Placement Information at the University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen, one of Scotland's ancient universities founded in 1495, places a strong emphasis on employability and practical experience. Through its dedicated Careers and Employability Service (CES), the university supports students and graduates in securing placements, internships, and graduate roles. This service aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world, ensuring that Aberdeen's graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths. With a global reputation for research excellence and industry partnerships, the university boasts impressive placement outcomes, with many programs incorporating mandatory or optional work placements.

Graduate Employment Statistics

Aberdeen's graduates enjoy high employability rates, reflecting the university's commitment to career-focused education. According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, approximately 95% of Aberdeen graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. This figure is above the national average for UK universities, highlighting the effectiveness of the university's placement initiatives.

Key statistics include:

• Full-time employment rate: 82% of graduates secure full-time roles.
• Average starting salary: £28,000, with higher earnings in sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare (£30,000+).
• Further study: 13% pursue postgraduate qualifications, often with funded placements.
• International opportunities: 15% of placements are abroad, supported by global networks.

School/Faculty	Employability Rate	Top Placement Sectors
School of Biological Sciences	94%	Biotech, Environmental Consulting, Research
School of Business	96%	Finance, Oil & Gas, Management Consulting
School of Engineering	93%	Energy Sector, Renewable Tech, Aerospace
School of Law	92%	Legal Firms, Public Sector, Corporate Law
School of Medicine & Dentistry	98%	NHS, Pharmaceuticals, Global Health

These figures demonstrate Aberdeen's tailored approach to placements, with strong performance across disciplines. The energy-rich North East Scotland location provides unique access to industries like oil, gas, and renewables, boosting placement prospects in these areas.

Placement Opportunities and Programs

The University of Aberdeen offers a variety of placement options to suit different academic paths. Many undergraduate and postgraduate programs include integrated work placements, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while earning credits toward their degrees.

Types of Placements:

• Summer Internships: Short-term (8-12 weeks) opportunities during vacations, often paid and linked to major employers like Shell, BP, and HSBC.
• Year-in-Industry Placements: Full-year placements in the third year of a four-year degree, common in engineering, business, and sciences. These are highly valued by recruiters and can lead to graduate job offers.
• Volunteering and Work Experience: Community-based roles through partnerships with local charities and organizations, ideal for building soft skills.
• International Placements: Exchanges and internships abroad via the Erasmus+ program or global partnerships in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Postgraduate Placements: Research or industry-focused for MSc and PhD students, often funded by grants from bodies like the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Popular programs with built-in placements include the BEng in Mechanical Engineering (year-long industry placement) and the MSc in International Business Management (consultancy projects with real clients). The university's Jobs and Placements Portal lists over 1,000 opportunities annually, including exclusive access to Aberdeen's alumni network of 100,000+ professionals.

Support Services for Placements

Aberdeen's CES provides comprehensive support to maximize placement success. From first-year orientation to post-graduation mentoring, students receive personalized guidance.

Key Support Elements:

1. CV and Interview Workshops: Free sessions to refine application materials and practice interviews, with mock assessments using AI tools.
2. Employer Events: Annual career fairs, sector-specific networking events, and on-campus recruitment drives attended by 200+ employers.
3. Mentoring Programs: Pairing with industry mentors, particularly beneficial for underrepresented groups through initiatives like the Women in STEM Placement Scheme.
4. Skills Development: Online modules on LinkedIn Learning and in-person training in digital skills, project management, and entrepreneurship.
5. Funding Assistance: Bursaries for unpaid placements and travel grants for international opportunities, ensuring accessibility for all students.

The service also tracks placement outcomes, offering feedback loops to improve programs. For instance, the Graduate Outcomes Survey helps refine partnerships with high-demand sectors.

Industry Connections and Success Stories

Aberdeen's strategic location in the "Energy Capital of Europe" fosters deep ties with industries. Partnerships with companies like Total, ExxonMobil, and Deloitte provide exclusive placement pipelines. The university's Enterprise Campus supports student startups, leading to entrepreneurial placements.

Success stories abound: A recent engineering graduate secured a placement at Siemens Renewable Energy, crediting the CES for interview preparation. Another business student interned at KPMG in London, transitioning to a full-time role. These examples underscore Aberdeen's role in launching careers—over 70% of placed students receive job offers from their placement hosts.

In summary, the University of Aberdeen's placement ecosystem equips students with real-world experience, robust support, and strong employability outcomes. Whether aiming for local energy roles or global opportunities, graduates leave prepared to thrive in competitive markets.