Looking for a placement
Finding a placement will require you to be resourceful and persistent. This page provides information on how and when to look for a role.
Where to look for placements
There are many places to look for vacancies in the UK and abroad. The Careers Network has lots of useful information on its webpages and also organises careers fairs and employer events in October and February. These are fantastic opportunities to engage face-to-face with employers who are seeking applicants for their placement opportunities.
Your School will provide briefings on the placement year process and will support you with finding opportunities related to your programme. They may also run careers events with sector-specific employers. Contact details for your designated Placement Officer can be found on the Placements Support page.
When to look for placements
It’s never too early to start thinking about placements or developing your employability skills. Many large recruiters seek applications for Part I placements in the summer vacation after Part A, so it’s important to plan ahead. Ideally, you should prepare your CV and get it checked by the end of Part A.
Don’t panic if you only start looking for placements in your second year. Many companies offer opportunities throughout the year, but application procedures and timings vary depending on the company size and industry sector, so check closing dates and deadlines.
Your School will give you information about how and when to register the details of your placement and will set deadlines for completing health and safety forms. It’s really important that you meet these deadlines, so your placement can be fully approved and insurance cover provided.
Key deadlines:
- To remove an optional placement year and progress to the next Part of study (submit route transfer request): end of Week 1, Semester 1
- To declare a placement to the University (Student visa holders): end of Week 4, Semester 1*
- To declare a placement to the University (all other students): end of Week 6, Semester 1*
- To start a placement (Student visa holders): 60 days from the start of the academic year
*If you have not declared a suitable placement by this date, you will be required to take a Leave of Absence for the rest of the academic year. You should submit a Leave of Absence form to your School. Further information and the form can be found in the Student Handbook.
Once you have found a placement
You must inform your School by adding the details to the MyPlacement system. There are a number of steps which must be taken in order for the University to approve the placement. Approval must be place before you start the placement; unofficial placement activity cannot be considered part of your programme and will not meet the requirements for the University to provide insurance.
Other Considerations
Student Status letters
If your employer requires evidence that you are a student at Loughborough University, you can download a certificate of registration from the Self-Service portal. If you require a bespoke letter stating that your placement is a formal part of your programme, or, if you are a Student visa holder, that you will continue to be sponsored by Loughborough University during your placement year, contact Student Records & Operations (studentrecords@lboro.ac.uk). Remember to include your registration number and specific details about what is required in the letter.
National Insurance Number
If you are not ordinarily resident in the UK and do not already have a National Insurance Number, you will need to apply for one in order to undertake paid employment in the UK. Your employer should guide you through the steps but information is also available from the Student Advice and Support Service.
International placements - risk monitoring
To complete the international risk assessment for your placement, you must register for a Crisis24 Horizon account using your University email address via the link below. This will allow you to check the travel advice and security information, including the risk level, for your chosen location. The University does not typically approve placements which are located countries or regions with 'high' or 'extreme' risk ratings.
You are also advised to download the Crisis24 Horizon app for up-to-date travel and emergency advice whilst you are away.
