Industrial and international year opportunities

School of Computer Science students all have an excellent opportunity to supplement their studies with a year working in industry. In fact, many of our students go on to work for their year-out employers after graduating.

How does it work?

If you choose this option, you will spend the first two/three years* of your degree at Birmingham, followed by the placement year on a salary, then back to the University for your final year. During your year in industry you will be able to put taught theory into practice, as well as gain valuable experience and skills.

Who will my placement be with?

 

We have strong local and national relationships with major industry players, from both the public and private sector. The School of Computer Science runs specialist careers fairs, where different companies come to meet our students to showcase opportunities for years in industry and graduate roles. You should find an opportunity that suits your career goals, and whilst it is your responsibility to choose and apply for a Year in Industry placement, you will be supported by the department throughout, and can access the support of our dedicated careers officer and the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) Careers Network Team for help.

'Companies that employ our students on placements include: Expedia, Goldman Sachs, GCHQ, BAE Systems, Microsoft, IBM, Bloomberg, PwC General Electric, Vodafone, National Crime Agency, Google, UBS, EY, Accenture and JP Morgan Chase. Our students are also employed by emerging start up companies.

What will I do?

The School and placement company work together to devise a programme of study for you that is linked to the industrial work expected to be undertaken. You will learn how different organisations operate, gain valuable interpersonal skills and knowledge, apply theory to practice, and experience a real working environment, which will all help towards your future career choices. At the end of the year you will be awarded your degree with 'A Year in Industry'.

* Year in Industry is available with BSc (3 years), and MSci/MEng (4 years). The additional year in industry will extend your degree by one year.

All students enrolled on the BSc or MSci/MEng programmes are eligible to take part in the Erasmus or International Exchange Programme. This means that you will spend your third/fourth* year at an approved institution in another country, returning to Birmingham for your final year. During your year abroad you will study computer science topics that are appropriate to a second-year computer science student at the University of Birmingham.

Choosing to study abroad gives you the opportunity to experience new cultures, meet new people, and see more of the world - all whilst continuing your studies. Other benefits include:

• Developing relevant, marketable skills: problem solving, communication, patience and perseverance, determination, self-motivation, analytical and study skills
• Academic or subject related reasons: experience a different academic environment and way of teaching
• Enhanced career prospects
• Language and culture: opportunity to be genuinely immersed into another culture rather than just being a traveller
• Personal development: increased confidence and ability to deal with difficult situations and unfamiliar surroundings
• Contacts: build worldwide relationships that can last a lifetime and benefit you in years to come

What are my options?

University of Birmingham has an excellent international reputation, and we are proud of the growing opportunities for our computer science students to study overseas at one of our European (Erasmus) or International Exchange partner institutions.

ERASMUS

ERASMUS (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is the European Commission's educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions. As one of the largest exchange programmes in the UK, Erasmus encourages students to move around within the EU, strengthening educational, cultural and linguistic interchange. As part of this, the University of Birmingham has relationships with many partner institutions throughout Europe.

Within the School of Computer Science in particular, the programme is available at several European universities, in countries including:

 

International Exchange Programme

We have international partner universities all over the world that offer study opportunities for our students. Countries include:

Learn more

For further information please see our Study Abroad and Exchanges Office website, or contact our Computer Science Study Abroad Exchanges Tutor, Mr Bob Hendley - r.j.hendley@cs.bham.ac.uk

* Year of Study Abroad is available with BSc (3 years), and MSci/MEng (4 years). The additional year abroad will extend your degree by one year.