Placement Year

Placement Year Students

During your placement year, maintaining contact with your academic tutor is key to staying connected with your course. Use these meetings to discuss how your work experience aligns with your academic goals, seek support for challenges you face in the workplace, and get advice on how to integrate your practical experience into your final year studies.

Placement Year Academic Tutor Meetings

Meeting 1: Transition from University to a Placement and Staying Connected

Maintaining Regular Contact with Your Tutor:

o Establish how you will keep in touch with your tutor throughout your placement.

o Schedule check-ins via email, video calls, or mid-placement visits.

o Aim to stay in regular contact, with a minimum of three meetings per year, to ensure a continued connection with the University.

Settling in on Placement:

o Discuss any challenges you’ve faced in the initial months of your placement

o Explore how your tutor can support you during the transition.

o Plan for ways to maintain your connection to the University during quieter periods, such as during the summer.

Exam Concerns:

o If you’ve recently completed exams, discuss the process for managing any results that didn’t go as planned.

o Plan for any necessary resits, including how to inform your placement provider and schedule study time.

o Get advice on how to proceed if exam issues affect your placement or academic status.

Meeting 2: Progress Review and Wellbeing

Your Learning Experience and Progress:

o Review how well you’re meeting the learning outcomes of your placement.

o Discuss the skills you’re developing and any areas for improvement.

o Get feedback from your tutor on how to stay aligned with your academic goals.

Support for Your Wellbeing:

o Discuss any feelings of homesickness, financial stress, or anxiety about returning to university life.

o Explore support options available through the University, such as the Welfare Team, and how your Academic Tutor can help.

Meeting 3: Reflections and Future Planning

Reflection:

o Discuss your overall progress and outcomes for the year.

o Identify major achievements and areas for further development.

Future Planning:

o Discuss module options and academic planning for when you return from your placement.

o Begin considering preparations for your dissertation or project work, with guidance from your tutor.

Additional Support for Disabilities or Mental Health

· If you need adjustments or extra support due to a disability or mental health condition, work with your tutor to ensure proper arrangements are made.

· Read more about support offered by the University.

Key Contacts and Placement Care

· Ensure you have all necessary contact information, including the Placement Care Card for key contacts.

· If you’re an international student, review the requirements for attendance monitoring during your placement to remain compliant with visa regulations.

Keeping a Record of Your Meetings 

Recording your meetings, discussions, and actions will help you reflect on your progress. You can use these records for self-reflection or during future meetings with your Tutor.

Download our meeting template to assist with preparation and record-keeping.