Undergraduates: Your guide to Professional Placements

1 Undergraduates: Your guide to Professional Placements 2 Contents 1. Introducing Sussex Choice 2. What is a Professional Placement and why do one...
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Undergraduates: Your guide to Professional Placements

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Contents 1. Introducing Sussex Choice 2. What is a Professional Placement and why do one? 3. Where can I work? 4. Professional Placement timeline 5. The Placement Preparation Programme 6. How to succeed in finding a placement 7. How the University will support you 8. Student finance and employment law 9. International Professional Placements 10. You’ve secured a Professional Placement: what happens next? 11. Student finance 12. Frequently asked questions 13. Alternatives to a Professional Placement 14. Useful links Updated December 2015. Review date: December 2016.

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1. Introducing Sussex Choice All undergraduate students at Sussex have the opportunity to apply for a Professional Placement, as part of Sussex Choice: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/ug/sussexchoice/. We have designed our courses to be sufficiently flexible to enable you to explore your chosen subject in depth. At the same time, we encourage you to extend your intellect by broadening your studies – at home or abroad, in academia or in a work environment – to reflect your personal interests and aspirations. Sussex Choice Professional Placements

Undergraduates studying any degree discipline are able to do a Professional Placement. You can make this choice when applying to study at Sussex. A Professional Placement year will be available for you to select as an option when completing your online application form. It is also possible to convert your three year course to a four year course and add a Professional Placement year to your degree. Placements are normally undertaken between your penultimate and final year of study so you will need to decide by the end of your second year. See our timeline in section 4 of this guide for details on what you need to do and when you should be doing it. Support from your school of study

Doing a professional placement is your choice. As soon as you have made your decision to apply for a placement, you should speak with your Academic Adviser. If your Academic Adviser is not directly involved in supporting undergraduate work placements you will be advised to contact another member of faculty. Please contact the Careers and Employability Centre if you are having difficulty finding the right person in your school of study to talk to about placements : [email protected] ‘Voluntary Placements’

Professional Placements can also be known as ‘Voluntary Placements’. This does not mean they are unpaid. ‘Voluntary’ refers to the fact that you, the student, choose a Professional Placement ‘voluntarily’ and that it is not a mandatory part of your course.

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2. What is a Professional Placement and why do one? A placement is a period of employment, usually taken between year two and three of your degree programme. Why do a placement?

 With many graduate jobs requiring relevant work experience, it can seem difficult to know how to get experience while studying full time. Doing a placement is a great solution.  Often, when returning to University, students experience increased motivation for their studies, and evidence suggests that placement students go on to achieve higher than previously predicted final marks 1.  If you are studying a language, or interested in improving your language skills, you may want to consider doing a placement overseas. You don’t need to be studying a language degree, as the business language of many organisations is English. How it works

 Students from the University of Sussex are supported to undertake their placement in a wide variety of organisations in the local area, as well as elsewhere in the country, EU and worldwide. Companies vary from small-tomedium sized enterprises to large organisations.  Placements are academically assessed. You will submit Placement Learning Logs on a regular basis as you work and you will be set an academic piece of work by your school of study to consolidate your learning. This is submitted at the end of your placement.  You will be an employee doing real work, but your employer will also have in place a programme of training and mentoring. You should receive regular feedback from your employer and you may even participate in their appraisal scheme, as any employee of the company would.  Your placement will be at least 40 weeks in duration. 1

A study by the University of Ulster provides evidence of an increase in overall degree classification for students who undertake a placement year (Green et al, 2011, ‘Perspectives on Pedagogy’)

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 To make sure you get the most out of your placement, the University will only approve opportunities where suitable training and mentoring schemes have been arranged. We will also remain in contact with both you and your employer throughout your placement, to ensure your development and contributions to the company are progressing as expected.  The process of applying for a Professional Placement is competitive. You will not be ‘placed’ into one. Instead, you will need to do a lot of preparation and research to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a placement. The Careers and Employability Centre and its dedicated Placements Team will support you throughout the process.

