Year in Industry
A Year in Industry placement is a great way for students to apply the knowledge gained during their first two years of study.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a year-long paid placement between their second and third year of study. The professional knowledge, skills and experience gained can significantly benefit students, enhancing both their academic studies and career prospects.
How do students get on to the Year in Industry Programme?
The Year in Industry programmes are by transfer only*. What does this mean? Students registered on an eligible BEng or MEng programme can transfer to either a BEng with Year in Industry or MEng with Year in Industry programme. The transfer process is carried out at the end of the student's second year after they have secured a placement.
*Engineering Design with Study in Industry is by direct entry.
Eligibility
Students who began their first studies at the University of Bristol and meet the criteria below are eligible to request to transfer to the Year in Industry:
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Passed all first and second year units in line with Faculty of Engineering progression criteria
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Secured an approved placement with an industrial partner
We anticipate a high demand for year in industry placements. Additional criteria may be in place at departmental level.
International Students
International students holding a Student Visa will be required to apply for a new visa, so they must seek advice from Student Visa Services if they are interested in transferring to a Year in Industry Programme.
Do students pay fees during their placement?
Students pay reduced tuition fees as set out by the University
- Home students 15%
- International students 25%
How do students find a placement?
Students frequently find placements themselves using website such as Gradcracker and RateMyPlacement. In addition the Careers Service advertise placements, and give students advice on their CVs and interviews. We also work with our network of industrial partners to promote opportunities directly to students throughout their second year.
Are placements assessed?
Yes - the placement is an integrated element of the degree programme. Examples of placement assessments are:
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A project pro-forma
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A project initiation document
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Final industrial process or product report
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A series of short presentations
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A reflective professional development journal
Are placements paid?
Yes - typical pay ranges from £18,500 to £23,000 pro-rata per annum. The Industrial Liaison Office only advertises and approves paid placements (minimum accepted pay - National Living Wage). Bristol's engineering students are highly valued by employers, so we strongly encourage any students interested in unpaid placements to speak to the Industrial Liaison Office in the first instance.
Does the University provide support during the placement?
Yes, the Faculty of Engineering supports students during their placement. While on placement, students have an academic supervisor who acts as a personal tutor during the placement year. Students are also provided with an industrial supervisor within the company who is the main point of contact and support.
The Year in Industry team hold regular online drop-in hours for placement students to provide an additional point of contact with the team and with their peers, as well as providing updates and information relevant to their return to campus the following academic year.
Does the Year in Industry have to be related to my course?
Yes, the placement will be checked and approved by the unit director to ensure it will enable you to meet the intended learning outcomes. But some students choose to work in a field of engineering that they haven't necessarily studied so far, widening their knowledge and opening doors to new industries post-graduation.
Can students get a placement abroad?
Yes - previous students have secured placements in New Zealand, Dubai, the USA and France to name a few. Placements must meet the same requirements as UK-based placements in terms of content and salary.
For overseas placements the student is responsible for researching, applying for, and securing a work visa if needed. The Year in Industry team are unable to advise on this.
Current students
Resources for current students are now available on a dedicated Blackboard organisation site, Engineering Employability. If you can't find it in 'My Organisations' on the Blackboard homepage please get in touch