Overview of Placement Opportunities

Edinburgh Napier University is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and practical skills development. The university's Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in supporting students throughout their academic journey, offering comprehensive placement programs that bridge the gap between education and the professional world. With a focus on real-world experience, placements at Edinburgh Napier help students gain invaluable industry insights, enhance their CVs, and boost their post-graduation prospects. The university boasts partnerships with over 1,000 employers across various sectors, ensuring diverse opportunities tailored to different disciplines.

Types of Placement Programs

Edinburgh Napier offers a range of placement options designed to suit varying levels of student commitment and career goals. These include:

• Internships: Short-term positions lasting from a few weeks to six months, ideal for gaining entry-level experience. Internships are available in fields like business, IT, engineering, and creative industries.
• Sandwich Placements: Integrated into degree programs, these year-long placements occur between the second and final years of study. Popular in programs such as Business Management and Computing, they provide full-time work experience with salary support.
• Work-Based Learning Modules: Embedded within the curriculum, these allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, often through projects with local businesses in Edinburgh and beyond.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global organizations, supported by the university's Erasmus+ program for European exchanges.

Placement availability varies by school; for instance, the School of Computing offers tech-focused internships with companies like IBM, while the Business School connects students to finance roles at firms such as Deloitte.

Career Support Services

The university provides robust support to maximize placement success. Key services include:

• One-on-One Advising: Personalized sessions with career consultants to refine job search strategies, CVs, and cover letters.
• Mock Interviews and Workshops: Regular events simulating real interviews, focusing on competency-based questions and industry-specific skills.
• Online Resources: Access to a dedicated job portal, LinkedIn optimization guides, and e-learning modules on employability skills.
• Networking Events: Annual career fairs, employer open days, and alumni panels that connect students directly with recruiters.

Additionally, the Employability Award scheme recognizes students who actively pursue placements, offering certification and priority access to opportunities.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

Edinburgh Napier University consistently ranks highly for graduate employability. According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data, 96% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation—a figure well above the national average.

Program Area	Placement Uptake (%)	Average Starting Salary (£)
Business and Management	85	28,000
Computing and IT	78	32,500
Engineering and Built Environment	90	30,000
Health and Social Care	92	26,500
Creative Industries	72	24,000

These figures highlight the effectiveness of placements in securing competitive roles. Graduates often secure positions with top employers like the NHS, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Skyscanner, thanks to the university's location in Scotland's vibrant capital.

Industry Partnerships and Success Stories

Edinburgh Napier's strategic location in a hub of innovation fosters strong ties with industry leaders. Notable partnerships include collaborations with the Scottish Government for public sector placements and tech giants for digital apprenticeships. A standout example is the Digital Skills Academy, where students undertake paid placements developing apps for local startups.

Alumni testimonials underscore the impact: "My sandwich placement at a leading law firm not only funded my final year but also led to a full-time offer," shares a Law graduate. Another from Marketing notes, "The university's career fairs opened doors I didn't know existed."

Application Process and Eligibility

To apply for placements, students should:

1. Register with the Careers and Employability Service upon enrollment.
2. Attend introductory workshops in the first year.
3. Search and apply via the online portal, submitting updated CVs and personal statements.
4. Undergo assessments, including interviews, for competitive roles.

Eligibility typically requires a minimum GPA equivalent and completion of prerequisite modules. International students are fully supported with visa guidance for placements.

In summary, Edinburgh Napier University's placement ecosystem equips students with the tools, experiences, and networks needed for thriving careers. By prioritizing hands-on learning, the university ensures graduates are not just job-ready but career-confident.