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3. Where can I work? There are hundreds of placement opportunities available each academic year. Some will specify a particular degree; but many are available to students of all degree disciplines. Here are recent examples of Professional Placements available to students of all degree disciplines:

House of Commons – chamber and committee services placement

The House of Commons is the most powerful of Parliament's two houses. The UK public elects 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. MPs consider and propose new laws, and can scrutinise government policies by asking ministers questions about current issues either in the Commons Chamber or in Committees. During this placement you will work for one, or possibly two, of the House of Commons select committees. You will be required to assist members of the Committee staff with the provision of support to the Committee, including conducting research and undertaking administrative and organisational tasks in pursuance of inquiries or other work, preparation of briefing material, assisting in drafting reports, and developing a sound knowledge of certain subjects covered by the Committee. The Body Shop – product development placement

The Body Shop was the first international cosmetics company to introduce fair trade to the cosmetics and toiletries industry in 1987. The Body Shop sources fine raw ingredients and accessories from the four corners of the globe, with a commitment to trade fairly with small-scale farmers, traditional artisans and rural co-operatives. During this placement as a Product Development Student, you will be involved with the integration of new concepts and ranges into current product ranges through project management. You will be expected to analyse these products from a business and creative viewpoint. Looking at the competition, and with a view of our customers, you will help to make informed decisions regarding which products would be successful and profitable for the company. This will include working with all functions of the business to develop key projects and ensure they are moving efficiently and on target. The Football Foundation – communications officer placement

The Football Foundation is the country's largest sports charity. It funds the improvement of public sports facilities across the country – especially grassroots football facilities – with investment provided by the Premier League, The FA and the Government. The Foundation is offering a year-long work placement within its Communications Team. The

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successful candidate will experience a unique year-in-industry placement in the exciting world of football and in a friendly environment. You will be working with famous names from sport and politics and deliver high-level public relations and communications activities each week. This is your chance to build an impressive portfolio and be supported with on-the-job training from experienced colleagues.

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4. Professional Placement timeline An overview of what you will be doing and when you will be doing it: Pre-arrival at Sussex   

Select ‘Professional Placement’ from your Sussex Choice options when applying to study at University of Sussex Start researching companies/organisations you would like to work for Try to gain work experience – either through a structured work experience scheme or through part-time work – all work experience is valuable and adds to your CV

Year one (at Sussex) 

Attend the Introduction to Placements talk in your first term



Work through the Placements Preparation Programme in Study Direct (available from the spring term) Develop a CV that is ready to send to employers Compile a list of employers/organisations you would like to apply to

 

Year two (at Sussex) 

Apply for Professional Placements



Meet with a Placements Officer to discuss your progress



Aim to secure a Professional Placement by Easter vacation



If you secure a Professional Placement in another European country, ask a member of the Placements Team about the Erasmus+ programme and whether you might be eligible for funding



Meet your Placement Tutor (see section 7 for more information)



Attend a pre-departure briefing

Year three (your placement year)  

Submit regular progress reports whilst on your Professional Placement Submit an assessed report at the end of the academic year (the deadline will be set by your school of study)

Year four (at Sussex) 

Apply the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained to the final year of your degree

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5. The Placement Preparation Programme As a student searching for a Professional Placement you will undertake the Placement Preparation Programme (PPP). You will be given access to the Study Direct site, ‘Planning a Placement Year’. This will take you through the application stage – from sourcing a placement to securing a placement. You will learn how to put together excellent applications, speculatively approach companies, master interviews and assessment centres, and many more key skills. The information is supported with worksheets, video clips, and the opportunity to have your CV reviewed by a Careers Adviser. What is the PPP? 

An introductory presentation ‘Introduction to Placements’ delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre A meeting with a Placements Officer at the beginning of your second year Additional workshops throughout your first and second year to support you whilst you are applying for Professional Placements

 

We will also invite employers to talk to you about Professional Placements with their organisations and how to successfully apply for these opportunities. Employers will come to campus to run skills sessions and recruitment events, and to promote their Professional Placements. The Placement Preparation Programme is complemented by a comprehensive range of events, workshops and employer briefings run by the Careers and Employability Centre throughout the year. Key events include the annual Careers Fair in November and Make it Happen! in the spring term, but events and workshops run every week throughout the academic year. The PPP will help you:    

Develop your CV and tailor it to different Professional Placements Complete application forms with confidence Prepare for interviews and assessment centres Proactively approach organisations you would like to do a Professional Placement with  Hear from employers from a range of sectors looking to offer you a Professional Placement

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6. How to succeed in finding a placement Your learning agreement with the Careers and Employability Centre:



     

Keep up to date with all communications from the Placements Team at the Careers and Employability Centre (open and read all emails, subscribe to social media groups, attend employer events) Book and attend scheduled meetings with your Placements Officer Discuss your proposed Professional Placement with your Academic Adviser Actively search for Professional Placements on CareerHub and do your own research; set aside time each week for this research and to work on applications Get feedback from Careers and Employability Advisers at the Careers and Employability Centre before submitting applications Keep the Placements Team up to date with your progress: inform us of any interviews and contracts of employment you are offered Respond to employer contact in a timely and professional manner, including: confirming you will be attending an interview; withdrawing all outstanding applications as soon as you have accepted a contract of employment

Important: You will be searching and applying for a Professional Placement in addition to your studies. You will need to be prepared to manage your time effectively.

