Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Many of our courses* at Leeds Beckett offer the opportunity to take a placement year. Sometimes known as a sandwich placement or year in industry, this involves extending your degree by a year and spending up to 12 months working full-time in a professional setting. It's an excellent way to apply and develop your existing skillset, while gaining valuable work experience in an industry and organisation of your choice.
A placement year also gives you the chance to:
Throughout your placement year, you'll retain full student status and be able to access the full suite of support offered to you at Leeds Beckett.
For undergraduate students, your placement year takes place between your second and third year, extending your degree to four years and allowing you to gain a whole years' worth of experience before returning to university to finish your studies.
For postgraduate students, timelines can vary. We recommend speaking to your Academic School to confirm when your placement will take place.
*Our course pages will identify whether your course offers a placement year option.
Finding a placement year and support available
As placement years are optional, you're required to find and secure your own placement opportunity, which is then approved by the University. Placements need to take place in a professional work environment at graduate-level or a role which will lead you to graduate-level employment. Your course will determine what placement year roles will be approved, and this will be outlined when you start your course, along with the minimum number of weeks you must complete. The majority of students undertake paid placements; however, the salary is variable depending on industry and location. Our students work in a huge range of sectors all over the world.
Support in finding and securing your placement year is provided by the Experiential Learning Team, who have a wealth of experience in helping students successfully apply for placement roles. The team have excellent links with regional, national and global placement providers, and can provide advice on application support, recruitment practices and interview techniques.
The Experiential Learning Team also run a weekly Placement Hunt Club for all eligible students. Sessions covered include:
The full programme - and information on booking your place - can be found on MyHub if you're a current student.
Key information for students
If you're an international student, you must ensure that your visa covers the duration of your placement year. Support and advice on how to do so can be provided by the Student Immigration, Advice and Compliance Team when you arrive.
Average salary of a 12 month placement*
Beckett Careers work with placement providers from a wide range of sectors, from small and medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire, to multinational organisations with offices across the globe.
Our students have recently completed placements with:
A placement will warp you into the future: teaching you how to approach the work industry, giving you the opportunity to equip yourself with all the necessary skills you need in your career; then at the end, it'll send you back to the past. By the time you graduate and want to look for jobs, you're far ahead of those who didn't undertake one. Consider it a time travel."
My placement year was the best thing for my personal development, along with gaining industry knowledge while getting paid. I've also secured a role over summer, while I study for final year, and a full-time position when I graduate. I wouldn't have been given these opportunities if I hadn't gone on placement."
I'd recommend it to absolutely anyone. A year in industry has changed what I thought I knew and well and truly set me on the path to finishing my degree. As for searching for a placement, ask anywhere and everywhere. Use all your resources and ask parents or friends if they know anyone - you'd be surprised at how easy it is to find an opportunity once you start asking."
If you'd like more information about whether your course offers a placement, guidance on how to find one, application and CV support, get in touch.
Who to contact if...
I don't know if my course offers a placement year
Contact your Course Team who'll be able to let you know.
I’m a current student wanting support with my placement year
