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University of Leicester

University of Leicester

Leicester, UKRank #34

The University of Leicester (/ˈlɛstər/ (audio speaker iconlisten) LES-tər) is a public research university based in Leicester, England. The main campus is south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park. The university's predecessor, University College, Leicester, gained university status in 1957.

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Placement Opportunities at the University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is renowned for its commitment to enhancing student employability through robust placement programs and career support services. With a focus on practical experience, the university integrates work placements, internships, and industry partnerships into its curriculum, preparing students for successful careers. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, Leicester offers tailored opportunities to gain real-world skills and boost your CV.

Undergraduate Placement Programs

Many undergraduate courses at the University of Leicester include optional or mandatory placement years, often referred to as "sandwich" placements. These typically last 9-12 months and allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings. Key features include:

  • Duration and Structure: Placements are integrated into the third year of a four-year degree, with students returning for a final year to complete their studies.
  • Fields Covered: Opportunities span disciplines such as engineering, business, medicine, law, and sciences. For instance, the School of Business offers placements in finance, marketing, and management with global firms.
  • Salary and Support: Many placements are paid, with average earnings around £18,000-£22,000 per year. The university provides guidance on applications, CV writing, and interview preparation through dedicated placement officers.

Popular programs with strong placement components include:

Program Placement Focus Partner Organizations
BEng Mechanical Engineering Industrial design and manufacturing Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce
BSc Accounting and Finance Financial analysis and auditing Deloitte, KPMG, PwC
BA Law Legal practice and compliance Local law firms, NHS Trusts
MSc Computer Science Software development and IT IBM, BT, local tech startups

Postgraduate and Internship Opportunities

For postgraduate students, the university facilitates shorter internships and research placements, often lasting 3-6 months. These are ideal for those in STEM, social sciences, or humanities fields seeking to bridge academia and industry. The Leicester Internship Scheme connects students with over 200 partner organizations, including SMEs and multinational corporations.

  • International Placements: Collaborations with universities in Europe, Asia, and North America via the Erasmus+ program allow for global experiences.
  • Subject-Specific Internships: In medicine and health sciences, placements occur in hospitals and research labs; in media studies, opportunities include work at BBC Leicester or digital agencies.
  • Application Process: Students apply through the university's online portal, with support from career advisors to match skills with opportunities.

Employment Statistics and Outcomes

The University of Leicester boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022). This high employability rate is attributed to the hands-on placement experiences and dedicated support.

Key statistics include:

  • Average Starting Salary: £28,000 for undergraduates; £32,000 for postgraduates.
  • Top Sectors: Healthcare (25%), Business and Finance (20%), Engineering (15%), Education (12%), and IT (10%).
  • Placement Success Rate: Over 80% of students who undertake placements secure graduate jobs with their placement employer.

Compared to national averages, Leicester graduates outperform in sectors like biosciences and law, thanks to specialized facilities such as the Henry Wellcome Building for medical research placements.

Careers and Employability Service

The Careers and Employability Service at Leicester is a cornerstone of student success, offering year-round support. Services include:

  1. One-on-One Advising: Personalized sessions for career planning and placement applications.
  2. Workshops and Events: Regular fairs, such as the annual Leicester Careers Fair, featuring 150+ employers like AstraZeneca and Barclays.
  3. Online Resources: Access to Prospects and LinkedIn Learning for job hunting and skill development.
  4. Alumni Network: Connections to over 150,000 graduates worldwide for mentoring and job leads.

Additionally, the university's Employability Award program encourages students to build portfolios through extracurricular placements and volunteering, enhancing competitiveness in the job market.

Student Testimonials and Success Stories

Students frequently praise the placement programs for their transformative impact. For example, Sarah Patel, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, secured a role at Rolls-Royce after her placement: "The year in industry gave me invaluable insights and directly led to my full-time offer." Similarly, James Lee from Business Management interned at Deloitte, crediting the university's mock interviews for his confidence boost.

In summary, the University of Leicester's placement ecosystem fosters professional growth, with structured programs, expert support, and strong industry ties ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the workforce. By participating in these opportunities, students not only gain practical experience but also build networks that last a lifetime.

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