To support you in this process the Careers and Employability Centre will:  Provide the opportunity for one-to-one guidance:  with Placements Officers who will talk you through the process of searching for and setting up a Professional Placement  with Careers and Employability Advisers who will help you think about the right Professional Placement for you, give you feedback on your CV/application forms, help you prepare for interviews and all other aspects of the recruitment process - with our Study Skills Adviser who will offer guidance on managing your time  Support you in finding your own Professional Placement  Work with employers, both local and national, to set up Professional Placements  Hold employer events on campus with employers offering Professional Placements  Search for and promote Professional Placements via CareerHub  Regularly email you with the latest Professional Placements and relevant events Please notify us if you no longer wish to pursue a Professional Placement: [email protected]

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7. How the University will support you While you are on your Professional Placement, you are still a student at Sussex. The University and all its support services will continue to be available for you to use. Therefore it is important that you understand exactly what help is available. Problems can be discussed within the workplace but do not hesitate to contact the University if you have concerns you do not feel comfortable raising with your employer. University Support Placements Team

Careers Advisers

Placement Tutors

You Your Supervisor

Welfare and Safety Officers

Student Life Centre

Most support is based on campus, and you are more than welcome to come in and see us, but all of the services can also be accessed through email, over the telephone, or online. The details for each, and how they can help you, are listed below.

Workplace Support

University resources The Placements Team at the Careers and Employability Centre: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01273 872544 The Placements Team are available to help you with the logistics of searching for a Professional Placement and the paperwork that needs to be completed once you have secured your Professional Placement. The Placement Preparation Programme is supported by a Study Direct site (an e-learning portal) that will provide all of the information and materials you require. While you are on your Professional Placement, the Placements Team will be on hand to help you with any questions or issues you may have. It is also a good idea to keep in touch and let us know how everything is going. We can offer advice on all sorts of workplace issues, whether that is working relationships, disciplinary issues or health and safety. Please do let us know if you have any concerns relating to your welfare while on your Professional Placement. We can also help you out with any technical issues relating to the submission of your work.

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Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01273 678429 Website: www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/aboutus/advice Appointments (via CareerHub): careerhub.sussex.ac.uk/students/appointments Careers and Employability Advisers are available to offer advice and guidance that will enable you to explore your options. Advisers can be incredibly helpful during the Placement Preparation Programme but their role does not end there. The experiences you have during your Professional Placement can help you develop ideas about what you would like to do in the future. Talking to Careers and Employability Advisers is a great way to start thinking about how to use that experience to make choices in the future and how to present your experience to employers. The University’s Study Skills Adviser is available to help you balance searching and applying for Professional Placements with your on-going coursework. Contact the Careers and Employability Centre if you would like to book a one-to-one study skills meeting. The Skills Hub website outlines the range of workshops and online support available: www.sussex.ac.uk/skillshub Student Life Centre

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01273 876767 Website: www.sussex.ac.uk/studentlifecentre The Student Life Centre is there to help you with any problems you may have outside the workplace. These may relate to housing, finance, mental and personal health or diversity issues. The SLC can also help with some elements of your academic study, such as mitigating evidence or course options. However, Professional Placement specific queries should first be directed to either the Placements Team or your Placement Tutor. You can make an appointment with Student Life through your Study Direct login, by clicking on the ‘Study’ tab. Placement Tutors

Your Placement Tutor will be an academic from your school of study and is the first point of contact for academic concerns. The Placement Tutor will be marking your assessments and monitoring your progress while you are on your Professional Placement, so if you are seeking academic advice you should contact your Tutor first. Your Placement Tutor will also visit you while you are at work, which is a great opportunity to show them what you are doing and make them aware of any additional support you may need. Your Placement Tutor’s contact details will be communicated to you once you have been assigned a Tutor. If you don't know how to contact your Placement Tutor please ask your School Office and let the Careers and Employability Centre know: [email protected]

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Workplace resources While you are on your Professional Placement you will have an appointed Workplace Supervisor who will have the documentation for the Professional Placement. It is likely that they will supervise you for the duration of your Professional Placement. You should be able to discuss the majority of workplace concerns with your Workplace Supervisor, if you feel that you are unable to do this then please let the Placements Team or a senior member of staff in your workplace know. In addition to your Workplace Supervisor, there may be alternative staff members you can approach with questions or concerns. Take time during the first few weeks to familiarise yourself with the services available to staff and find out as much as you can about the support on offer. Workplace Supervisor

The Careers and Employability Centre has the name of your Workplace Supervisor on file and it is important that this is up to date. If your Supervisor changes (for example, leaves the organisation or moves to a different department within the organisation), please inform the Placements Team so we can update our records.

