Undergraduate Placement Programme – Applicant FAQs

What is an undergraduate placement programme?

An undergraduate placement programme (also known as a sandwich year or industrial placement) is a fixed-term work experience opportunity, typically lasting 9–12 months. The placements offered must last 48 weeks, though students may agree with their host organisation to start earlier than September.

Who is eligible to apply?

Placements are open to:

• Second-year undergraduate students enrolled full-time, who will have completed their second year before starting the placement.
• Master’s students where a placement is a required part of the qualification.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Although student visas typically restrict work to 20 hours per week, full-time placements are permitted if they form part of your course.  If you are an international student using a visa to attend university, please make the hiring manager aware of your individual circumstances as part of your application.

When should I apply?

Applications are open via our portal from 8^th October 2025 to 2^nd February 2026.

What kind of roles are available?

Placements are offered across various fields, including:

• Finance and Accounting
• Procurement and contract management
• Digital, Data, Analysis and Technology

Is the placement paid?

Yes, all placements offered via the portal are paid. Salaries typically start from £24,465 (Band 2) depending on the role, location, and organisation.  The salary being offered will be stated on each individual advert.

How do I apply?

Applications to the placements are made via a dedicated portal  NHS Work Placements from 8th October 2025 where you can find more information about each role and apply

Questions you will be asked, any may need to prepare information for are:

• Your profile, such as your name and contact details
• Roles that you wish to apply for, these can be selected as part of your application on the portal
• Degree Information, including details of at least three modules you have studied, this is to help demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential hiring managers
• Other Education history including GCSE and A level's
• Employment history, so that you can share details of experience and transferable skills
• Application Questions, to provide details of why you are interested in the role and how you will perform the required tasks over the period of the placement
• Standard employment questions including references, equality and diversity and safeguarding

Do I need prior experience to apply?

Not necessarily. Employers understand placement students may have limited experience. Focus on:

• Motivation and enthusiasm
• Relevant coursework
• Extracurricular activities
• Transferable skills

However, hiring managers will list any specific essential and desirable criteria they have as part of their shortlisting criteria. Remember, you don’t need to match all the criteria, this is a learning opportunity and is designed to offer development.

What should I include in my application?

• A tailored answer to questions posed
• Evidence of relevant skills and achievements
• Knowledge of the company and role, including any knowledge of Trust based Values (this will be available on each Trust/Organisations website)
• A clear explanation of your interest in the placement

How can I stand out in my application?

• Show genuine interest in the role and company
• Demonstrate soft skills (communication, teamwork, initiative)
• Use examples from university, part-time work, or extracurriculars
• Please note, Blatant use of AI may result in your application being rejected by host organisations, this is an opportunity for you to show us your skills, experience and personality

What does the recruitment process involve?

• Online application
• Some organisations may carry out a short skills-based assessment as part of shortlisting
• Final interviews

When will I hear back?

Organisations are encouraged to shortlist by February, aiming to interview and appoint successful candidates by Easter.  If you have not received contact by March, please take this to mean that you have not been successfully shortlisted for any of the roles you have applied for

What support will I receive during my placement?

• A dedicated line manager
• On-the-job training
• Performance reviews
• Access to internal development resources
• Access to additional training and development being offered via the Skills Development Network in your region

Can I access additional training and development?

Yes. The SDN offers funded training (soft and technical skills) via a 24/7 online portal. You may also join networks such as One NHS Finance, HFMA, HCSA, NHS Leadership Academy, and various digital/data associations.

Will there be support groups for students and managers?

Yes. Local and national networking groups will be available for students and placement managers, with monthly meetings to share updates, best practices, and advice. These groups will be multi-disciplinary and sector specific.

Will my placement count toward my degree?

If your course includes a sandwich year, the placement is often assessed and contributes to your final degree classification. Check with your university.

Can a placement lead to a graduate job offer?

Yes. Many students receive graduate job offers based on their performance and the organisation’s needs. Over the last 20 years there are many examples of students who have successfully been taken on as Bank Staff on a pro-rata basis during their final year of studies, ahead of being recruited full time to their original host organisation.

What if I can’t find a placement?

You may be able to transfer to a non-placement route of your course. Some universities offer shorter summer internships or internal projects as alternatives