First Year
Overview
For those considering an Industrial Placement or summer internship, the first year is where we provide you with the knowledge required to be successful in applications you make during year two. If you are wanting to do a Summer Internship then please use the link on the right of this page to access the central careers York Internships programme. Please note that much of the information contained here is applicable to summer internships as well as Industrial Placements.
The Placement Year is always carried out after the second year for all course programmes.
Preparing for your Applications
Briefings
In semester one of your first year, there will be three recorded briefing sessions plus a live Q&A. These sessions are:-
- The Placement Process
- CV Writing
- Interview Skills
- Q&A session
Important Guidance
- While first-year module marks do not count towards your degree, they certainly do count if you want to apply for Industrial Placements. You will be required to have your first-year module marks on your CV when applying to companies who come to the CS department in the second year as part of our FastTrack placement recruitment programme.
- Your CV is strengthened by doing work, or personal projects/ hobbies in your spare time and vacations; using a Raspberry Pi and entering competitions; and taking an active part in a University club or society.
- You can access 1-1 support with the Placements Team for help and advice on placements and internships.
- You can book interview practice with the Placements Team during semester 2.
- It is recommended that students with a disability disclose this to the Placements Team. Whilst this is optional it will help the employer to accommodate any needs so that they can prepare appropriately for your arrival.
- Please read thoroughly the guidance available in the Briefing documents in the First Year Folder.
Links and other information
- First Year Blackboard Page: briefings and information you require in your first year to prepare you for applications in your second year.
- You can switch between placement and non-placement courses at any point during your first year. To do so, please follow the guidance on this Transfer Course webpage.
- You will be able to upload your CV for review by the Placements Team after the CV Writing Briefing in semester one. You can do this via the CV Review System.
Second Year
Overview
For those registered for an industrial placement or wanting to do a summer internship, the second year is application year. At the start of second year we run a large placement recruitment event on campus called FastTrack.
FastTrack is a process whereby companies come to the CS department in, present and interview students seeking a placement. Around 50- 60 students secure a placement in FastTrack each year.
In addition to FastTrack, students can make applications to positions advertised by companies on the Placements Adverts page on blackboard for placements. These companies have been assessed by the Placements Team as suitable for placements. Students may also research and apply to other companies offering placements but must keep the Placements Team informed as these positions and companies must also be assessed for suitability.
Once a placement is secured you need to plan for any relocation that may be required. Where possible, it is recommended you contact students who are already in the company or the area you are going to be in. It’s worth taking time to visit the area you will be moving to.
Briefings
There will be FastTrack briefing session to explain how the process operates and what students need to do. It's really important to attend this.
There will also be a pre-placement briefing in semester two for those students who have secured a placement. This briefing aims to prepare the students for placement and explains what is required of them. Most placements start in July-September and start dates are often flexible.
Important Guidance
- Placement applications can be time consuming. This can result in students missing lectures and practicals. It is important that you contact your supervisor and the lecturers concerned and seek appropriate permission if this is unavoidable. It is your responsibility to manage your academic studies and non-attendance at practicals must be requested as stated in your student handbook, see Policy on Absences to Attend Placement Interviews, in Placement section.
- All students going on placement should read and use the placement handbook that will be provided to you.
Links and other information
Placement Year
Overview
The placement year is a pass/ fail module which requires a submission that is assessed internally and externally against the Learning Outcomes. The submission is made in July of the year in which your placement ends. More information is given on the PLAC module descriptor.
You are still classed as a full-time student while on placement and so you will still need to enrol as you do other years. The tuition fees for a placement year will be 20% of the full fee for that year (e.g. if you pay £9,250, it will be £1,850 for the year you are on placement).
For placements in the UK you should not need to pay council tax, but you do need to contact the council offices to prove to them that you are a student. You can obtain proof of study letters from e-Vision.
Visits and Reviews
A member of the department (your allocated Placement Supervisor) will meet with you at least once during your placement. This can either be remotely or in person. The visits are to ensure that you are enjoying the placement and getting the most out of your experience.
The main part of the PLAC assessment is a reflective Learning Journal, which will detail what you have been working on and more importantly what you have learned. Your Placement Supervisor reviews this document during your visit to ensure you stand the best chance of passing the module. You are also required to make a reflective poster that outlines your placement year experience, which will be displayed at the Placement Poster Fair in induction week of semester one.
Important Guidance
- Don't forget to keep checking your UoY emails whilst on placement! Alternatively set up a re-direct. The university and the department will keep using this email address. Don't forget that module option selection happens whilst you are on placement too.
- If you have any problems or issues that you cannot easily resolve while on placement, please do not hesitate to contact the Placements Team. Please do not sit on a problem and cause yourself unnecessary stress. The University and the companies want you to have a challenging but enjoyable year. In addition, please note key contacts within the department remain available to you. For example, Student Rep, Supervisor etc. Note, should you have questions and/or concerns about equality, diversity, harassment etc., the Chair of Equality and Diversity Committee can also be contacted directly.
- Take time to read all the guidance available to you. Always write up in your Journal as you go along. Do not wait until a few days before a review or submission deadline.
- Last, don't forget to keep in touch with your academic supervisor whilst on placement too! Whilst there is no requirement to have formal supervision meetings, it is good to keep in touch with them throughout the year. See Undergraduate Supervision and Placement Year Guidance which provides more information, including when might be ideal times to speak with your supervisor.
Links and other information
Returning Year
Overview
When you return to University you will be notified whether you have passed your placement year during semester one and will receive written feedback on your journal. Your submissions will have been marked internally and a sample will be reviewed by an external assessor. A successful outcome will get you a certificate to show that you have developed knowledge and experience against the Skill Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). In addition, when you graduate you will receive a degree certificate which states your course is with ‘a year in Industry’.
You will be asked to give feedback on the whole process so that we can improve things for the future.
And Finally
A successful placement process is greatly assisted by Alumni contacting the department when they are in industry, and are thinking that their company could benefit from a York CS student. We really appreciate these communications and would look forward to catching up with you when you are in the world of work.
