Year in Industry

The Year in Industry (also referred to as a placement) allows you to complete up to one year of engineering work experience as part of yuor undergraduate degree. 

Completed between your second and third year of study, the Year in Industry is a valuable opportunity for you to actively apply your engineering knowledge, develop technical skills, and enhance your essential skills in a professional work environment.

The skills, experience, and knowledge gained during an industrial placement, as well as exposure to professional networks and varied job roles, are invaluable in supporting your future employment.

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Students on the following BEng and MEng undergraduate programmes are eligible for a Year in Industry:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Design Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

The Year in Industry is available by transfer.

This means you will transfer to the Year in Industry programme AFTER you have secured an approved placement and passed your second year exams.

 

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What will students do?

In your first year (or second year),  you will register your interest in completing a Year in Industry.  This allows the Year in Industry team to keep you up to date with events, activities and opportunities to support your Year in Industry journey.

A Year in Industry cannot be guaranteed to students who register their interest.

During your second year, you will apply for Year in Industry opportunities.

While you will be supported by the university during your application period, you MUST be proactive in searching and applying for suitable placement roles.  You must be successful at the placement company's application and interview stages to secure a Year in Industry.

At the end of your second year, your transfer to the Year in Industry will be finalised AFTER you have: 

• passed all their second year units in line with the required academic progression criteria.
• secured a suitable Year in Industry which has passed the University and Faculty Academic and Health & Safety approvals.

 

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How will students be supported?

The Industrial Liaison Office (ILO), through a dedicated Year in Industry team, will work with you to:

• prepare for placement applications and interviews.
• connect with suitable engineering organisations and roles.
• coordinate the placement approvals process ensuring you complete a high-quality Year in Industry.
• provide continued support during the Year in Industry and on your return to University.

Students can get additional career support from the Careers Service.

 

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What are the minimum Year in Industry requirements? 

To satisfy the University of Bristol and Faculty of Science and Engineering requirements, a Year in Industry MUST:

• Be between 9 and 12 months in duration and meet working time regulations. 
• Be salaried at a minimum rate of the National Living Wage
  
  • We strongly advocate for students to receive a placement salary set at the respective National Living Wage.
  • For reference, the average salary for our 2026/2027 placement students is £25, 000 per annum.
• Ensure the students are classed as full-time employees and subject to the terms and conditions of the company, and related Employment legislation and Health & Safety legislation (see ACAS guidance).
• Provide the student with technically challenging work that allows them to meet the Intended Learning Outcomes for the Year in Industry and the associated assessments.
• Provide the student with opportunities for professional developement that allows them to meet the Intended Learning Outcomes for the Year in Industry, and the UK-SPEC Competences.
• Allocate the student a suitably trained and competent line manager (Industrial Supervisor), who is responsible for the student's work, professional mentoring and wellbeing during their placement.
• Meet University of Bristol requirements for placements on taught programmes.