UEA Master's students begin industry placement preparation
By: Communications
More than 150 postgraduate students gathered on campus this week for the first workshop supporting the University of East Anglia’s new Master's degrees with a placement year.
The session marked the start of their employability and placement journey, introducing the support available as they prepare for future industry experience alongside their studies.
Students were introduced to UEA’s programme partner Twin Group, who will support them in identifying placements aligned with their degree subject and career ambitions.
They learned about key milestones in securing a placement and heard how industry-specific guidance, workshops and personalised coaching will help them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the UK job market.
The session also gave students the opportunity to ask questions and begin building relationships with the advisers who will support them throughout their placement journey.
Apoorva Chopra, a UEA student from Bangalore, India, who is studying MA Creative Writing with a Placement Year, said: "The reason I chose a Master's programme with a placement year is that it really helps with employability and gives me valuable professional experience.
"I already have some experience from back home in India, so I thought gaining experience in a new place, in a new environment, and meeting new people would be a great opportunity.
"It also gives me the chance to have meaningful experiences and build connections beyond my time at university, which is something I was really looking for from the programme."
Supporting career-ready graduates
Launched earlier this year, UEA's Master's degrees with a placement year combine postgraduate study with real-world industry experience, helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence sought by employers.
The workshop forms part of a wider employability programme delivered through UEA's partnership with Twin Group.
As part of this, students receive dedicated support and training, covering areas such as CV development, interview skills, placement preparation, networking and application strategies, all designed to help them progress into industry opportunities.
Dr Tom Roebuck, Associate Dean for Portfolio, Recruitment and Internationalisation, Faculty of Arts and Humanities said: "We are extremely proud to see our inaugural cohort of Master's with a Placement Year students assembled this week for their first workshop.
"The talent and range of disciplinary expertise they bring together is remarkable, spanning fields from Business to Artificial Intelligence and Creative Writing.
"The Master's with a Placement Year offers them the structured opportunity to apply the skills they're learning in professional contexts, developing their industry networks and gaining the confidence that real-world experience gives.
"We could not be more excited to see the fresh thinking and knowledge they bring to employers in our region and beyond."
The programme is available across more than 60 postgraduate courses spanning subjects including business, computing, law, life sciences, media, creative arts, environmental sciences and global development.
Preparing for professional success
Students will be supported in exploring opportunities across a broad range of sectors and organisations. Working with employers in Norwich and across the UK, Twin Group will help students identify placements, while providing ongoing guidance throughout the placement search process.
Yen-Chiu Wu from Taiwan, who is studying Project Management with a Placement Year, said: "I chose this course because I have around 20 years of work experience, but most of my knowledge has come from practical experience rather than academic study.
"I wanted to study for a Master's degree and combine the knowledge I gain through my studies with my professional experience. That's why I chose Project Management with a Placement Year, as it offers both academic learning and a one-year industry placement."
Ann Hawkings, Head of University Employability and Placements with Twin Group, said: "We are thrilled to support our first group of UEA students from so many different subject areas.
“By participating in this programme, students will gain a deeper understanding of their sector's job market and what employers want, receive personalised guidance on how to communicate their skills and experience, and get guidance through workshops and coaching on navigating the job market in their specific industry.
“Most importantly, they will gain exposure to employers, helping to build their confidence, and advantage in preparation and experience when they start applying for roles.
"Employers benefit from access to master's-level candidates we have prepared for the UK world of work. We also bridge industry and the university, as employers share industry knowledge that feeds back into the university."
Over the coming months, students will continue developing their employability skills before pursuing placement opportunities as part of the second year of their degree.
Depending on the route they take, they may undertake an industry placement with a UK employer or complete a series of industry projects with UK organisations, ensuring every student has the opportunity to graduate with career-relevant experience alongside their Master's degree.
For more information about UEA's Master's degrees with placement opportunities, visit the UEA website: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/masters-with-placement
Related Articles
UEA launches Master’s degrees with guaranteed placement year provision
The University of East Anglia (UEA) has launched a new range of career-focused postgraduate courses – combining academic study with real-world industry experience to support student employability worldwide.
Read more
Placement students celebrated at awards event
UEA students who completed a placement year or year in industry in 2025/26 have been recognised at the third annual Placement Year Celebration and Awards, celebrating their impact in the workplace and achievements across a range of sectors.
Read more
Celebrating excellence: The inaugural Placement Awards
The inaugural Placement Award ceremony was held on 20 November, bringing together students and staff to celebrate the achievements of current students who undertook work placements during 2023/24 across a range of organisations.
Read more