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8. Student finance and employment law The University of Sussex supports paid Professional Placements. The Careers and Employability Centre advertises a wide range of Professional Placements relevant to Sussex students. If a Professional Placement is advertised on our jobs board, you can be confident that the Professional Placement is relevant to our students and paid at least the highest level of the national minimum wage. During your Professional Placement, you will be treated as an employee of the organisation, issued with a contract of employment, and enjoy the rights and responsibilities of being in employment. Unpaid placements

Under UK law a Professional Placement is considered an integral part of your degree and is not covered by national minimum wage legislation. Employers are not required to pay a salary to Professional Placement students. The University of Sussex, however, only formally endorses Professional Placements that pay a salary of at least the higher level of the national minimum wage. Many Professional Placement vacancies advertised on our jobs board will pay significantly more. Professional Placements can, however, be funded in different ways. In certain circumstances you may receive a bursary or stipend from a government or professional body rather than a salary from your employer. Unpaid service placements

If you are doing an unpaid service placement, you will be entitled to the same funding you received in previous years of your course. You are considered to be doing an unpaid service placement if you are undertaking one of the following:  An unpaid placement in a hospital or laboratory or with a primary care trust in the UK (or equivalent health authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).  An unpaid placement in a hospital or laboratory or with an organisation in the UK relating to the care of children and young persons health or welfare.  An unpaid placement in a prison or aftercare service in the UK.  An unpaid placement in a prison or aftercare service: a University) in the UK or overseas.  An unpaid placement in Parliament. These placements mean you can apply for a Maintenance Loan and the Maintenance Grant, which is assessed on your family’s income.

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If you are doing your unpaid service placement in London or living at your parental home, you will need to indicate this on your finance application as it will affect the amount of funding you receive. You will not be entitled to a Maintenance Grant if you are doing an unpaid placement that falls outside the categories above. But you will be eligible to apply for a Maintenance Loan, the amount of which will vary according to your location. Placements with charities and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)

The exception to our policy on unpaid Professional Placements is working for charities and NGOs. These organisations operate on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and it is more likely that their employees work as volunteers. Working for a charity or NGO means you are less likely to be issued with a contract of employment but should still expect to sign a ‘Volunteer Agreement’ with the organisation: www.gov.uk/volunteering/volunteers-rights As above, you will not be entitled to a Maintenance Grant if you are doing an unpaid placement that falls outside the categories listed previously. Placements outside the UK

UK employment law does not apply to overseas work. While it is likely that countries will have their own legislation covering this it is important that you have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities as an employee in the country you will be working in. The Careers and Employability Centre supports Professional Placements that are worked fully or partially outside of the UK. If you wish to pursue this type of Professional Placement we suggest that you book to see a Careers and Employability Adviser for expert advice early in the process.

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9. International Professional Placements & Erasmus+ Working internationally is a great way to gain experience, not only of how to work in a professional setting but also how to work in a diverse and international workplace. This sort of experience is highly valued by employers and can be used to demonstrate a broader range of skills.

If you find work in an EU company, you may also be eligible for an Erasmus grant. CEC work with the Sussex Abroad team to advise you on Erasmus requirements and the paperwork which will need to be completed as requirements for the Erasmus grant. Essentially, as long as you have not had an Erasmus grant before, and the company is not an EU institution managing EU programmes or a specialized EU body, such as the European Parliament, European Commission, European Council, you will likely be eligible for some Erasmus funding towards your placement abroad. There is also extra funding through Erasmus+ for students with special needs. Contact the Sussex Abroad team to discuss further and for information on the application procedure: [email protected]

Issues to be aware of when considering doing your Professional Placement internationally: Applying

The application process may be more complex than for UK placements; you may be interviewed via Skype or even need to fly out to the country to interview in person. Health and safety

Although some international placements may seem more hazardous this is not a barrier provided that effective Risk Assessments are carried out and that both you and the University feel that health and safety standards, commensurate with working in the UK, are being met.

