University of Manchester to offer work placements to all undergraduates
The University of Manchester has announced plans to provide work placements to every undergraduate student, regardless of their field of study. This initiative aims to give students practical experience alongside their academic learning, preparing them more effectively for the job market.
The university intends to offer opportunities such as internships, placements, joint projects, or exchanges to students across a wide range of subjects, from classics to chemical engineering. This approach marks a significant development for a large Russell Group institution, which traditionally focuses on academic study.
Why this matters
Graduates in the UK increasingly face challenges securing employment in their chosen fields, with many ending up in low-paid jobs unrelated to their studies. By integrating real-world experience into all undergraduate courses, the University of Manchester aims to improve graduates’ employability and help them develop practical skills valued by employers.
Currently, some professional courses like teaching and medicine require work placements, but this is less common in other disciplines. The University of Manchester’s plan to make such experiences a standard part of all degrees could set a new precedent among leading universities.
Key developments
- Duncan Ivison, Manchester’s vice-chancellor, emphasized that no student should graduate without having applied their learning in a real-world context.
- The university will offer various forms of work experience, including short internships, live projects with employers, and community work.
- The initiative is designed to be accessible to all students, not dependent on personal contacts or separate efforts.
- Manchester’s strong connections with local employers and organizations will support the delivery of these opportunities.
Expert perspectives
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, praised the initiative for addressing concerns that traditional universities provide overly academic education. He noted that work experience helps students develop skills and clarify their career preferences.
However, Hillman also pointed out challenges in implementing such a program at scale, given Manchester’s large undergraduate population of around 32,000 students. He highlighted that many students already work paid jobs alongside their studies, which could limit the time available for placements.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, welcomed the move as a necessary response to a rapidly changing job market. She stressed the importance of universities adopting innovative approaches to prepare students for employment.
Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, described the initiative as a significant step that will help students gain valuable experience and develop skills and resilience sought by employers.
Background
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, nearly a quarter of undergraduate courses in 2024-25 offered the option of a placement lasting at least a year. Some universities, especially former colleges of advanced technology or teacher training colleges, have long embedded work experience into their programs.
However, no other large Russell Group university has yet committed to providing work placements to all undergraduates across all disciplines on this scale.
University of Manchester’s statement
The university stated: “We want every student to have the opportunity to apply what they are learning before they graduate. That could mean a placement, short internship, live employer project, or work with a public or community organisation.”
It added that the goal is to make these opportunities a normal part of university life, accessible to all students and integrated across all subjects, not only those traditionally seen as vocational.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
