Work Placement
Work placements are structured periods of integrated work experience that form a critical part of your academic curriculum. Unlike internships, which are often extracurricular, placements are officially assessed by your university and play a vital role in securing your UK professional future.
Placement guidelines & requirements
Who can do placement
Work placements are available to students on degree-level courses where the placement is an integral and assessed part of the programme. This includes most undergraduate sandwich degrees and specific postgraduate courses designed with professional practice years.
For most courses, the placement cannot exceed 50% of the total length of the course in the UK. Exceptions apply only where there's a statutory requirement for longer periods, such as in certain medical or teaching credentials.
Length limit
Sponsor & visa rules
Your educational institution remains your Student Visa sponsor throughout the placement. The university must inform the Home Office of your placement location and duration to ensure full compliance with UK immigration laws.
Monitoring & assessment
Work placements are academic modules. You will be monitored by both your employer and your university tutor. Assessment usually takes the form of reflective journals, workplace supervisor reports, and final presentations or portfolios that contribute to your final degree classification.
Paid vs unpaid rules
Work placements are typically integral parts of a degree and can be paid or unpaid depending on the employer and sector. Under UK visa regulations, placements must be assessed as part of the course, regardless of remuneration status, ensuring legal compliance for international students.
Internship integration
Extra internships that fall outside the formal placement year are subject to standard term-time work limits (usually 20 hours per week). Universities provide guidance on how to balance these professional experiences with academic commitments without breaching visa conditions.
Ask about work placement
Have questions about finding a work placement or how your visa rules apply? Reach out to our specialist consultants for expert guidance.