Postgraduate Opportunities

Where to look for work experience depends on what type of opportunity you are looking for, and which skills you wish to develop.

• Specific skills development and industry exposure: If you want to enhance specific skills, explore industry partners linked to your department and identify Charities in the local area, who would welcome your skills and input. Look for opportunities where you can also apply your theoretical knowledge in practical settings.Flexibility: To balance work experience and your studies, making speculative applications and volunteering your time, (including work shadowing) are great ways to build your professional development.
• Information about working in the UK as an International student can be found on Working in the UK page from the International Student Team.

• The Masters Campus-Based Team Internship is a work experience opportunity for taught postgraduates in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences in Semester 2. Supported by Severn Trent Water, this programme provides students with an insight into the water industry and allows them to put their academic knowledge into practice.
• The Masters Consultancy Challenge is a work experience opportunity open to taught postgraduates from across the University’s five Colleges, taking place in the UoB Xtra period after the summer exam period. Turner & Townsend draw on their consultancy expertise to set student teams an exciting ‘challenge’ centred on project management, sustainability, transport, and infrastructure. Teaching Assistant roles may also be available to postgraduate researchers during this programme.

• The B-Experienced Internship Programme offers a range of in-person, hybrid, and remote internships that are available exclusively to University of Birmingham students and recent graduates. Find out more about the programme, which internships are available, and how to apply!

Sourcing and funding placements for UKRI funded PGRs

Many UKRI funded PhD studentships have placement or work-experience embedded into the programme. Currently, UKRI funded students are supported by DTP paid opportunities for placements, the UKRI Policy Internship Scheme, the BBSRC Professional Internships, and CASE studentships. Check the details of your DTP/funding to find out more.

As a UKRI-funded PGR, you can still seek out opportunities yourself and recommend these to your funder as a placement. For more information see the UKRI Webpages.

Sourcing and funding placements for non-UKR funded PGRs 

If you are funded through a non-UKRI stipend, such as a university scholarship, look for advertised internships and placements, or approach employers you are interested in for unadvertised opportunities. If they are not paid, check the details of your funding to see if financial support is available. If you are self-funded, the Student Funding Office offers information on funding opportunities for postgraduate students. These include funding through loans, charities and trusts.

Some colleges hold funds to support PGR development. You may be able to find funding to support an internship from this source – contact your college or school PGR administrator for further information.

Supervisor support 

Supervisors appreciate the valuable skills gained, such as professionalism, adaptability, confidence, and interpersonal abilities. Placements and internships complement academic supervision by providing critical insights into the world beyond academia. Discuss your career interests with your Supervisor—they may even share employer contacts with you.

How will I fit an opportunity around my studies?

Consider:

• Online/remote internships
• Part-time opportunities 
• Short term roles 
• Extend/take a break in your PhD

Establish clear agreements with the organisation, defining the specific tasks, responsibilities, goals, duration etc. of the project. Understand how the activity aligns with both your academic pursuits and long-term career objectives. 

• Find out more about all of the careers support, including workshops, appointments, and transition to further study, on the Postgraduate Careers Support page. Specific advice and support for postgraduate researchers can be found here.
• If you are an international postgraduate student, there is a range of events, online learning, and support finding UK and international jobs on the International Careers Support page.
• All postgraduates may take part in the Birmingham Award, the University’s free employability skills award. Get recognition for the personal and professional development that you undertake while studying at the University! Find out more here.
• Do you have an idea for your own business? B-Enterprising is the Careers Network’s hub for all things enterprise and entrepreneurship, from competitions, a start-up incubator, funding, and more!