Research and Business

Utilising our Knowledge

Undergraduate Placements

Undergraduate Placements

The University of Bradford makes provision for undergraduates on the majority of courses to take a full year off studies in order to do a twelve to fifteen month industrial placement. Students taking this option do two years of their degree course, a year in industry/commerce and a final year at the University. This means that they are available for 12 to 15 months (one year plus two summer vacs.) from June in one year to September in the following year and are employed as short or fixed term employees.

You may find it useful to browse our undergraduate prospectus to find a degree subject relevant to the area you would like some support in.

Benefits to the company

• Placement students will have completed two years of their degree course, so they already have many skills of use to an employer. These skills can be used by an employer to fill a skills shortfall or to relieve an existing employee to fill a more advanced shortfall.
• Recruiting staff is expensive and not without its risks. Recruiting a placement student is affordable and with limited risk.
• Employing placement students not only fills a short term post but also allows employers to spot potential future employees.
• Employing a placement students is only a short term commitment. They are expected to return to university to finish their degrees and the employer has no legal or moral obligations beyond the placement period.
• Moderate cost. Recruiting a placement student need not be expensive and their salaries are modest in comparison with graduates and experienced staff.
• If an employee is experiencing difficulty with a placement student from our university and would like help, the placement tutor will visit and provide support for the company and guidance to the student. The placement tutor is experienced in helping to turn a floundering placement into a successful one for both parties.

The placement year changes students into young professionals. It is a win-win situation for both the student and the company...