Work-Integrated Learning: Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about Work-Integrated Learning. Whether you’re unsure how to get started or need guidance on logging hours, our FAQs are here to support you every step of the way.
Self-sourced Placements
Self-sourcing a placement is a fantastic way to complete the required hours for your employability module. This could involve applying for a role independently, reaching out to an organisation directly, or making use of contacts you’ve built through friends, family, or other networks.
As long as the opportunity is relevant to your course and meets the module requirements, it can count towards your placement hours. In some cases, a part-time job may also be suitable – just check with your module lead to make sure it fits the criteria.
Submitting your placement through the Careers Portal is quick and straightforward. To guide you through the process, we recommend exploring the Work-Integrated Learning: Self-Sourcing an Opportunity pathway. It covers everything you need to know to complete your submission with confidence.
Once you’ve worked through the pathway, you’ll be able to download the Health and Safety Agreement form. This form must be fully completed by your placement supervisor and uploaded as part of your placement submission.
Once you’ve submitted your placement, there’s nothing more to do for now! As long as all the information you’ve provided meets the module requirements, the Careers team will review and validate your placement as soon as possible.
If anything needs updating or correcting, we’ll get in touch via the Careers Portal with clear guidance on what to do next.
Please remember, you must not start your placement or begin logging hours until it has been officially approved. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email once your placement has been validated.
For tips on how to conduct yourself when on placement, we recommend completing the My Responsibilities Pathway.
Careers Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities
Careers Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities
If you’re looking to boost your CV and gain valuable industry experience, a great place to start is the Careers Work Experience & Placement Scheme 2025/26, available on the Careers Portal. These placements are specially arranged by the Careers team in collaboration with a range of trusted organisations we’ve built strong partnerships with over the years. They’re a fantastic way to develop your skills, explore your career interests, and get real-world experience that will help you stand out to future employers.
The application process can vary depending on the role, but full details will always be included in the job description. In most cases, you’ll either complete a standard application form via the Careers Portal or submit a CV and Cover Letter.
It’s important to customise your CV and Cover Letter to match the specific opportunity you’re applying for. If you’re unsure where to start or want to make sure your documents are the best they can be, our Careers team is here to help – just book an appointment for personalised support.
Once you’ve submitted your application, there’s no need to take any further action straight away. Applications are sent to the employer only after the closing date, to ensure every applicant has a fair chance.
When the employer has reviewed all applications and made a decision, we’ll be in touch to let you know the outcome. If you’re invited to interview, we’ll help coordinate a date and time—and to help you feel confident and prepared, we can refer you for a Mock Interview with one of our Careers Advisers.
If you’re not successful this time, we’ll do our best to request feedback from the employer so you can continue building on your experience.
Sandwich Placements
A Sandwich Placement is a paid, credit-bearing work placement lasting between 9 to 12 months, typically undertaken between your second and third year of study. It must be relevant to your degree and is designed to help you gain the skills and experience needed for highly skilled employment after graduation. While on placement, you will complete assignments that support your learning and development. Approval for the placement is required from both your programme leader and the Careers team.
Most Sandwich Placements will be available to apply for during Semester 1 of 2025 (September to December). If you are successful in securing a placement, you will need to submit the required paperwork to the University by the end of September 2026. Your placement will begin in the summer of 2026, and you will return to Edge Hill University in September 2027 to begin your fourth year.
The best way to find everything you need to know about Sandwich Placements is by completing the Work-Integrated Learning: Securing a Sandwich Placement pathway. This interactive resource guides you through the full placement process, from start to finish, and includes key information, useful documents, and insights from current and past students.
Discussing Work-Integrated Learning with Careers staff
Booking an appointment with the Careers team is quick and straightforward. Just head to the Careers Portal and choose the appointment type that best suits your needs.
There are a number of different appointment types you can book to interact with the Careers service. From introductory Getting Started With… appointments to Careers Guidance appointments with a Careers Adviser. If you are looking to discuss aspects solely centred around Work-Integrated Learning, we recommend selecting a the following:
Careers Work Experience and Placement Support: These 30-minute appointments are designed to help you with Work-Integrated Learning queries and current opportunities including self-sourced placements, DBS queries and bespoke generated opportunities. These appointments can be delivered in person, on the phone or through MS Teams. It is important to note that these appointments are solely used to discuss matters centred on placements and Work-Integrated Learning. If your query falls under another category, please book the appropriate appointment type to ensure that you receive the best possible guidance to your query. You can view all appointment types and their content here.