Oxford Brookes Business School

Work Placements

  • A key feature of all our undergraduate courses is the opportunity to spend a year in industry through our work placement scheme. At the Business School, a year in industry is optional, though strongly encouraged, and takes place in the third year of a four-year course.

    Examples of recent student work placements:

    Work Placements

    • A key feature of all undergraduate courses is the opportunity to spend a year in industry through our work placement scheme. A year in industry is optional, though strongly encouraged, and takes place in the third year of a four-year course.
    • The placement should be of a suitable level of responsibility to add value to a degree.
    • The placement must be full time (a minimum of 37.5 hours per week) and must be for a minimum of 48 weeks.
    • The salary must be commensurate with the placement role and not less than the minimum wage for the country in which the placement is taking place.
    • You must get your placement approved by contacting the Work and Voluntary Experience Services (WAVES) team at waves@brookes.ac.uk before you accept an offer. This guarantees it will count towards your programme of study and ensures you are assigned a placement tutor.

      • For more information about work placements please contact the Work and Voluntary Experience Services (WAVES) team at: waves@brookes.ac.uk or call 018655950


    Benefits of doing a placement year:

    • A year's worth of paid, full-time work experience in a graduate level job before you have graduated. This is a great addition to your CV and helps you to stand out from the crowd when you look for a graduate job.
    • A possible graduate job offer with your work placement employer – many of our students do each year.
    • An opportunity to enhance your analytical and communication skills, which all employers seek.
    • Valuable experience within an industry or job role that supports your future career choice and in an area that interests you.
    • A chance to develop your confidence by working within a competitive and fast paced environment.
    • Above all, placements will enhance your skills to help you achieve a better degree and therefore increase your chances of getting an appropriate graduate role in your chosen career.

  • "I did my placement at Aldi, was recruited onto their graduate scheme and I am now working as an area manager."

    Aimee Cross
    Area Manager at Aldi
    BA (Hons) Business and Management

  • How we can support you

    During the second year of your degree you will take the Skills for Placement Module. On this module you will receive support with your search for a work placement role and develop techniques and skills useful at interviews and assessment centres. Additional support is also available from a dedicated placements team who are located within the Business School. During your work placement year you will receive regular support from the Business School with your own Placement Tutor. For further placement details, contact waves@brookes.ac.uk.