Overview of Placement Opportunities at Falmouth University

Falmouth University, renowned for its creative and digital industries programs, places a strong emphasis on practical experience to enhance student employability. Placements are integral to the curriculum, providing hands-on opportunities in fields like film, design, games, and business. With a 94% graduate employment rate within six months (HESA 2022 data), Falmouth equips students with real-world skills through structured placement programs, industry partnerships, and dedicated career support.

Types of Placements Available

Falmouth offers diverse placement options tailored to different academic levels and career goals. These include:

• Sandwich Placements: A full-year work placement integrated into a three- or four-year degree, typically in the third year. Students in programs like BA (Hons) Graphic Design or BSc (Hons) Games Development often secure roles at leading studios.
• Short-Term Internships: 4-12 week opportunities during holidays or as optional modules. These are ideal for first- and second-year students exploring sectors like animation or journalism.
• Integrated Work Placements: Embedded within the course, such as live briefs from industry partners in the Fashion program, where students collaborate on real projects.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia, supported by the Erasmus+ program.

Over 80% of students participate in some form of placement, gaining experience at top organizations like BBC, Aardman Animations, and Superdry.

Placement Support and Resources

The university's Careers and Employability Service provides comprehensive guidance to maximize placement success. Key resources include:

• One-on-One Advising: Personalized sessions with career coaches to refine CVs, prepare for interviews, and identify suitable placements.
• Workshops and Events: Regular sessions on networking, LinkedIn optimization, and industry-specific skills like portfolio building for creative roles.
• Online Portal: The Falmouth Placement Hub, a digital platform listing vacancies, application tips, and alumni success stories.
• Mentoring Programs: Pairing with industry professionals for ongoing advice, particularly beneficial for students in niche areas like marine or sustainable design.

Additionally, the Enterprise team supports entrepreneurial students by facilitating freelance placements and startup incubations through the Launchpad initiative.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

Falmouth boasts impressive placement and employment metrics, reflecting its commitment to career readiness. Below is a summary table of key data from recent years:

Metric	2020-2021	2021-2022	2022-2023
Students on Placement	1,200	1,350	1,450
Average Placement Duration (weeks)	26	28	30
Graduate Employment Rate	92%	94%	95%
Top Sectors for Placements	Creative Industries (65%) Digital Media (20%) Business (15%)	Creative Industries (68%) Digital Media (18%) Business (14%)	Creative Industries (70%) Digital Media (17%) Business (13%)

These figures highlight a steady upward trend, with many placements converting to full-time graduate roles. For instance, 40% of placed students receive job offers from their placement employers.

Industry Partnerships and Notable Placements

Falmouth's location in Cornwall fosters unique ties with the creative sector. Key partners include:

• Global Studios: Pixar, Warner Bros., and Framestore for film and animation placements.
• UK Brands: Burberry and ASOS for fashion and marketing roles.
• Tech Firms: Electronic Arts and Unity for games development internships.
• Local Initiatives: Collaborations with Cornwall Council for sustainable projects in environmental design.

Students have landed placements at high-profile events like the London Fashion Week or Glastonbury Festival, blending creativity with professional networks.

Student Experiences and Success Stories

Placements at Falmouth transform academic learning into tangible careers. "My year at Aardman Animations honed my stop-motion skills and led to a permanent role," shares alumni Sarah L., a Film graduate. Another success, Tom R. from Games Development, credits his EA internship for launching his career as a level designer.

The university's focus on diversity and inclusion ensures placements are accessible, with support for underrepresented groups through targeted schemes like the Creative Access program.

How to Apply for Placements

To secure a placement, students should:

1. Attend orientation sessions in year one to understand options.
2. Build a strong portfolio via course projects.
3. Register on the Placement Hub and apply early—deadlines are typically in October for the following year.
4. Seek feedback from tutors and attend career fairs held biannually.

Financial support includes bursaries up to £1,500 for travel and accommodation during placements.

In summary, Falmouth University's placement ecosystem not only bridges education and employment but also empowers students to thrive in competitive creative industries. With robust support and impressive outcomes, it's a gateway to fulfilling careers.