Professional Training placements

By being part of the prestigious multi award-winning Professional Training scheme, known to employers due to its pioneering and decades-long track record of producing excellent work-ready graduates, you will benefit from:

• Recognition of the placement on your degree certificate and Higher Education Achievement Record, that can also count towards the Employability Award.
• A digital badge on successfully completing the Professional Training placement.
• Continued access to Surrey Pathfinder and the full suite of employability opportunities, events, appointments and resources, including a dedicated online placements module.
• Additional opportunities to enhance your CV on the back of your year, including blogging, taking part in our coaching scheme for placement seekers and participating in central or departmental ‘transfer of learning’ activities.
• Eligibility for the Professional Training placement Student of the Year Awards.

You will have continued student status, giving you access to all the usual services, platforms and email account at the University, plus student discounts.

You can apply for reduced travel fares/Oyster cards, Council Tax exemption and much more!

During your placement, in addition to the insurance cover we routinely ask of all placement employers, the University of Surrey’s insurance provides cover for your personal liability for injury or damage to third parties while undertaking your placement in the UK or abroad. Any students opting for their PTY abroad may also apply for Personal Accident and Travel insurance under the University’s comprehensive policy – this is free and is a highly valued facility in terms of mitigating some of the travel risks faced by students.

For more information please see our visit the insurance page.

You will receive regular newsletters highlighting relevant information and support services available before, during and after your placement. 

• University support: you will receive and be able to access support from our Professional Training team and academic staff, including placement meetings.
• Academic staff support: you will have three placement meetings, with one face-to-face in your place of work. 
• Students' Union support: Ongoing membership of your Students’ Union providing access to support during your placement and any placement focused events and initiatives.

You will be invited to a series of returners events to help ease the transition back to university. Alongside this, we ask for your feedback and help preparing the next year of students. Find out more about returning after your placement.