Is the placement year paid?

Often, but not always. Ulster encourages employers to pay at least the minimum wage, but pay depends on the industry and the role.

Does a placement year delay graduation?

Yes, by one year. In return you graduate with a year of experience and, at Ulster, a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Who finds the placement year?

You apply for roles yourself, with support from the university’s placement team. KCIC can help you prepare your CV and applications before you leave.

Can part-time work pay for my studies?

It helps with living costs, but your visa requires you to show you can pay fees and living costs before you travel. Don’t plan on part-time work to cover tuition.

Internships and work experience

At KCIC144 hours of placement every year
AbroadPaid part-time work, full-time in breaks
Placement yearAdd a Diploma in Professional Practice

1 · While you study at KCIC

Experience starts in your first year

144hours of industry placement, every year

Each year at KCIC includes a structured placement with a partner employer in your field, so you apply what you learn in class.

Arranged by KCIC with partner employers
Assessed as part of your qualification
A block in the semester break, or one day a week
A reference and certificate of completion

Work part-time while you study

Studying in India, you’re free to take a part-time job alongside your course. Many students use it to build skills, savings and confidence before moving abroad.

Timetable designed to leave free time, for example classes in the mornings
KCIC careers support for CVs, LinkedIn and interview practice
Studying online? Fit your course around a job, wherever you live

Add an industry certificate to your CV →

2 · When you study abroad

Paid part-time work during term, full-time in the breaks

Your student visa sets how much you can work. Choose where you’ll study.

During termUp to 20 hrs / week

For degree-level study at a university.

During breaksFull-time

Outside term time, including vacations.

Course placementsCan be full-time and paid, if assessed and part of your course

Ulster, Sheffield Hallam, Essex, Heriot-Watt, Sunderland

UKCISA guidance on Student visa work conditions. Source (opens in a new tab) · Your own visa conditions are printed on your visa and always take priority. Breaking them can cancel your visa.

3 · Placement year & DPP

Take a placement year before your final year

At partner universities that offer it, you can spend a year working in industry before your final year, and graduate with an extra award: a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP).

Years 1–2KCIC
HNC/HND + 144 hrs placement a year
MovePartner university
Join the degree abroad
Placement yearWork in industry
Typically 48 weeks, full-time
Final yearFinish your degree
Back on campus
GraduateDegree + DPP
e.g. “BSc (Hons) … with DPP”

How it works at Ulster University

A year-long placement, typically 48 weeks, starting in September
Complete it and you receive the Diploma in Professional Practice
You pay half fees during the placement year
You find the placement yourself, with help from Ulster’s coaches; international placements are possible
Pay isn’t guaranteed, but employers are encouraged to pay at least the minimum wage

Source: Ulster University

Before you choose it

It adds a year abroad, so plan for an extra year of living costs (fees are reduced, and you may earn)
Your visa allows it when the placement is an assessed part of your course. In the UK it can be full-time, and paid
Choose it before you apply to the university: you enrol on the “with placement year” or “with DPP” version of the degree
Available at: Ulster (DPP). Ask admissions whether Sheffield Hallam and other partners offer it to KCIC entrants

Questions students ask

Yes. It’s part of every year at KCIC.

Build real work experience at every stage

Experience starts in your first year

Work part-time while you study

Paid part-time work during term, full-time in the breaks

Take a placement year before your final year

How it works at Ulster University

Before you choose it

Questions students ask

Build real work experience at every stage

Experience starts in your first year

Work part-time while you study

Paid part-time work during term, full-time in the breaks

Take a placement year before your final year

How it works at Ulster University

Before you choose it

Questions students ask

Build real work experience at every stage

Experience starts in your first year

Work part-time while you study

Paid part-time work during term, full-time in the breaks

Take a placement year before your final year

How it works at Ulster University

Before you choose it

Questions students ask

Related guides

Build real work experience at every stage

Experience starts in your first year

Work part-time while you study

Paid part-time work during term, full-time in the breaks

Take a placement year before your final year

How it works at Ulster University

Before you choose it

Questions students ask

Related guides