Year in Industry Programme Lead in order to do the placement. You also need to inform the Departmental Registration Officer as there are important implications from the University's point of view in terms of the Regulations for your degree if you take the placement earlier than in your penultimate year.
Once I have accepted an offer is it possible for me to reject it if a better offer comes from a different company in the future?
Once you have accepted the offer of a placement from a company, you are expected to take up that placement unless there are compelling extenuating circumstances. Please contact the Engineering Placements Team to discuss this further.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the Engineering Placements Team.