Overview of Placement Opportunities at Abertay University

Abertay University, located in the vibrant city of Dundee, Scotland, places a strong emphasis on employability and practical experience as integral parts of its educational philosophy. The university's Placement Information services are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world, ensuring that students gain real-world skills through internships, work placements, and industry collaborations. With a focus on innovative fields like computer games, cybersecurity, biomedical sciences, and business, Abertay's programs equip graduates for high-demand careers. The university boasts an impressive 95% employability rate within six months of graduation, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, making it one of the top institutions in Scotland for career outcomes.

Placements at Abertay are not just optional add-ons; they are embedded in many degree programs, particularly through sandwich years or integrated work experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings, build networks, and enhance their CVs. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, the university's dedicated Careers and Employability Service provides tailored support to maximize your placement potential.

Key Employability Statistics

Abertay's commitment to placements is reflected in its robust graduate outcomes. Below is a summary of recent statistics highlighting the success of its students in the job market:

Metric	Percentage	Details
Graduates in employment or further study (6 months post-graduation)	95%	Includes full-time roles, part-time work, and postgraduate studies
Average starting salary for UK graduates	£25,000 - £30,000	Higher in tech sectors like games and computing (£28,000+)
Students securing placements during studies	70%	Across all faculties, with 100% in games design programs
International graduate employment rate	85%	Many secure roles in the UK or return to home countries with global firms

These figures underscore Abertay's reputation as a launchpad for successful careers, with alumni working at leading companies such as Rockstar North, Electronic Arts (EA), and Microsoft.

Placement Programs and Internships

Abertay offers a variety of structured placement programs to suit different academic paths. These are particularly prominent in STEM and creative industries, where hands-on experience is crucial.

• Sandwich Degrees: Many BSc and BA programs, including Computer Arts, Ethical Hacking, and Game Design & Production, include a paid one-year industrial placement between the second and final years. Students earn an average of £18,000 during this period while gaining credits toward their degree.
• Summer Internships: Short-term opportunities (8-12 weeks) during vacations, often funded through university partnerships. Fields like biomedical sciences and engineering frequently place students in research labs or tech startups.
• Integrated Work Placements: For postgraduate courses like the MSc in Computer Games Development, placements are woven into the curriculum, allowing students to work on live projects with industry mentors.
• International Placements: Through the Erasmus+ program and global partnerships, students can intern abroad in countries like the USA, Canada, or EU nations. Abertay supports visa applications and cultural adaptation for these experiences.
• Volunteering and Micro-Internships: For those seeking flexible options, the university facilitates short placements with local businesses, NGOs, and events, ideal for building soft skills.

Eligibility for placements typically requires a minimum GPA equivalent of 2:1 and active engagement with career services. The university's Placement Team assists with applications, interviews, and assessments to ensure a smooth process.

Career Support Services

Beyond placements, Abertay provides comprehensive support to help students thrive professionally. The Careers and Employability Centre is a one-stop hub offering:

• Personalized Advice: One-on-one sessions with career advisors to develop CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles tailored to specific industries.
• Workshops and Training: Regular sessions on interview techniques, networking, and entrepreneurship. Specialized workshops for games and tech sectors cover portfolio building and coding interviews.
• Job Fairs and Networking Events: Annual Abertay Careers Fair attracts over 100 employers, including global giants like Sony and Ubisoft. Virtual fairs ensure accessibility for international students.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairing with alumni mentors in fields like cybersecurity or business, providing insights into career progression.
• Online Resources: Access to a dedicated portal with job listings, placement vacancies, and skill-building tools like LinkedIn Learning.

These services are available from day one of your studies, ensuring continuous support throughout your time at Abertay.

Industry Partnerships and Success Stories

Abertay's strong ties with industry enhance placement opportunities. The university collaborates with organizations through its Research and Innovation Hub, leading to exclusive placements. For instance, the School of Design and Informatics partners with the Dundee Games Collective, placing students on real game development projects.

Success stories abound: A games design graduate secured a placement at Rockstar Games, leading to a full-time role as a level designer. Similarly, a biomedical sciences student interned at a local biotech firm, contributing to COVID-19 research and later winning a national award. These examples illustrate how Abertay's placements foster innovation and career growth.

In summary, Abertay University's placement ecosystem is a dynamic blend of academic rigor and practical preparation, empowering students to excel in competitive job markets. By leveraging these resources, graduates not only find employment but build fulfilling, impactful careers.