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 [email protected].
For overseas placements and overseas study, please contact [email protected].
If you wish to combine a UK-based work placement with study abroad, please contact both [email protected] and [email protected].
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: