Placements with the School of Biomedical Sciences

Discover career-enhancing placement opportunities
Researcher looking down a microscope in a laboratory 

Employers consistently report that work experience is one of the most significant factors in their recruitment decisions. So why not give yourself the competitive edge by taking advantage of a work placement opportunity as part of your studies?

In a global labour market where the boundaries between scientific disciplines and technologies are becoming increasingly blurred, biomedical and healthcare science graduates need to develop a broad range of cross disciplinary and employability skills to compete for work opportunities. Employers see work experience as evidence that graduates possess this range of skills and are therefore more likely to invest in them.

What is a placement? 

An industrial placement is an opportunity to spend your third year working in your chosen sector. It leads to an additional award, Certificate of Professional Experience or Certificate of International Professional Experience.

A placement will enable you to:

  • gain hands-on experience in a relevant business function
  • apply learning from the classroom to the workplace
  • make an informed career choice when you graduate
  • develop commercial awareness and other key employability skills sought by employers• 
  • start building your own network of contacts in industry

You will return for the final year of your course with highly-prized industrial experience and employability skills that will enhance your prospects on graduation.

How do I find a placement?

While it is your responsibility to find and secure a placement, you will be helped and supported by the School of Biomedical Sciences Placement Team, who have excellent relationships with a wide range of employers.

In addition to year-long placements we also help you to find shorter internships. These have many of the advantages of placements, but fit in during non-term times or even sometimes during term time too.

What’s in it for me?

  • Employers are more likely to favour graduates with work experience
  • A placement can open the door to graduate opportunities; employers regularly choose previous placement students for their graduate schemes
  • Return to your degree course with a broader skill set that can enhance your final year’s study
  • Get a taste of your chosen career
  • Potential opportunities to work overseas
  • Develop your confidence in the workplace 


We offer placements in:


Biomedical Science