Professional placement
Gain hands-on experience and develop in-demand skills with a professional placement year for postgraduate students.
Add a work placement year
Postgraduate professional placement: how it works
At Kingston University, many postgraduate courses offer the option of a professional placement year. This hands-on experience is invaluable, providing you with practical skills that employers are looking for. Placements help you gain real-world knowledge to enhance your career. They’re open to both home and international full-time students.
The placement year takes place after you finish the taught modules of your course. You'll be responsible for securing your own placement, but we offer comprehensive career support to help you in your search.
Support for your placement search
Though you’ll secure your own placement, Kingston’s career support team is here to help every step of the way. We provide:
- Pre-Placement Support: Workshops on the UK job market, CV development, applications and interview skills. Careers advisers are available for one-on-one support and access to our job boards.
- During Placement: Regular check-ins with the University, plus access to student services like the library and wellbeing resources.
- After Placement: Post-placement events to connect with other students and careers guidance to update your CV and showcase your experience.
Find a course with a professional placement year
Courses that offer a professional placement year will have this option on the course page. Some courses such as nursing or midwifery will have a compulsory placement which will be organised and assigned to you by the department.
Fees for the placement year
Placement year fees are charged separately and only apply if you secure a placement. Fees for recent intakes are:
- £1,490 (for courses starting in 2023–24)
- £1,530 (for courses starting in 2024–25)
International students may also need to pay an additional immigration health surcharge.
How to apply
When applying to a course with a placement year, select the two-year option (including placement) directly on the course page.
International students
Placements are an assessed part of your course, so a two-year visa will be required. For questions or assistance, email our Visa and Immigration team.