Ravensbourne University London is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and industry connections, particularly in the fields of design, digital media, fashion, and creative technologies. The university's placement services are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success, offering students and graduates comprehensive support to secure internships, placements, and full-time roles. With a curriculum that integrates real-world projects and collaborations, Ravensbourne ensures that over 90% of its graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey.

Placement Opportunities

Ravensbourne provides a range of placement opportunities tailored to its creative disciplines. These include:

• Year in Industry Placements: Many undergraduate programs offer an optional or mandatory year-long placement in the third year, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in leading companies. Sectors include advertising, broadcasting, digital design, and product development.
• Short-Term Internships: Summer and semester-based internships are facilitated through the university's dedicated careers team, often lasting 4-12 weeks. These are ideal for building portfolios and networking.
• Integrated Work Placements: Embedded within the curriculum, these provide practical experience without extending the degree duration. For example, students in the BA (Hons) Fashion program collaborate on live briefs from industry partners like ASOS or Topshop.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global firms, supporting students in gaining diverse experiences in cities like New York, Berlin, or Tokyo.

Placements are supported by the Employability and Enterprise team, which matches students with opportunities based on their skills, interests, and career goals. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over 500 students participated in placements, with 85% reporting enhanced employability skills.

Employability Statistics

Ravensbourne boasts impressive graduate outcomes, reflecting its commitment to career readiness. The table below highlights key statistics from the most recent data:

Metric	Percentage	Details
Graduates in Employment or Further Study (6 months post-graduation)	92%	Includes full-time roles, freelance, and postgraduate studies
Median Starting Salary	£26,000	Higher than the national average for creative arts graduates
Placement Success Rate	88%	Students securing paid placements through university support
Freelance/Entrepreneurial Outcomes	15%	Graduates starting their own businesses or working independently

These figures are sourced from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and internal university reports, demonstrating Ravensbourne's edge in the competitive creative industries.

Industry Partnerships and Top Employers

The university's location in the heart of London's creative hub facilitates strong ties with industry leaders. Ravensbourne collaborates with over 200 organizations, providing exclusive access to placements and recruitment events. Notable partners include:

• Media and Broadcasting: BBC, Sky, Channel 4 – offering roles in production, digital content, and UX design.
• Tech and Digital: Google, Adobe, IBM – focusing on interaction design, animation, and software development.
• Fashion and Design: Burberry, Nike, Dyson – placements in product design, branding, and sustainable fashion.
• Advertising and Marketing: Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi – opportunities in creative strategy and visual communication.

Annual industry weeks and guest lectures from professionals enhance these connections, while the Ravensbourne Enterprise incubator supports entrepreneurial placements for startups.

Career Support Services

Beyond placements, Ravensbourne offers holistic career guidance to ensure long-term success:

1. CV and Portfolio Workshops: Personalized sessions to tailor applications for creative roles, emphasizing digital portfolios.
2. Mock Interviews and Assessment Days: Simulated industry scenarios to build confidence, with feedback from alumni mentors.
3. Job Fairs and Networking Events: On-campus and virtual fairs connecting students with 100+ employers annually.
4. Online Resources: Access to a dedicated portal with job listings, LinkedIn optimization tools, and alumni success stories.
5. Post-Graduation Support: Extended services for up to two years, including freelance advice and further education guidance.

The Careers and Employability Service operates from the Student Hub, providing drop-in advice and one-on-one consultations. Students also benefit from the university's accreditation by bodies like the Creative Skillset, ensuring placements meet professional standards.

Student Success Stories

Many Ravensbourne alumni have leveraged placements to launch stellar careers. For instance, a Fashion graduate secured a design role at Vivienne Westwood after a six-month internship, while a Digital Media student transitioned into a UX specialist position at Meta following a year in industry. These stories underscore the transformative impact of the university's placement ecosystem.

In summary, Ravensbourne University London's placement services empower students to thrive in dynamic creative sectors. By combining practical experience, robust support, and industry immersion, the university prepares graduates not just for jobs, but for influential careers. For more details, students can contact the Employability team or visit the dedicated online portal.