Placement Opportunities at Northumbria University

Northumbria University, located in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, places a strong emphasis on employability and practical experience. Through its comprehensive placement programs, students gain invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional careers. Placements are integrated into many undergraduate and postgraduate courses, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings while earning credits towards their degrees.

Overview of Placement Programs

Northumbria offers a wide range of placement opportunities across various disciplines, including business, engineering, law, health sciences, and creative industries. These placements typically last from 6 weeks to a full year, depending on the course structure. Sandwich degrees, which include a full-year placement, are particularly popular, enabling students to spend their third year working in industry before returning to complete their studies.

The university partners with over 2,000 organizations globally, from local SMEs to multinational corporations like Nissan, PwC, and the NHS. This extensive network ensures diverse opportunities, whether in the UK or abroad. International placements are encouraged, with support for students seeking experiences in Europe, Asia, and beyond through programs like Erasmus+.

• Undergraduate Placements: Available in subjects like architecture, computing, and tourism. For example, BSc (Hons) Business Management students can undertake a 12-month placement.
• Postgraduate Placements: Integrated into MSc programs in areas such as data science and international business, often lasting 3-6 months.
• Short-Term Internships: Optional modules for summer placements, ideal for students balancing work with studies.

Key Benefits of Placements

Participating in a placement at Northumbria not only enhances your CV but also boosts confidence and employability. Research shows that 93% of Northumbria graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, a figure well above the national average. Placements provide hands-on skills, professional networking, and often lead to graduate job offers.

Benefits include:

• Practical Experience: Apply classroom knowledge to real projects, such as software development in tech firms or patient care in healthcare settings.
• Financial Support: Many placements are paid, with average salaries ranging from £18,000 to £25,000 annually for full-year roles. Unpaid placements may qualify for bursaries.
• Career Development: Access to mentorship from industry professionals and university career advisors.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities to work in multicultural environments, enhancing adaptability for international careers.

Placement Statistics and Success Stories

Northumbria's commitment to placements is reflected in its strong performance metrics. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey:

Metric	Northumbria Rate	UK Average
Employment Rate (15 months post-graduation)	85%	78%
Placements Leading to Full-Time Jobs	70%	55%
International Placement Participation	15%	10%

These figures highlight the effectiveness of Northumbria's approach. For instance, engineering students on placement at Rolls-Royce have secured permanent roles post-graduation. In the creative sector, fashion design placements with brands like ASOS have led to innovative portfolio pieces and industry connections.

Support for Placement Students

The university's Careers and Employment Service plays a pivotal role in facilitating placements. From CV workshops and mock interviews to job fairs and online portals, students receive tailored guidance throughout the process.

Application Process:

1. Year 1-2: Attend career sessions and build your skills profile.
2. Year 2: Apply for placements via the university's placement portal or directly to employers.
3. Pre-Placement: Receive visa and accommodation advice for international opportunities.
4. During Placement: Regular check-ins with academic supervisors and access to wellbeing support.
5. Post-Placement: Reflections integrated into your degree for academic credit.

Northumbria also offers dedicated placement coordinators in each faculty, ensuring personalized assistance. For students with disabilities, inclusive placement options are available, including adjusted working hours and accessible sites.

Student Experiences and Testimonials

Hear from past students: "My placement at a Newcastle-based marketing agency transformed my career path. I gained skills in digital analytics that directly led to a graduate scheme," shares Sarah, a Business graduate. Another student, Ahmed from the MSc Computing program, notes, "The 6-month international placement in Germany not only improved my technical expertise but also my language skills—highly recommended!"

In summary, Northumbria University's placement programs are designed to propel students towards successful careers. With robust support, diverse opportunities, and impressive outcomes, investing time in a placement here is a strategic step towards professional excellence. Whether you're aiming for local impact or global ambitions, Northumbria equips you with the experience employers value.