Year in Industry Student Handbook 2025-26

Code of conduct during your placement

• Conduct yourself professionally in all your dealings with your employer and external organisations, remembering that you are representative of the University and any poor conduct may impact on the University’s reputation. 
• Abide by all workplace regulations and practices of your employer, including those relating to Health and Safety, absence management and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate good attendance and punctuality and inform your employer and the University (in this order) immediately if you are unable to attend work.
• Dress and behave appropriately for the workplace.
• Engage with all reasonable opportunities for development during your placement.
• Continue to check your University email account, responding to all communications from your Academic Supervisor, your Placement & Study Abroad Manager and the School promptly.
• Liaise with your Placement & Study Abroad Manager to arrange a suitable time for two workplace visits (or alternative).
• If you are an overseas student, ensure you continue to comply with the Immigration regulations and keep the University up-to-date with your address and contact details.
• Notify the Placement & Study Abroad Manager and your employer of any problems that may prevent successful completion of the placement as soon as possible.
• Complete the 3,000 word report and the presentation by the set deadline (see final page).

Some practicalities to consider when out on placement

There is a lot you can do to make your placement a worthwhile learning experience. Some placements  are well structured and managed but others may lack structure, at least initially. If you want to discuss concerns or suggest changes it is important to be tactful and diplomatic.

On a positive note, tackling problems can be valuable experience in developing interpersonal skills. Even if your placement is not ideal, you will find, on reflection, that you have learned a lot both about yourself and the world of work, management styles, culture, etc. Keeping a positive attitude is important. Remember that how you conduct yourself will affect others and those who work with you will want to enjoy having you in their department. Finally, most students agree that ‘a placement is what you make of it’ and ‘get out as much as you put in’. This may sound clichéd but it is usually very true. 

Whether the placement proves to be superb, good, or not as good as you had hoped, you are certain to come away with some valuable experience for the future. 

Remember your Placement & Study Abroad Manager is available to offer support and guidance at any time.