Undergraduate students can undertake a 9-12 month work placement, managed either by the Careers Service, or your School.
What's involved?
Most students can expect to:
go out on placement after your penultimate year of study, extending your degree programme by one year
continue as a registered student, with access to University services
find and apply for the placement yourself, with Careers Service support. Most placements are paid, although there are some exceptions
complete a 120 credit module while on placement
be allocated a University contact to discuss any personal or workplace issues with
You can read detailed information about the University's aims and commitments, as well as your responsibilities as a student, in The Undergraduate Placements Charter [PDF:144KB].
Depending on which course you're studying, there may be some differences around what is required for your placement year, and who you need to contact for information.
Use the form below to find out who will support you: the Careers Service, or your Academic School. Then select the relevant option beneath to find out how to get started, and use finding placements to help you look for opportunities.
apply your skills and knowledge to real business situations
try out a career choice
gain confidence and experience of adapting to different environments
develop your commercial acumen and occupational awareness
make contacts within the sector
earn a salary for the work you are doing
potentially receive a graduate job offer
Placements can also potentially lead to a higher degree classification. In 2015, 100% of Business School graduates who did a placement achieved either a 1st or 2:1.
Applications start to open in September, the year before the placement will take place. They start to close between November and February. This is usually to allow for quite a lengthy application process.
Some companies may accept applications all year round, but it is best to start looking as early as possible.
Use Finding placements to start looking for opportunities. See CVs and applications for details on how to make an effective CV, covering letter and application form.
EU Settlement Scheme holders with either pre-settled or settled status are eligible to undertake a placement year.
Students who have not yet applied for the scheme, but who are considering doing so, should see the information for EU, Swiss and non-EU EEA students from the Visa Support Team.
Tier 4 or Student Route visa holders
Students with Tier 4 or Student Route visas are eligible to undertake a placement year.
If you’re extending your degree programme by one year in order to do a placement, you’ll need to renew your visa. For UK based placements, you can renew your visa from the UK, either before or after your placement.
We would encourage you to apply for the visa before starting the work placement to avoid any potential issues with your employer, or when returning to your studies.
Placement year tuition fees are the same for UK, EU and International students. The amount you pay will depend on your course start date. For full information, visit Tuition Fees and select Undegraduate placement year fees.
UK/EU students enrolled on a placement year module should have access to a non-means tested tuition fee loan. UK students should also be able to apply for a reduced rate maintenance loan.
By doing a placement year module, you continue to be registered as a student and therefore have access to the same student discounts and benefits, including council tax exemption.
Recruitment fairs are not just for graduate jobs. Several employers at our events also offer placement years, so go along and find out more about their opportunities.
At our employer presentations you can hear about their placement schemes, build your network and ask questions.
To find out more about the placements and internships undertaken by Newcastle University students, including case studies and top tips, visit the Experience Newcastle blog.
The following resources also include advice, case studies and employer profiles:
