Unlock career-boosting opportunities with an Edge Hill University placement year, top sandwich courses, and expert career support.
Nestled in the beautiful market town of Ormskirk, Edge Hill University is renowned not just for its stunning, award-winning green campus, but also for its exceptional commitment to student employability. In today’s competitive job market, securing hands-on work experience UK wide is the ultimate way to set yourself apart. For many students, undertaking an Edge Hill University placement year is the defining pivot point that transforms academic theory into a thriving professional career.
Whether you are studying Business, Computing, Biosciences, or Creative Arts, integrating an industry placement into your degree equips you with real-world skills, an active professional network, and a significant head start on graduation. In this comprehensive guide, we explore how sandwich degrees work at Edge Hill, where students get placed, and how you can leverage the university's award-winning support services to land your dream role.
At Edge Hill, a placement year—often referred to as a "sandwich year"—typically takes place between your second and final year of undergraduate study. This extends your degree from three years to four, but the benefits are well worth the extra time. Unlike a short-term summer internship program, a dedicated placement year offers sustained immersion in a professional environment, allowing you to manage projects, take on genuine responsibilities, and earn a competitive salary.
While both pathways offer valuable experience, it is important to understand the structural differences:
Edge Hill’s close ties with local, national, and international employers mean students find themselves in incredibly diverse sectors. From local government authorities in Lancashire to global tech giants and financial institutions, the opportunities are vast.
| Course / Sector | Typical Placement Employers | Average Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & IT | Intel, Barclays, local NHS trusts, software houses | £18,500 - £25,000 |
| Business & Marketing | The Walt Disney Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Red Bull | £17,500 - £23,000 |
| Biosciences & Biotech | AstraZeneca, NHS laboratories, environmental consultancies | £18,000 - £22,500 |
| Creative Arts & Media | BBC, local radio stations, independent production agencies | £16,500 - £21,000 |
You don't have to navigate the application process alone. Edge Hill University boasts an award-winning career services department located in the heart of the campus. From the moment you arrive as a fresher, the careers team is available to help you build a standout CV, practice psychometric testing, and prepare for rigorous assessment days.
Hear from a student who successfully secured a placement during their time at Ormskirk:
"I was terrified of the interview process, but the career services team at Edge Hill ran three mock interviews with me before my final assessment day at Barclays. Thanks to their feedback, I walked in feeling confident and landed an amazing placement year in software engineering!" - Liam Davies, BSc (Hons) Web Design & Development Student
Securing a competitive industry placement requires early planning and a structured approach. Most top-tier employers open their placement applications nearly a year in advance, so starting early is essential.
Many national and international companies advertise their positions early in the academic year. By October of your second year, you should actively search the university's MyJobs portal, alongside external platforms like RateMyPlacement and LinkedIn.
Avoid sending generic applications. For every internship program or placement you apply for, tailor your skills to match the job description. Highlight projects you have completed during your first and second years at Edge Hill, emphasizing any collaborative group work or practical lab hours.
Many lecturers at Edge Hill maintain strong industry links. Don't hesitate to attend office hours and ask your tutors if they know of any local firms looking for placement students. Academic recommendations carry significant weight with employers.
Is taking a year out of traditional study worth it? The data suggests a resounding yes. Students who complete an Edge Hill University placement year frequently return to their final year with heightened academic discipline, leading to better final grades. Furthermore, many placement employers extend permanent graduate job offers to their placement students, eliminating the stress of job hunting in your final year.
By immersing yourself in work experience UK wide, you develop the soft skills—such as project management, commercial awareness, and professional communication—that simply cannot be fully taught in a lecture theatre.