Placement Opportunities at the University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth places a strong emphasis on practical, real-world experience as an integral part of its degree programs. With its location on the stunning South West coast of England, the university offers unique access to industries like marine science, engineering, healthcare, and business. Placements are embedded in many undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing students with hands-on experience that boosts employability and career prospects. Whether through sandwich years, summer internships, or integrated work modules, Plymouth's placement programs are designed to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.

Benefits of Placements

Participating in a placement at the University of Plymouth offers numerous advantages. Students gain invaluable industry exposure, develop transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, and often secure higher starting salaries upon graduation. According to the university's latest data, over 90% of placement students report improved confidence in their career choices, and many receive job offers from their placement employers.

• Enhanced Employability: Graduates with placement experience are 20% more likely to be in graduate-level employment within six months.
• Financial Support: Many placements are paid, with average earnings around £18,000 per year, helping students offset living costs.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with professionals in your field, often leading to mentorships and future collaborations.
• Academic Credits: Placements contribute to your degree, ensuring they align with your studies without extending your course duration unnecessarily.

These benefits are particularly pronounced in Plymouth's collaborative environment, where the university partners with over 1,000 local, national, and international organizations, including major firms like the BBC, IBM, and the NHS.

Placement Opportunities by Discipline

The University of Plymouth offers tailored placement experiences across its faculties. Below is an overview of key areas:

Discipline/Faculty	Placement Types	Key Partners/Examples	Duration
Engineering, Computing & Mathematics	Sandwich placements, internships in software development and renewable energy	Babcock International, Rolls-Royce, local tech startups	6-12 months
Health & Social Care	Clinical placements, community health projects	NHS Trusts, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, care homes	Variable (up to 1 year)
Marine & Maritime	Sea-based research voyages, aquaculture internships	Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, fishing industries	3-9 months
Business & Management	Marketing campaigns, financial analysis roles	Barclays, South West Water, tourism firms	6-12 months
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences	Museum curations, media production, policy research	BBC South West, local councils, heritage sites	Flexible (3-6 months)

International placements are also available, with opportunities in Europe, Asia, and beyond through programs like Erasmus+ and partnerships with universities in Australia and the US. For instance, engineering students have completed placements at Siemens in Germany, gaining global perspectives on sustainable technologies.

Employment Statistics and Outcomes

The university's commitment to placements is reflected in its strong graduate outcomes. In the most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey (2022), 95% of Plymouth graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, surpassing the national average. Placement participants particularly excel, with an average starting salary of £26,000—10% higher than non-placement peers.

Key highlights include:

1. High Retention Rates: 70% of placement students transition directly into full-time roles with their host employers.
2. Diverse Sectors: Graduates enter fields like renewable energy (due to Plymouth's coastal focus), healthcare, and digital media.
3. Alumni Success: Notable alumni include engineers at SpaceX and healthcare leaders in the NHS, crediting their Plymouth placements for career launches.

These statistics underscore the university's placement-integrated curriculum, which ensures students are not just theoretically prepared but practically proficient.

Support and Preparation for Placements

The University of Plymouth provides comprehensive support to make placements accessible and successful. The dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers CV workshops, mock interviews, and personalized career coaching from the first year. Students can access an online placement portal to search and apply for opportunities, with dedicated advisors for each faculty.

Preparation includes:

• Pre-Placement Training: Modules on professional etiquette, health and safety, and industry-specific skills.
• Visa and Funding Guidance: Assistance for international students, including Tier 5 visa support and bursaries up to £1,500.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Regular check-ins with academic supervisors and employers to ensure placements meet learning objectives.
• Post-Placement Reflection: Debrief sessions to integrate experiences into academic portfolios and future career planning.

For those seeking placements, applications are typically integrated into course applications or handled via the student portal. Early engagement with the Careers Service is recommended to maximize options.

In summary, placements at the University of Plymouth are more than an add-on—they are a cornerstone of the student experience, fostering resilience, expertise, and lifelong professional networks. By choosing Plymouth, you're investing in a degree that equips you for a dynamic job market, with the practical edge employers value most.