Industrial placements
Pawel Mallon, DIS placement at Jaguar Land Rover 2010-2011
All of our undergraduate courses provide the option of a year out working in industry. The Department’s close links with industrial partners means we are able to provide our students with considerable help in sourcing and securing their placement.
Placement roles can range from positions in Formula 1 motor racing companies, aircraft and automotive companies, large to small engineering companies, to marketing and business management positions in industry. Companies who have employed our placement students in the past include E.ON, Rolls-Royce, General Motors, BMW, Smiths Medical, GKN, Unilever, Tata Steel and Mercedes-Benz to name just a few.
You can find out about the experiences of some of our recent undergraduate placement students in our placement profiles, read more »
Why take a year out in industry?
The year in industry is optional but it is strongly encouraged by the Department because of the many benefits it can provide. Placement students earn a salary, which is typically around £16,000 per annum, and many are offered a permanent position with their host company after they graduate. The work experience gained whilst on placement is very attractive to employers and can distinguish you from other candidates when competing for jobs. On successful completion of the year in industry, students are awarded an additional qualification known as a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS).
Supporting you on placement
During the placement period, regular contact is maintained with the Department. Students inform their tutors of the nature of their work and general progress through monthly reports. Tutors also visit students at their workplace at least twice a year.
Application forms and other information for students wanting to take the DIS year are available on the student intranet »