Bath Spa University is committed to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed for successful careers. Through its dedicated Careers and Employability Service, the university offers comprehensive support to help students secure placements, internships, and graduate roles. Placements are integrated into many degree programs, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. This focus on practical learning contributes to strong employability outcomes, with a high percentage of graduates entering professional employment or further study shortly after graduation.

Career Support Services

The Careers and Employability Service at Bath Spa University provides tailored guidance throughout your studies and beyond. From first-year orientation to post-graduation support for up to three years, the service helps students navigate the job market effectively.

• One-to-One Advice: Personalized consultations with career advisors to develop CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
• Workshops and Events: Regular sessions on interview techniques, networking, and entrepreneurship. Annual careers fairs connect students with over 100 employers, including major companies in creative industries, education, and business.
• Online Resources: Access to a virtual careers portal with job listings, skill-building modules, and alumni success stories.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairing with industry professionals for guidance on career paths in arts, design, and media.

These services are free and accessible to all students, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to build a competitive edge.

Placement Opportunities

Bath Spa University emphasizes experiential learning, with placements embedded in over 70% of its undergraduate programs. These opportunities range from short-term internships to year-long industrial placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional environments.

• Creative Arts and Design: Placements at galleries, studios, and agencies like the Tate or local design firms. Students in Graphic Communication often work on live projects with clients.
• Education and Teaching: School-based placements in primary and secondary settings, partnering with over 200 schools in the South West region.
• Business and Management: Internships with SMEs and corporations, including roles in marketing, HR, and finance at companies like Dyson or local startups.
• Environmental and Social Sciences: Fieldwork placements with conservation organizations or NGOs, such as the Wildlife Trusts.

International placements are also available through partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and the US, funded by schemes like Erasmus+. The university's Placement Office assists with applications, visa support, and preparation, ensuring a smooth experience. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over 1,200 students participated in placements, gaining invaluable skills and boosting their employability.

Graduate Outcomes and Statistics

Bath Spa graduates are highly sought after, with the university consistently ranking in the top 20 UK institutions for graduate employability in creative sectors (Higher Education Statistics Agency - HESA data, 2023). Key highlights include:

Category	Percentage (15 Months Post-Graduation)	Average Starting Salary
In Professional Employment	85%	£26,000
In Further Study	12%	N/A
Unemployed	3%	N/A
High-Skilled Roles (Creative Industries)	92%	£28,500

These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Bath Spa's placement-focused approach. For instance, 95% of education graduates secure teaching positions within six months, often through established placement networks.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Many alumni credit their placements for career breakthroughs. Sarah Jenkins, a 2022 Graphic Design graduate, secured a role at a London advertising agency after a six-month placement: "The real-world experience from my Bath Spa placement gave me the portfolio and confidence to land my dream job."

Similarly, Tom Hargreaves, who studied Business Management, completed an international internship in Berlin: "The university's support made the transition seamless, and it opened doors to global opportunities."

• Alumni in top roles: Graduates work at BBC, Google Creative Lab, and local councils.
• Entrepreneurial Support: Through the university's Enterprise team, placement participants have launched startups, with seed funding available.

How to Get Involved

To maximize your placement prospects, start early by attending careers events and applying through the student portal. The university offers placement guarantees for eligible programs, with dedicated coordinators to match skills with opportunities. Whether you're aiming for a creative career or a corporate role, Bath Spa's placements provide the foundation for long-term success.

In summary, Bath Spa University's placement information underscores its dedication to student development. With robust support, diverse opportunities, and impressive outcomes, graduates are well-prepared to thrive in competitive job markets.