Experiential Learning: Placement Year
Where does this sit on the Experiential Learning Continuum?
Learning in work: a longer experience where students apply their subject knowledge and/or disciplinary & future skills developed as part of their studies within the workplace.
What is it?
In degree programmes where a placement year can be facilitated, information about the opportunity should be provided to students well in advance. This may include topics such as the process to undertake if successful in securing a placement, any required paperwork, the kind of support available and previous examples of students who have undertaken a placement.
The responsibility to secure a placement is with the student but they may find it useful to speak with Careers, Employability & Opportunity who can provide support with a placement search strategy and what to expect in the recruitment process.
Lecturers (often with the support of Careers, Employability & Opportunity) may also provide preparatory sessions for students focusing on things like how to find a placement, ways to utilise your network and transitioning to the workplace.
Once a student has secured a placement, there is likely to be a range of paperwork to complete. For example: notifying the university, health and safety requirements, a risk assessment, a formal placement agreement and / or an employment contract.
The host organisation will provide structured work, supervision and feedback throughout the year. Lecturers may want to organise mid-placement check ins to monitor student progress.
At the end of the placement, it is common practice to organise a final debrief session for all placement students where they can reflect on their experience and consider how they can make the most of their placement in relation to their future career.
If the placement is credit bearing, assessment often includes a reflective report or presentation. Some programmes will formally assess learning against placement learning outcomes or employability criteria.
Does it work?
Research shows that placement years significantly improve graduate outcomes and employment confidence. Students who complete a placement year also tend to achieve higher degree classifications.
A placement year can also support learning by:
- Enhancing students’ understanding of real-world work environments and their career preferences
- Developing work readiness and future skills such as communication, time management, resilience, and adaptability
- Strengthening links between academic learning and practical application
Finally, organisations often use placement years as a pipeline for graduate recruitment.
What do I need?
- Agreement from your School / College that a placement year can be facilitated
- Clear administrative processes for health and safety, risk assessments, placement agreements, insurance… (especially for international placements)
- A named academic contact or placement tutor who will support students and liaise with the organisation when required.
- Assessment criteria and processes if credit-bearing (e.g., learning outcomes, marking rubrics).
- To schedule time for students to learn about the placement opportunity and for receiving information on securing and preparing for placements.
- To find out more about the support available from Careers, Employability & Opportunity by contacting your College Careers & Employability Manager
- A mechanism to capture feedback from students and organisations for continuous improvement.
References and further reading
Employability programmes and work placements in UK higher education
What are the benefits of completing a Placement Year?