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You must also ensure that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover for accident and health. CEC will need to see proof of cover. Visa requirements

It is your responsibility to research the visa requirements for the country you are planning to work in. Costs

Undertaking a placement internationally may mean that you incur travel costs. Some employers may cover these but that is not guaranteed. Make sure that you clearly understand what you are paying for and what costs may be covered before you embark on a Professional Placement. Check with the Placements Team if you are concerned about any additional costs or charges.

The level of Erasmus funding available will depend on a number of factors: the amount of funding the University receives from the European Commission, the number of other Professional Placement students applying for funding, the length of the Professional Placement you hope to undertake, whether or not your placement is paid or unpaid, the country you will be based in while completing your placement. If Erasmus funds are limited, the university may need to prioritise which students get funding and so may also take into consideration the type of placement you have and which subject area your studies are in. NB. You may have to forfeit the Erasmus grant if your forms are not completed on time.

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10. You’ve secured a Professional Placement: What next? Sign an agreement form

The Placements Team at the Careers and Employability Centre will issue an agreement form through CareerHub that you will need to complete. We will also send a form to your employer to sign to confirm your placement. The completion of both these forms will sign off your Professional Placement.

If you are applying for an Erasmus grant, you will need to complete a three-way agreement with the company and the University. You will also need to complete a series of forms before, during your placement, and a report on completion. For some countries, you may also be required to take a foreign language assessment. This is to gauge your level of language skills and may mean you would be offered a place on an online language course, if you wished to take part. Your results in the language assessment should not affect the level of funding you would receive. CEC and the Sussex Abroad team will talk you through these requirements once your professional placement abroad has been approved.

Carry out a risk assessment

Both your employer and the University will complete risk assessments, in order to identify and minimise any hazards you might encounter whilst on your Professional Placement. You may also be asked to complete, with guidance from CEC, a risk assessment to ensure you are also aware of these hazards and how to minimise risk in the workplace. You will be contacted if this is necessary. Attend a pre-departure briefing at the University and an induction programme with your employer

The University will give you the opportunities to ensure you are fully prepared for your Professional Placement and know how to access all the University services available to you whilst on your Professional Placement. You should also be given an induction and training plan by your employer. Information and guidance on health and safety in the

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workplace will be provided by the University and your employer. Obtain insurance if you need it

UK employers are required to hold employer’s liability insurance, which will cover you for the duration of your Professional Placement. If you are travelling internationally for all, or part, of your Professional Placement you will need to get travel insurance to cover your travel between destinations if this is not provided by your employer. You need to check this with your workplace supervisor. Find out how you will be academically assessed

Academic assessment is the responsibility of your School. You will be informed about the details of your assessment and the assessment criteria you will be working to, which includes completion of a written report and poster. You will also be provided with an online Placement Learning Log to document and reflect upon your learning during the Professional Placement. Talk to your School to ensure you have this information prior to starting your Professional Placement.

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11. Your Professional Placement year: things to consider Tuition fees

You remain a University student whilst on Professional Placement and have access to University services, such as the Library and Student Life Centre. You will still need to pay tuition fees but at a reduced rate. For the most up-to-date information, please see: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/money/fees/ug2016/studyabroad. Fees are set by the University but are also subject to change in national legislation. Student loans

While completing your Professional Placement year you are still entitled to the full maintenance loan that you are awarded each year to help towards the cost of living. It is therefore at your discretion whether or not you choose to apply to receive it. As with previous years you will be able to apply for funding through student finance and will receive your loan according to the University schedule. Some types of placement will also entitle you to apply for a maintenance grant. Living arrangements

Accommodation can be a deciding factor in planning your Professional Placement year. It is important that you plan effectively and give yourself enough time to organise the details. This is another reason why it is important to be well prepared for applications during your second year and to be proactive about finding and securing your Professional Placement as early as possible. The University does not take any responsibility for finding you accommodation so these decisions are entirely your own. However if you would like to speak to someone or have any concerns about housing the Student Life Centre can advise you. Travel costs

Travelling to and from your workplace can be expensive and time consuming. We strongly advise that you work out how much travel will cost you and investigate ways of minimising the cost, for example using season tickets for bus and train travel.

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12. Frequently asked questions Please note that we are continually reviewing and updating our FAQs. For the latest answers please see https://careerhub.sussex.ac.uk/students/resources/ I want to do a Professional Placement! How do I sign up for the Placements Preparation Programme?

