💡 Why a Placement Year Matters
A placement year is more than just work experience; it’s your opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment, build professional confidence, and strengthen your CV.
Employers consistently highlight that students who complete placement years are more employable, better prepared, and often receive graduate job offers from their placement companies. In a 2024 survey by the Institute of Student Employers, employers reported that they recruited 54% of former interns and 49% of former placement students into graduate jobs.
At DMU, placements are a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to learning through experience and supporting every student’s career journey.
📅 Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for placements depends on your course and academic progress, but the general rules are:
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September 2025 Intake: You’ll be eligible after completing your first two modules, but it’s strongly advised to start researching and preparing early, early applicants are often the most successful.
💬 Starting early gives you more choice, more time, and less pressure.
🧾 Placement Eligibility Across DMU
Nearly every undergraduate course at DMU includes the option of a placement year. Most are validated with an optional placement year between the second and final year, allowing students to gain substantial professional experience before graduating.
⚙️ Exceptions & Special Cases
A few programmes have unique requirements due to professional regulations or built-in practical learning:
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Health and Life Sciences (HLS) courses such as Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work, which have mandatory clinical placements throughout the course.
🏛 University Commitment
As part of DMU’s Graduate Outcomes Plan, the university is auditing all undergraduate courses to ensure each offers either:
The goal is to make work-integrated learning available across every undergraduate programme.
In addition, DMU provides a selection of postgraduate courses validated with placement-year options — particularly within the Faculty of Technology and Computing (TAC), offering specialist opportunities for advanced professional experience.
🧭 How to Get Started with Placements:
1 Register on My Gateway – search for roles, employer events, and skills sessions.
2️ Update your CV and LinkedIn – include projects, achievements, and technical or soft skills.
3 Attend Employability Workshops – enhance your application, interview, and networking confidence.
4️ Contact your Faculty Lead or Course Leader – confirm your eligibility and learn about faculty-specific opportunities.
5 Boost your skills with LinkedIn Learning! 🧠
Every DMU student has free access to LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering thousands of short, professional courses.
🌍 Guidance for International Students
For international students, securing placements can sometimes be more complex due to visa restrictions and employer sponsorship criteria, but success is achievable with the right strategy and timing.
Top Tips for International Students:
✨ It might seem challenging, but with early preparation, clear communication, and persistence, you can secure a placement that shapes your future career.
🔑 Final Thoughts
DMU’s vision is to ensure that every student has access to work-based learning and leaves university career-ready. Placements are a powerful part of this mission giving you the confidence, connections, and experience to stand out.
The Student Voice Leader - Employability role was introduced following student feedback, which identified placements and career development as key priorities. In this role, I understand how essential placement opportunities are in supporting students to move confidently from university into their chosen careers, gain experience in professional settings, and make informed decisions about their future.
🚀 Start early, stay engaged, and take advantage of every opportunity — your placement year could be the foundation of your dream career.
📣 Written by: Badhri Durgapu
🎯 Students’ Voice Leader – Employability, DeMontfort Students’ Union