Are you curious as to what your placement will be like? Or how it will be assessed? See our frequently asked questions below for guidance on how to thrive on placement - and remember to get in touch if your question isn't answered.
What support is available from the University whilst I am on placement?
You will still be a registered student during your placement year so all the support that is available to you on campus will still be accessible to you. In terms of placement-specific support you will be assigned an academic tutor for the period of the placement and will also receive a visit from someone from the Faculty's Placement team. You will also be able to attend two call-back days to the University when you will have the chance to discuss how your placement is progressing and prepare for the case study report which you submit at the end of your placement. The Faculty Placement Place Office will be available to answer any queries you might have while on placement.
What can I expect from the placement provider?
You can expect to be provided with a clear and full induction to the placement provider's working practices, including health and safety arrangements, fire precautions and emergency evacuation arrangements and how to report accidents/unsafe conditions. You will also be given the appropriate material and support needed for the performance of your placement plus a nominated supervisor who is responsible for your daily supervision and the provision of feedback. Placement providers are expected to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and appropriate Employer's Liability and Public Liability Insurance (UK).
What is expected of Royal Holloway's placement student?
You are expected to comply with all rules regarding health and safety requirements and the policies and procedures of the placement organisation, including sickness and holiday arrangement. You need to inform the placement provider of any access or special needs that may require adjustments. You are expected to accept instruction from the placement supervisor/mentor and perform to standards set by the placement provider. You should take responsibility for your work, maintain confidentiality (including on social media), and not do anything which would bring Royal Holloway or the placement provider into disrepute. You should keep the Faculty Placement Place Office updated about any issues/changes with the placement and complete all reports/assessments as required by Royal Holloway and attend the relevant visit days/call-back days.
How is the placement assessed?
The placement itself is a pass or fail element - you must complete the number of days required to pass and reach a satisfactory performance level as required by the placement provider.
The percentage mark for your placement will be derived from two pieces of assessed work which are due to be submitted near the beginning of your 4th year back at University. These include a case study report and a personal development portfolio; they are assessed with your other final-year courses and accounts for 20% of your final-year grade.
What would result in a failed placement?
If you fail the coursework part of the placement it may be possible to repeat this part of the assessment. If you do not perform satisfactorily on the placement it would not be possible to repeat the placement and this would count as a failed placement. It may still be possible to interrupt your studies and return to University the following September and complete the 3-year degree.
If the placement is terminated prior to the expected end date (e.g. the company goes bust) but you have already completed at least nine months of the placement, this will still meet university requirements. If less time had been completed this would not qualify for a 4-year Placement Year degree. It may still be possible to interrupt your studies and return to University the following September and complete a 3 year degree. Alternatively it may still be possible to find another placement at a different organisation to make up your nine month requirement. In these instances the Faculty Placement Place team would be able to discuss individual options on a case by case basis.
What if I am on a Student Visa route and placement fails?
In the unlikely event that things go wrong on the placement and it is terminated, if you are on a Student Visa route you would be required to go home and the visa would be curtailed. You would then have to apply for a fresh Student Visa to resume your final year.
Please visit the link to Royal Holloway's information for International Students and visa applications here.
What are the fees whilst on placement?
Reduced rate fees are payable during the placement year during which you will be registered at the University and have full access to the campus, university facilities and student services. Current fee rates are at the reduced rate of 20% of your usual full-time tuition fees. Royal Holloway's Student Finance are available to discuss your financial plan with them.
