Education placements

Why placements are important

Whether you’re on a three-year undergraduate degree, a two-year accelerated degree or one of our part-time foundation or top-up courses, hands-on experience is key. Placements give you the opportunity to link theory to practice and gain essential skills that employers value.

They’re a mandatory part of your course and also an exciting stage of your professional development. You’ll be able to make an impact on children's and young people's lives straight away as part of your degree, as well as discover which aspects of your chosen career you enjoy the most. Lots of our students arrive on campus with an idea of what they’d like to do after they graduate, and placements present a great opportunity to either confirm your ideas or discover new passions and specialisms linked to your course.

The essential skills you develop on placement

Placements are designed to support and enhance your learning on campus. They’re vital in preparing you for a successful career in education and here’s why.

Who we work with

Primary and Secondary Teaching Studies courses

We offer a wide range of placements as part of these accelerated, two-year teaching programmes. Placements are offered in local primary and secondary schools as well as wider education settings such as nurseries, community interest companies and hospital education units. These are typically in local and regional settings, but there are opportunities for international placements too.

Whilst placements prepare those wanting to continue onto Initial Teaching Training – such as a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) or a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) course – they also open up other career options.

For Primary and Secondary Teaching Studies students who want to progress into teaching, we have agreements with the following SCITTs to guarantee interviews for their Initial Teacher Education courses:

• North Lincolnshire
• Sheffield
• Vantage
• Yorkshire Wolds

Early Childhood Studies, Education Studies and Working with Children Young People and Families courses

Our students on these courses undertake placements in a wide range of educational settings including nurseries, pre-schools, primary schools, community and youth settings and alternative educational environments. Learning is hands-on and immersive enabling you to gain real-world experience.

Your training will also include the chance to study towards an accredited Forest School certification, equipping you to work outdoors with children while considering diverse learning needs.

How we support you on placement

We have a dedicated team to work with our placement partners and support our students prior, during and after your placement.

The Placement Team will consider the type of placement you would like and will take into account a range of needs including medical, learning differences, location and other preferences wherever possible.

The team also provides DBS advice, drop-in sessions and guidance, and support with completing risk assessments.

You’ll also continue to have contact with your personal tutors while on placement.

What our students say