Placement Opportunities at Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh is renowned for its strong emphasis on practical, real-world experience, integrating placements into many of its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These opportunities are designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, particularly in fields like health sciences, social work, drama, media, and business. Placements at QMU not only enhance employability but also allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic settings, build professional networks, and gain invaluable industry insights. With a focus on student-centered learning, QMU ensures that placements are tailored to individual career goals, fostering personal and professional growth.

Types of Placement Programs

QMU offers a diverse range of placement opportunities across its schools. These vary in duration, from short-term internships to full-year placements, and are often mandatory for certain degrees to meet professional accreditation standards.

• Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Students in physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy undertake clinical placements in NHS hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. These typically last 1,000 hours over the course of the program, providing hands-on experience with patient care and multidisciplinary teams.
• Social Sciences and Social Work: Placements here involve working with local authorities, charities, and NGOs on community projects, child protection, or mental health support. For example, social work students complete 200 days of supervised practice to prepare for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.
• Drama, Dance, and Media: Opportunities include internships at theaters like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues, media production houses, or broadcasting companies such as BBC Scotland. These placements emphasize creative collaboration and portfolio development.
• Business and Management: Students gain experience through placements in marketing firms, startups, or public sector organizations, focusing on skills like project management and digital strategy.
• International Placements: QMU partners with universities in Europe, Asia, and North America for global exchanges, allowing students to experience diverse cultural and professional environments.

Placements are coordinated through the university's dedicated Work-Based Learning Team, which matches students with suitable opportunities based on their skills and interests.

Support and Preparation for Placements

QMU provides comprehensive support to ensure students are well-prepared and succeed during their placements. This begins from the first year with workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and professional etiquette.

Support Service	Description
Career Development Centre	Offers one-on-one coaching, mock interviews, and access to an online job portal with exclusive placement listings.
Placement Preparation Modules	Integrated into curricula, these include modules on reflective practice, ethical considerations, and health and safety training.
Mentoring Program	Students are paired with alumni or industry mentors for guidance throughout the placement process.
Financial Assistance	Bursaries and travel grants available for unpaid or low-paid placements, especially international ones.

Additionally, the university's Student Placement Handbook provides detailed guidelines, including how to handle challenges like remote placements during global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where virtual simulations were successfully implemented.

Employability and Graduate Outcomes

QMU boasts impressive employability statistics, with 95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA data, 2022). Placements play a pivotal role in this success, as many lead directly to job offers. For instance, health sciences graduates often secure positions within the NHS due to established partnerships.

Key outcomes include:

1. Skill Enhancement: 98% of placement students report improved confidence and technical skills, according to internal surveys.
2. Networking Benefits: Over 70% of graduates attribute their first job to connections made during placements.
3. Accreditation Alignment: Programs are accredited by bodies like the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring placements meet national standards.

Student Success Stories

Real experiences highlight the impact of QMU placements. Sarah, a Speech and Language Therapy student, completed her placement at a local primary school, where she developed therapy plans for children with communication needs. This led to a full-time role as a speech therapist post-graduation. Similarly, Tom from the Media department interned at a production company, contributing to a short film that won an award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

In another example, international student Aisha from the Social Work program participated in a six-month placement with a refugee support charity in Glasgow. She credits the experience with building her resilience and cultural competence, now working as a caseworker in Edinburgh.

QMU's commitment to placements extends to postgraduate levels, with options like the MSc in Public Health including fieldwork in global health organizations. The university also hosts annual Placement Fairs, connecting students with over 100 employers, from multinational corporations to local SMEs.

To get involved, students should consult their program handbook or contact the Work-Based Learning Team early in their studies. Applications for placements are typically submitted via the university's online portal, with deadlines aligned to academic calendars.

In summary, placements at Queen Margaret University are a cornerstone of its educational philosophy, equipping students with the practical expertise needed to thrive in competitive job markets. By prioritizing experiential learning, QMU ensures its graduates are not just knowledgeable but also professionally ready.