Placement FAQs
As an undergraduate student you will take your placement between stage 2 and 3. Some subjects offer a placement year as part of a postgraduate programme. This is dependent on which course you are taking so it is best to ask the placements team for clarification.
Absolutely! We prefer you to secure a placement before adding the placement year, so book an appointment with an advisor and they can help you get started with your search.
No. You can do your placement anywhere in the world, you just need to ensure you have the correct visas, insurances and paperwork in place before you go. We will also ensure that the placement is suitable.
Your placement year should be for a minimum of 39-44 Weeks.
You will need to complete a change of course form. This can be requested via your divisional programme admin team. Your placement will need to be secured by no later than 31st July in Stage 2 for this to be approved.
You may come across issues while on your placement, it may not be quite what you expected, you are having problems with your supervisor or colleague….. Any problems that arise you need to follow the complaints protocol for the company/organisation you are working for. You can also make your divisional placements team aware of the situation and we are here to give you support and advice.
This is extremely rare but you should contact your placements team immediately to discuss and receive advice on the appropriate action to take.
You will have to convert back to the standard 3 year programme. There is a lot of support with finding a placement and lots of opportunities out there. By starting your search early in Stage 1 and being prepared you will give yourself the best chances. Don’t forget that you have until 31st July of your stage 2 to secure your placement.
No, you will be unable to select your stage 3 modules via OMR in Stage 2 if you are registered to a placement year already. If you do not secure a placement by July 31st of Stage 2 and you have to convert to the standard 3 years degree you will then be asked to select your module choices.
Ideally we would prefer you to do your placement in one place, however we appreciate that sometimes this is not possible. If you do decide to undertake your year in more than one place you are risking not being able to complete the year with enough hours to pass. It is advisable to speak to a placement advisor if this situation occurs.
If you would like to speak with a placement advisor or have any further questions please book to speak to someone via our careers hub, where we will be more than happy to support you.
Glossary
Year in Industry Placement
An opportunity for a student to do a placement the equivalent of a year’s academic study, this will ordinarily consist of a minimum of 39-44 weeks. The placement can be taken by undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study and postgraduate students between Terms 3 (Summer) and 4 (Late Summer) of their studies. The placement will be reflective and gives the students the opportunity to grow their graduate attributes and necessary skills to access a range of opportunities within the graduate labour market.
Year in Professional Practice
Professional Practice placements are undertaken on courses where qualification leads to a license to practice such as in Health or Education or when the course comes with accreditation. Students can often do multiple practice placements as part of their course of study and employers may be involved in the assessment of students. These placements are disciplinary based, must be related to the course of study, and require assessment of disciplinary knowledge, skills & practice.
Placement Adviser
Supports you throughout your journey from Stage 1 onwards. Available for one to one appointments and you will see them delivering your placement workshops.
Preparation Journey
Use this as a guide to give you the best possible chance of securing a placement. We have planned when we feel you should be accessing support and what support there will be available.
Bootcamps
A session designed for Stage 1 students to ensure they are application ready by the end of Stage 1. These sessions will ensure you have an updated CV and you have all the hints and tips required to go full steam ahead with your applications.
Useful Contacts
Placements Administration Team
placements@kent.ac.uk
Divisional placements teams
HSSplacements@kent.ac.uk
LSSplacements@kent.ac.uk
KBSplacements@kent.ac.uk
CEMSplacements@kent.ac.uk
NATSplacements@kent.ac.uk
Artshumsplacements@kent.ac.uk
Student support and wellbeing
www.kent.ac.uk./student-support
Student Advice Centre - Visa Enquiries
Advice@kent.ac.uk
Turing Scheme Funding
goabroad@kent.ac.uk