Placement Options

There are many things you can do during your placement experience, including a combination of options. 

A placement year is a great opportunity to develop your skills, gain an understanding of an industry you’d like to work in, build your professional network, and graduate with highly valuable experience that’ll make you stand out from the crowd.

Our award-winning Employer Engagement Team work closely with hundreds of companies around the world to provide you with exciting opportunities. We work with big companies such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), IBM, Microsoft, Samsung, Network Rail, Aldi, The Prince’s Trust, and Rolls-Royce, as well as SMEs (small-to-medium-sized enterprises). For those of you interested in a study placement, we have partner universities all over the globe. 

How you spend your placement is up to you – there are lots of options which we’ve outlined below. 

Don’t forget, we have a team of friendly Placement Coordinators who are here to support you with your search. They can explore your options with you.  

Want to know what is required for an opportunity to qualify as a placement? Take a look at this handy guide!

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meha bhindi placement image

Meha Bhindi

“My placement has opened my eyes to a new sector. The railway industry isn’t something I would have ever considered before, and I wouldn’t have seen the links between my degree and the skills that I’ve used. I didn’t think it would link so well, but it does. My placement year has given me a clear mind that I don’t necessarily have to go down the science route."

BSc Applied Chemistry student

On Placement with Cross Country Trains

 

Placement Year Options at Aston University

There are several flexible ways to complete your optional placement year (30 to 48 weeks). You can choose the option that best fits your goals, interests, and career plans:

Full-Year Professional Placement

A single role lasting 30 to 38 weeks. The role must be professional and involve responsibility for a project, process, or people.

Study Abroad or Work Abroad

Spend your placement year studying at one of Aston’s international partner universities or working with an international employer/organisation outside of the UK.

Enterprise Placement (BSEEN)

Start your own business or social enterprise through the BSEEN programme, which offers training, mentoring, and support to help you launch your idea.

Flexible Placement

Combine shorter experiences such as part-time work, internships, or working in a family business. Each placement must be at least 5 weeks in length and a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Multiple Placements

You may complete more than one placement as long as the total duration meets the required minimum.

Voluntary Work

Voluntary roles can be accepted.

Important Information for Student Route Visa Holders

If you are an international student on a Student Route visa, you must check your visa restrictions before securing a placement. Specific rules apply regarding the type of work, hours, and any gaps during the year. 

Student-Led Placement Search

Finding a placement is primarily your responsibility, supported by our team throughout the process. It’s important that you actively take charge of searching and applying for opportunities to meet the placement requirements.

What We Will Do:

  • Provide access to resources, job boards, and employer contacts
  • Offer guidance on CVs, cover letters, and interview preparation
  • Share information on potential opportunities and insight into recruitment cycle 
  • Monitor your progress and offer support as needed

What You Need to Do:

  • Proactively research and apply for suitable placements using recommended platforms and resources
  • Use Aston Futures and other job boards regularly to find opportunities
  • Tailor your applications and evidence transferable skills relevant to each role
  • Conduct speculative applications and reach out to employers where appropriate
  • Research practical considerations such as visa rules and accommodation options early on
  • Keep track of your applications and update us on your progress
  • Taking ownership of your placement search will increase your chances of securing a suitable and rewarding placement.

Does My Placement Have to Relate to My Course?

Not necessarily! While many students choose placements related to their degree, your placement does not have to be a direct match to your course content. What's most important is that the role is professional, and that you're responsible for a process, project, or people.

The skills and experience you gain such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are highly transferable and valued by employers across all industries. We encourage you to explore a wide range of opportunities and choose a placement that aligns with your interests, career goals, or even a new area you’d like to explore.

Visa Requirements for Placement Year - International Students

  • Your placement must be in a professional role where you are responsible for a project, process, or people.
  • Self-employment is not permitted under the Student Route visa.
  • You must complete at least 16 hours per week for 30 weeks, with no gaps of 60 days or more during term time or your visa sponsorship may be withdrawn.
  • You must engage regularly with the university, including logging attendance and updates with your employer every two weeks.
  • Approval of all 30 weeks of placement activity is required before the deadline.
  • All placement paperwork must be approved by 31st August in your second year.
  • You must contact the visa team (astoninternational@aston.ac.uk) for advice on extending your visa for the placement year.
  • Include a clear call to action at the bottom to encourage booking an appointment for advice.
  • For any queries related to tuition fees, payments, or financial support, please contact the Student Finance Centre. The Student Finance Centre is available between 9:00am and 5:00pm. All students should make any written enquiries to the Student Finance Centre through the Solve portal.

Accounts Receivable - for fee payment and general information
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 4355

Accounts Payable - expense claims
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 3180
 

Other Support at Aston

  • Student Solutions Centre– Located on the Ground Floor of the Main Building where the central student support services are based.
  • Mentoring –We offer a variety of mentoring schemes to support the Aston student community, develop skills, expand networks and share experiences. 
  • Learning Development Centre (LDC) – Help you with all aspects of academic skills, keeping on top of your studies and maximising your potential.
  • Student Welfare Team – Support students with a wide range of issues including anxiety, academic stress, depression etc. Located in James Watt Building (B2) within Aston Student Village.
  • Disability & Academic Support Team – Advice and support for students with disabilities, including ongoing health conditions and learning differences
  • MLK – Experienced at listening and offering pastoral and spiritual guidance, prayer, support and friendship.