Placement Opportunities at the University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire is committed to enhancing employability through robust placement programmes that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience. Our placements provide students with hands-on opportunities in real-world settings, fostering skills essential for career success. Whether you're pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, our dedicated careers team ensures you gain valuable industry exposure, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.

Types of Placements Available

Placements at Bedfordshire vary by course and discipline, offering flexibility to suit different career goals. We integrate placements into many programmes, including optional and mandatory options. Key types include:

• Sandwich Placements: A full academic year (typically 36-48 weeks) spent in industry, ideal for undergraduate degrees in business, engineering, and health sciences.
• Short-Term Internships: 4-12 week placements during holidays or summer breaks, perfect for building initial experience without interrupting studies.
• Integrated Work Placements: Embedded within the curriculum, such as in nursing, teaching, or IT courses, where practical modules count towards your degree.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global organisations, enhancing cultural competence and global employability.

Popular courses with strong placement components include BSc (Hons) Nursing, BA (Hons) Business Management, MSc Computer Science, and PGCE Education. Over 70% of our students secure placements in sectors like healthcare, finance, technology, and public services.

Partner Employers and Industry Connections

The University of Bedfordshire boasts an extensive network of over 1,000 employer partners, ranging from multinational corporations to local SMEs. These collaborations ensure diverse and relevant opportunities tailored to student interests. Notable partners include:

Sector	Example Employers	Typical Roles
Healthcare	NHS Trusts, Bedford Hospital	Nursing Assistant, Health Support Worker
Business & Finance	Barclays, KPMG	Marketing Intern, Financial Analyst
Technology & IT	IBM, local tech startups	Software Developer, IT Support
Education & Social Care	Local councils, schools	Teaching Assistant, Community Outreach

These partnerships often lead to graduate job offers, with many students transitioning seamlessly into full-time roles post-placement.

Support for Securing Placements

Our Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in guiding students through the placement process. From day one, you'll receive personalised support including:

1. CV and Application Workshops: Tailored sessions to craft standout applications, with feedback from industry experts.
2. Mock Interviews and Assessment Centres: Practice sessions simulating real employer scenarios to build confidence.
3. Placement Portal: An online platform listing live opportunities, application deadlines, and virtual fairs.
4. Mentoring Programme: Pairing with alumni or professionals for advice on career planning and networking.
5. Funding Assistance: Bursaries and travel support for placements, especially those in remote or international locations.

Additionally, academic tutors integrate employability skills into modules, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring you're placement-ready.

Placement Success Statistics

The impact of our placements is evident in impressive outcomes. In the latest academic year:

• 85% of placement students reported improved employability skills.
• 65% received job offers from their placement employer upon graduation.
• Average salary uplift: Graduates with placements earn 15-20% more than non-placement peers.
• Placement completion rate: 92%, with dedicated support minimising dropouts.

These figures are sourced from our annual employability surveys and align with national benchmarks from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Student Experiences and Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it—hear from our students:

"My sandwich placement at Barclays transformed my understanding of finance. The hands-on projects and mentorship led directly to my graduate role. Bedfordshire's support was invaluable!" – Sarah, BA Business Management graduate.

"As an international student, the short internship in IT at a local startup boosted my confidence and UK work experience. The careers team helped with visa queries too." – Raj, MSc Computer Science.

These stories highlight how placements not only enhance CVs but also personal growth and professional networks.

Applying for Placements

Securing a placement is straightforward. Attend our induction sessions in your first year to learn about options. Applications typically open in the second year via the placement portal. Eligibility requires a minimum GPA equivalent and attendance at preparation workshops. For mandatory placements, your course leader will guide you; for optional ones, express interest early to maximise choices.

In summary, placements at the University of Bedfordshire are a cornerstone of our student-centred approach, equipping you with the experience employers value. Engage with our services, explore opportunities, and launch your career with confidence. For more details, visit the Careers Service or contact placements@beds.ac.uk.