9. FAQs

What roles can I apply to and where?
You can apply to any role related to Economics and Finance and your placement can be taken abroad too, as long as it is approved by the School. Below there is a list of fields, but do not feel restricted to it:

  • Banking (investment, corporate, retail, etc)
  • Asset management
  • Marketing
  • Professional Financial Services (accountancy, actuarial, insurance)
  • Sales & Business Development
  • Financial Planning

If you are not sure whether a placement is relevant to your studies or not, contact the Placement and Study Abroad Manager well in advance of the application deadline.


Does the School guarantee a placement?
No, it is your responsibility to secure a placement and the decision to take up a student is entirely taken by the employer, not the School. However, help with your search and your applications will be provided.

What support is provided? 
Both in your first and second year you will take a module in Career and Personal Development (ECN004/ECN005). The first year will give you the foundations of good CV and Cover Letter writing, and all the different application stages usually involved in a job application. In the second year you’ll focus on internships, job hunting strategies, extra-curricular activities, and commercial awareness. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with a wide-ranging set of compulsory and optional activities designed to help you develop a set of desirable transferable skills. The more you engage with these activities, the more chances you’ll have to find a placement.


How long can the placement be? 
Min. 1,200 working hours, max 13 months. 


Will I get paid?
Most placements are paid and sometimes with a very good salary to placement students. We encourage students to take only paid positions (at least National Minimum Wage/London Living Wage). 


What if I don’t find a placement? 
You can revert back to the three-year version of your course at any time (it won’t impact your studies). 


Can I add the year in industry later on during my studies?
Yes, you can do so pretty much at any time in your first and second year. However, we encourage you to switch by the start of your second year so that you don’t risk missing out on communications, activities and events tailored to the placement year.


What's the financial impact of the year in industry?
The majority of placement programmes will pay you a salary, which will be set by the employer. However, we encourage students to accept opportunities that are paid at least London or National Living Wage.

As a student of QMUL you will still have to pay tuition fees, however, these are at a significantly reduced rate.

Fees for a year in industry taken in the UK (2024-25)
Home students: £1,850
International students: £3,700

Fees for a year in industry taken abroad (2024-25)
Home students: £1,850
International students: 50% of the regular tuition fees


How is the placement year assessed?
You will have to write a report regarding your experience and give a presentation; your employer will also provide a short feedback. The year in industry module is a pass/fail module. More information about the assessment is provided here.

What happens if I fail my placement?
Consequences will depend on the reason. Students who fail to submit the report in time and/or don't attend their presentation will be given a resit opportunity during the August Summer Examination Period. Failure to submit the necessary papers then will result in a fail and students will revert to the three-year version of their degree without the year in industry, provided that all other requirements are satisfied. 

Students who have accepted ECs and don't sit the ECN227 exam in May will be given a first-sit opportunity during the August Summer Examination Period. 

Students who are furloughed or dismissed due to circumstances outside of their control (budget cuts, for example) before are able to complete the 9 months required for the successful completion of the programme, will be allowed to find a new role midway through the year or retake the year in industry the following year. 

Students who are dismissed from their placement due to misconduct or unprofessional behaviour will NOT be able to start another placement role and will fail the year in industry. They will revert to the three-year version of their degree without the year in industry, provided that all other requirements are satisfied. 


What should I do when I am offered a placement contract?
You should immediately contact Placement & Study Abroad Manager, sending a copy of your contract and providing the contact details of a contact person. If the job is appropriate to your field of study, you will receive confirmation that the placement has been accepted by the School. Please remember that no placement can start without the School’s approval.


What is my status during the placement?
During your placement, you will be a full-time employee of the company you are working for, but you will be also enrolled as a full-time student at Queen Mary. As such, you are encouraged to think as yourself as an integral part of the company and make the most of this experience. In case of issues on the workplace, you should try and find a solution with your employer and line manager on your own, but your Placement & Study Abroad Manager is always available to help you out. They will also make contact with you two times during the placement to come and visit you and your line manager, giving you the chance to discuss any potential issue.


Can I only apply for placement schemes?
No! Placements can be called in different ways – “internship”, “sandwich year”, “industrial placement” opportunities are all fine as long they meet the minimum requirement of 1,200 working hours. You can also take a normal job with a fixed-term contract


For further information, please contact:

Senior Tutor and Academic Lead for Year in Industry: Dr. Jojo Paul

Placement & Study Abroad Manager: Nia Hamedi (n.hamedi@qmul.ac.uk)