Year in Industry
Spend a year working on a professional placement, connecting to industry, and gaining real-world experience.
Gain professional work experience before you've even graduated. The Year in Industry puts you one step ahead with unparalleled access to industry connections, readying you for your career after graduation.
The Year in Industry enables you to:
- Explore job opportunities in your desired industry
- Build your professional network (and secure a great reference)
- Apply the skills and lessons you've learned in your degree
- Try out a potential career path and reflect on new experiences
- Develop key professional attributes sought after by graduate employers
- Enhance your employability and self-awareness, and boost your application and interview skills
What is the Year in Industry? A full-year placement module taken after the first two years of study on a College of Arts and Law undergraduate degree. The aim of the Year in Industry is for students to obtain practical employment experience in their desired industry. You'll be encouraged to use the theoretical knowledge and skills you developed during the first two years of your academic programme as you explore challenges and critically reflect on your experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Year in Industry open to?
Who is the Year in Industry open to?
Students on all undergraduate programmes in the College of Arts and Law, except students on degree programmes with a compulsory Year Abroad.
How can I find a placement?
How can I find a placement?
You'll be provided with the guidance and support to find your own placement opportunities, either by applying for advertised internships or approaching organisations speculatively.
What are the associated costs of the Year in Industry?
What are the associated costs of the Year in Industry?
Students who choose to undertake the Year in Industry pay a reduced tuition fee for the year (20% of the tuition fee for UK students. For overseas students, the rate is 50% of the standard tuition fee).
Please note that students on a placement year such as the Year in Industry will have a reduced entitlement to loans for living costs.
How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed?
The Year in Industry will be assessed through a mix of reflective journals and written assignments.
What are the time requirements of the placement?
What are the time requirements of the placement?
You'll start a graduate-level placement no earlier than the end of June.
The placement can total no more than 45 hours per week, with a minimum of 1050 hours in total.
What support will be available to me through the year?
What support will be available to me through the year?
You'll be supported by an Academic Lead as well as the CAL Careers Team.
You'll retain your personal academic tutor and continue to be able to access all other student resources offered by the university.
What do I get at the end of it?
What do I get at the end of it?
Successful students will graduate with a degree in their home subject, with the addition of 'with Year in Industry'.
The Year in Industry is assessed on a pass/fail basis and will not contribute to the final degree classification.
How do I apply?
How do I apply?
There's no need to decide now, you will be able to apply for the Year in Industry in the second year of your studies at Birmingham following a discussion with your tutor.
Contact
Contact
For enquiries about the Year in Industry, please contact Dr Amanda Patten A.L.Patten@bham.ac.uk
This experience gave me a sense of ownership and increased my confidence in my creative ability. I am grateful to my supervisors for giving me creative freedom and valuing my ideas and contributions.