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Overview of Placements at the University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) places a strong emphasis on employability, integrating practical placements and work-based learning into its curriculum to prepare students for successful careers. With a commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, UCLan offers a wide range of placement opportunities across its diverse faculties. These experiences not only enhance students' skills but also boost their graduate employability rates, which consistently rank above the national average. Whether through sandwich years, internships, or short-term projects, placements at UCLan are designed to provide real-world exposure and professional networking.
UCLan Careers Service: Your Gateway to Placements
The UCLan Careers Service is a dedicated hub that supports students throughout their journey, from placement applications to post-graduation employment. Located on campus, it offers personalized advice, workshops, and resources to help you secure placements. Key services include:
- CV and Interview Preparation: Tailored sessions to refine your application materials and practice interview techniques.
- Placement Matching: A database of over 1,000 employer partners, connecting students with opportunities in sectors like health, engineering, business, and creative industries.
- Workshops and Events: Regular career fairs, employer talks, and skills seminars to build confidence and networks.
- International Placements: Support for global opportunities through partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide.
The service operates year-round, with dedicated placement coordinators in each school to guide you through the process. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over 70% of UCLan students participated in some form of work experience, contributing to a graduate employment rate of 95% within six months of graduation.
Placement Opportunities by Faculty
UCLan’s placements are tailored to specific disciplines, ensuring relevance to your field of study. Below is an overview of opportunities in key faculties:
Faculty/School | Placement Types | Duration | Example Partners |
---|---|---|---|
School of Business and Management | Internships, consulting projects | 6-12 months | Barclays, PwC, local SMEs |
School of Health and Wellbeing | Clinical placements, community health roles | Up to 1 year | NHS Trusts, Lancashire Care |
School of Engineering | Industrial placements, research projects | 9-12 months | BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce |
School of Journalism and Media | Work placements in media houses | 3-6 months | BBC North West, The Guardian |
School of Art, Design and Fashion | Studio apprenticeships, freelance gigs | Variable | Manchester Fashion Institute partners, local design agencies |
Many undergraduate and postgraduate courses at UCLan include optional or mandatory placements. For instance, the BSc (Hons) Nursing program requires a full year of clinical placement, while the BA (Hons) Business Management offers a sandwich year option. Postgraduate students can access shorter internships through the UCLan Graduate School.
Graduate Outcomes and Success Stories
UCLan’s focus on placements yields impressive results. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey (2022), 92% of UCLan graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduation, compared to the UK average of 89%. Sectors with high placement success include healthcare (98% employment rate) and engineering (94%).
Placements also enhance earning potential; UCLan graduates earn an average starting salary of £26,000, 5% above the national median for similar institutions.
Consider the story of Aisha Patel, a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate who secured a 12-month placement at BAE Systems through UCLan’s engineering fair. “The placement gave me hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, leading directly to my full-time role as a design engineer,” she shares. Similarly, Tom Reynolds from the Journalism School interned at BBC Radio Lancashire, which paved the way for his current position as a broadcast assistant.
Support During and After Placements
During your placement, UCLan provides ongoing support through academic mentors and the Careers Service. You’ll receive guidance on reflective learning, which counts towards your degree credits. Post-placement, alumni services continue for life, including job vacancy alerts and networking events.
To get started, visit the UCLan Careers portal or attend a placement briefing session. With its location in vibrant Preston and strong regional ties, UCLan ensures placements are accessible and impactful, setting you up for a thriving career.
In summary, placements at UCLan are more than temporary roles—they’re transformative experiences that build skills, confidence, and connections. Whether you’re aiming for local opportunities or international horizons, UCLan’s comprehensive support system makes it achievable.
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