If you would like to register your interest in doing a placement year as part of your undergraduate degree, please visit this link: https://careerhub.sussex.ac.uk/Form.aspx?id=243627 I missed the Introduction to Placements workshop but would like to try and secure a Professional Placement. What should I do?

Speak to your Academic Adviser to let them know, then fill in form at the link above. The Placements Team will advise you on what you should do next. If you are in your first year then you may still be able to attend a Placement Preparation Programme session. If you are in your second year and have missed the Placement Preparation Programme you will still be able to catch up using the Study Direct site. Can I undertake my Professional Placement year internationally?

You can undertake a Professional Placement anywhere in the world. We have supported students undertaking Professional Placements in countries as diverse as the Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon and Mexico. For more information please see section 9 of this handbook. Can I do both a Professional Placement and a study abroad year?

You cannot do both a placement year and a study abroad year. You can only undertake one or the other. However, students of certain subjects are eligible to take a term abroad (subject to approval) during semester two of the second year. This option can be combined with a placement year. I’m an International student, can I do a placement?

Yes! Your Tier 4 visa allows you to undertake a Professional Placement as long as it is an assessed part of your degree programme. During your placement year you will remain a registered student at Sussex and your Tier 4 visa will not be affected. However, you will need to apply to extend your Tier 4 visa before your visa expiry date. The Student Systems and Records office will contact you around six months before your visa expiry date to issue you with a new CAS and you can

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then choose to extend your visa from your home country or on your return to the UK. Full details on making the visa application can be found here: www.sussex.ac.uk/internationalsupport/immigration You also need to be aware of the five year cap on degree level study that is currently in place in the UK when studying on a Tier 4 visa. Details on the cap can be found here: www.sussex.ac.uk/internationalsupport/immigration/protecting. If you have repeated any years at Sussex or taken a period of intermission and have concerns about the five year cap, you should contact an international student adviser to discuss. They are based in the International Student Support Office, located in Bramber House, Level 2; you can book an appointment by emailing [email protected] What happens if I cannot complete my placement?

The Placements Team is here to support students on Professional Placements. You should contact us immediately if you suspect that there may be a reason why you cannot complete your minimum term (40 weeks). We can intervene to help you overcome any obstacles to finishing your Professional Placement. If, after intervention, you are still unable to complete your contract then we can advise and support you through the process of withdrawing from your Professional Placement.

For students receiving Erasmus funding: If the student is in receipt of an Erasmus grant, then early termination will affect the amount of grant the student can receive. If it means that the student will not have their placement year accredited, or they only complete part of the placement, they may have to give the entire grant back.

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13. Alternatives to a Professional Placement All undergraduates studying at the University of Sussex have the choice to do a Professional Placement. Certain degree courses offer alternative ways of doing a placement as part of your degree. Your school will communicate directly if any of these alternatives are available to you. Industrial placements

 Explicitly relevant to your degree course (normally sciences or engineering)  Will meet criteria set out by the professional body that governs the accreditation of your degree course  Placements are not guaranteed  You will be prepared to search and apply for opportunities advertised by the Careers and Employability Centre; you will attend the Placements Preparation Programme along with Professional Placement students Professional practice placement

 Explicitly relevant to your degree course  Placements are guaranteed  You will be prepared for your placement by your school of study Research placement

   

Normally worked during the summer vacation during your studies Placements will be embedded into a four year Master’s degree course Placements are guaranteed You will be prepared for your placement by your school of study

The above types of placement are available on specific degree courses. You will be informed by your school of study if you are eligible to participate in any of these placements variants. Being eligible for one or more of these variants does not prevent you from doing a Professional Placement. You may decide that doing a Professional Placement is better suited to your circumstances and career plans.

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14. Useful links Sussex CareerHub:  careerhub.sussex.ac.uk/students General placements advice and guidance  Careers and Employability Centre placements webpages: www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/gettingexperience/placements  UK Government advice on working in the UK: www.gov.uk/browse/working  ASET – The Work Based and Placement Learning Association: www.asetonline.org Other sources of placements vacancies and advice  Rate My Placement (all sectors): www.ratemyplacement.co.uk  The Year In Industry – Engineering Development Trust (EDT): www.etrust.org.uk/the-year-in-industry  Cogent Placements (life sciences): www.cogent-placements.com/home International placements  Going Global: www.goinglobal.com/en/  AGCAS/Target Jobs country guides:  https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/working-abroadErasmus+ traineeships: www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-create/opportunity/work-volunteer/erasmustraineeship