With Industrial Experience FAQs

How do I secure an industrial placement?

Students follow a comprehensive careers management programme and are supported in their work placement search by the Business School's Employability Advisers, Programme Director and WIE Student Ambassadors. This support starts in Year 1 through engaging and interactive workshops, guided learning, one-to-one appointments, events and peer support.

Ultimate responsibility for sourcing and securing the work placement rests with the student; however, the network of support and access to job opportunities and employers through the programme gives WIE students every chance of success.

Do all applicants get an industrial placement?

The majority of students who actively apply and compete for roles secure a placement. It is a competitive process in an ever-changing labour market, which requires resilience and persistence. However, we adapt our support depending on recruitment trends, to make sure students have the skills they need to succeed, and are on hand to advise and support students every step of the way. In 2024-25, more than two-thirds of WIE students successfully secured a placement.

How much do you get paid?

This will vary depending on your placement provider and location.

The salary range for 2025/26 is £20,000 to £65,000, with most students earning between £22,000 and £26,000.

How long do Industrial Placements last?

Placements usually last 12 months, although this can be flexible, subject to a minimum placement length requirement of 33 weeks (excluding holidays). It may be possible to extend the placement period, depending on final-year start dates. A maximum of two placements can count towards the industrial placement year.

How long is the ‘With Industrial Experience’ programme?

Four years with your third year on placement.

What are the academic requirements?

• Entry tariff is the same as the corresponding 3 year programmes.
• Successful completion of the With Industrial Experience taught modules.

Am I considered a student whilst out on placement?

Yes you would be registered as a student and eligible for the usual student discounts, exceptions and support whilst out on placement. For example:

• Council Tax (where eligible)
• Student Fees and Finances
• Oyster Cards
• NUS
• Guild Services
• UNiDAYS
• Uni Card

You also retain access to all student services and support at the University, including Student Finance and Wellbeing Services. 

Are there any sessions you have to attend?

As part of the With Industrial Experience programme, there are two non-credit-bearing modules that you must complete. These modules prepare you for the placement search and recruitment process, covering topics such as CVs, interviews, LinkedIn and assessment centres. These sessions are compulsory and will appear on your timetable.

The BSD1002 module starts in Term 2 of Year 1, followed by BSD2002 in Year 2. There are also monthly online sessions during your placement year (BUS3002) to help you prepare for assessments.

Do you have to pay tuition fees?

Currently, students are charged 20% of their tuition fee for undertaking a full-year work placement as part of their programme. However, this fee is subject to annual review. The fee covers module assessment and support from your personal and academic tutor, employability advisers, IT Services and other student support services.

For further information, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/students/finance/studentfees/

Where can I do my placement?

You can complete your placement in the UK or abroad. Placements abroad are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to a thorough risk assessment.

Placements can be undertaken across a wide range of sectors. Examples of roles secured by previous students include:

• Accountancy, Audit and Financial Services
• Commercial Management, Supply Chain and Human Resources (HR)
• Government and Economic Services
• Sales, Marketing and Public Relations (PR)
• Corporate, Retail and Investment Banking
• Consulting

Placements can be undertaken with large organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), microbusinesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations.

What happens if I don’t secure a placement?

You simply revert to a standard three year degree.

How will I be assessed?

The placement year is assessed through a portfolio of skills-based tasks completed throughout the year.

Monthly online workshops will help you prepare for the portfolio tasks, and you will be supported by a WIE Academic Tutor during your placement year.

What are the Graduate Employability Outcomes for Industrial Placement students?

Students who complete a degree with With Industrial Experience typically achieve strong graduate employment outcomes compared with students on standard three-year degree programmes. According to Graduate Outcomes data for 2020/21 (HESA, Guardian GDS), 97.1% of WIE students achieved a positive graduate destination outcome.

Many WIE students return to their placement employer after graduation and go on to join graduate schemes or secure other professional roles.

How many students do with Industrial Experience?

The With Industrial Experience programme is open to all Business School students, with a cut-off date for signing up in the 1st year. In 2024/25 we had over 250 students on placement.