Placements

We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston graduates some of the most employable in the country.

It’s for this reason that we encourage each and every student to take one.

A placement is a great opportunity to get a taste of the world of work, build your professional network, meet new people, and develop your skills. You can even travel abroad to work or study at one of our international university partners!

Placement Options

The placement year offers opportunities for students to gain new experiences to add to their CV. Find out more about the different options you have.

Finding Your Placement

So you've decided you want to do a placement? Great! Now it's time to find one. We've put together some resources to help you start.

Preparing for Your Placement

Received a placement offer from an employer or partner university? It's time to get it approved so you can start planning your next steps.

Partner Universities

Interested in studying abroad for your placement year? We have partnerships with around 80 universities located across the world.

Jordan Smith

"A placement can be the most valuable and rewarding year of your degree. In terms of future employability, I feel as if I am now an individual that is far more attractive to employers through my experiences that I can draw upon, and due to the way in which I have been able to develop my personal brand throughout this year. I do not have a bad word to say about the placement year and would highly recommend it to any student.”

Politics and International Relations graduate. Placement with IBM.

Our Placements Team

As an Aston student, you have access to a team of dedicated Placement Coordinators who can support you through every step of your placement journey. They can run mock interviews with you, help you to identify your skills and match them to opportunities, support you with applications, and generally be your cheerleaders!

FAQS

We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions our team get about placement opportunities.

How can I get my CV and cover letter checked?

If you don't have a CV or cover letter yet, CV360 is great place to begin.
During the first six weeks of term, we’re offering CV and cover letter clinics where you can receive expert guidance on how to develop and improve your documents. One of our career consultants will be available to provide a range of tips and advice.

If you need additional support, you can book a one-on-one session through Aston Futures or send your documents to our inbox to be checked by one of the team.

What support is there to help me find my placement?

We offer a series of workshops specifically designed for second-year students, providing the tools you need to begin placement preparation. These workshops cover essential topics like placement requirements, CV writing, cover letters, and interview techniques.

In addition to workshops, we provide ongoing remote support via email, as well as one-on-one appointments. These individual sessions are perfect for planning your placement search, getting your CV or cover letter reviewed, practicing interview skills, or addressing any questions you may have.

Our Employer Engagement team actively sources placement opportunities, many of which are exclusive to Aston students and listed on Aston Futures. We also host events and workshops throughout the year, including careers fairs and employer insight sessions, which you can book onto via Aston Futures.

How do I book an appointment with the Placements Team?

You can book an in-person or virtual appointment via Aston Futures.

How can I contact the Placements Team?

You can contact the team for your specific college via email:
bssplacements@aston.ac.uk
hlsplacements@aston.ac.uk
epsplacemetns@aston.ac.uk

Who is eligible to do a placement year at Aston?

All Aston students have the opportunity to complete a placement during their third year. Each year, hundreds of students with optional placements choose to take advantage of this opportunity. Second-year students can access dedicated support from the Placement Preparation Team to help secure a placement.

What are the benefits of completing a placement?

A placement year is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a real-world workplace. Students who return from placement often tell us they feel more confident and better prepared to excel in their final year. The experience you gain can significantly enhance your CV and give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate roles. It also provides valuable material to discuss during job interviews, showcasing the great work you accomplished and the experiences you’ve had.

While on placement, you’ll have the chance to build a professional network, gain experience in your chosen industry, or even explore a new field. Plus, going through the process of searching, applying, and interviewing for placements strengthens these essential skills, making it easier to secure a job after graduation.

What types of placements are available?

Traditional (Full-Year) UK Placement – This option involves working for a single organisation throughout your placement year, either paid or unpaid, anywhere in the UK. Opportunities range from large, well-known graduate employers to smaller local businesses or even family-run enterprises. These placements don’t need to be related to your degree, offering the flexibility to explore different fields.
Study Abroad – You can spend a full year or just one semester studying at one of our 80 partner universities. You do not have to be a languages student - some partner institutions offer modules taught in English. Studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture in a supportive environment while broadening your studies.
Work Abroad – Opting for an international work placement allows you to gain valuable work experience while immersing yourself in a new culture. Aston students have worked with companies like Nike, Adidas, Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, and Camp America. Some also secure placements through their personal or professional networks.
Enterprise Placement – You can use your placement year to start and run your own business through our Enterprise Placement Scheme. To participate, you’ll need to develop a business plan and successfully pitch your idea. Support is available throughout the planning process and during the placement year. Find out more
Entry-Level or Part-Time Job – Entry-level roles, where you are not fully responsible for processes, projects, or people, can provide valuable work experience during your placement year. These roles are ideal for gaining exposure to professional environments.
Portfolio Placement – You can build a placement year by combining the different options mentioned above, to meet the required 30 weeks of placement activity. For example, you might study abroad for one semester and work in the UK for the remainder of the year.

Please Note – Students holding a "Student Route Visa" should consult the Placements Team to discuss their options. Due to visa restrictions, Enterprise Placements and entry-level jobs are not available to international students, and some placement requirements are different for visa holders.

What are the placement requirements?

Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of placement activity, working at least 16 hours per week. If you choose to build a portfolio of placements by combining different experiences, each placement must last at least 5 weeks, with the total adding up to 30 weeks.

Does my placement need to be related to my degree?

No - your placement does not need to be related to your degree. Many students choose to gain experience in a different field or industry from their degree subject.

Do I have to do a placement in my third year?

Some courses include a compulsory placement year, while others offer it as an option. It’s very important to know which type of course you are enrolled in. If you’re unsure, please reach out to your college office or the Placements Team to find out:
bssplacements@aston.ac.uk
hlsplacements@aston.ac.uk
epsplacemetns@aston.ac.uk

How do I get my placement approved?

All placements must be approved by the university. Students need to submit three documents, two of which must be signed by their employer. Additionally, students undertaking a placement abroad must complete a travel risk assessment. Click here to learn more about the approval process for your placement.

Does the university provide me with a placement?