Humanities in Action

 

The Humanities in Action (HiA) placement year offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience between their second and final year at university. Students may undertake UK-based work placements, overseas work or study placements, or a combination of both. These placements aim to enhance your job prospects, cultural awareness, and academic development. HiA is open to all students, including international students on a visa, providing this is an integral and assessed part of your course. For further information, you are advised to contact Student Advice

Placement options 

UK-based work placements 

  • Minimum of 840 hours (one placement) or 2 separate placements (of 420 hours each). 
  • Must be an industry or placement that enables you to practice and develop your professional skills, for example, teaching, publishing, marketing, or journalism. 

Overseas placements 

  • Work: 24 weeks minimum (one placement) or 2 separate placements (of 12 weeks each), approved by the Academic Exchange Coordinator (AEC). 
  • Study: 36 weeks minimum at a partner institution or 2 separate placements (of 18 weeks each)

Combinations

You may choose to combine any two of the following options: a UK-based placement, an overseas-based placement or a study abroad

Upon successful completion of the placement or study abroad, your degree title will change to reflect the addition of Professional and/or International Experience. 

Approval process

If you are considering taking a placement in the UK, please contact .

For overseas placements and overseas study, please contact .

If you wish to combine a UK-based work placement with study abroad, please contact both  and .

Deadline: All placements must be confirmed by 29 August 2026. 

Support and contact 

You will have access to support before, during and after your placement.

Assessment 

Work placements

  • 1000-word reflective report (50%) 
  • 15-minute personal development review (50%) 

Study placements

Same as above, plus pass 50% of credits abroad.

FAQs and key information

Visas 

  • Non-EU students: Visa required for Europe (apply early)
  • EU students: No visa needed for Europe

Funding 

See more information on our full-time undergraduate placement years page.

Failure or early return 

If you fail to complete your placement, you will not be awarded the degree title "Professional and/or International Experience."

Students may return for the final year if a placement is not secured. 

Paid work 

You may undertake paid work alongside your placement. International students may only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

For more detailed information on Humanities in Action see our complete guide: