Year in Industry

During your first year, you will: 

• Complete your taught modules and dissertation  
• Take part in a structured employability programme  
• Develop your CV, interview skills, and job search strategy  
• Receive personalised coaching and guidance  

You will begin preparing for placements during the academic year and start applying at the appropriate stage with guidance from the placement team. 

After successfully completing Year 1, you will enter the placement search and recruitment phase. You take an active role in securing your placement, with our specialist partner opening doors across employer networks in your sector.

• A full-time, paid role lasting at least 8 months 
• A position aligned with your field of study  
• Ongoing support and monitoring from the University and specialist placement partner  

On successful completion, you will graduate with your MSc, including a Year in Industry endorsement.

Can I add the Year in Industry after my course starts?

No. You must choose between the 1-year regular course and the Year in Industry 2-year option before you enrol on the course. International Students must be on a 2-year CAS to participate in the placement year.

Is a placement guaranteed? 

No. Placements operate within a competitive job market and cannot be guaranteed. However, students who actively engage with all elements of the employability programme — workshops, one-to-one sessions, applications and interviews — significantly improve their chances of securing a placement. Our placement partner also works to introduce suitable opportunities and advocates for students with employers throughout the process. 

How does the placement year work? 

Alongside your first-year academic studies, you will take part in a structured employability programme delivered by our specialist placement partner. This includes workshops, one-to-one coaching, interview preparation and job search support tailored to the financial services sector. During the placement search period you will be actively applying for roles. Once placed, your placement typically lasts 8-11 months in a paid professional role. Our specialist placement partner will remain in contact with you throughout, conducting bi-monthly check-ins to support your progress. 

Do I need prior work experience? 

No, but relevant experience can be an advantage. You can strengthen your profile through skills development, part-time work, and active engagement with the programme. 

What kinds of placements are available? 

Placements are with organisations whose work is directly relevant to your programme — finance, financial technology and related professional services. Roles are typically based in the UK, with a preference for London. They are professional, early-career positions designed to give you practical experience aligned with your academic learning. Queen Mary approves all placements to ensure they meet the programme's standards. 

I am an international student. How does the placement year affect my visa? 

As a Student Visa holder sponsored by Queen Mary, you can undertake a full-time paid placement as part of your degree. This gives you up to one year of additional professional work experience in the UK. Combined with the Graduate Route visa — subject to current immigration rules, which may change — eligible international students may be able to work in the UK for up to 2.5 years before employer sponsorship is required. Twin Group and Queen Mary work together to ensure all placements meet UKVI requirements. You should check the latest visa guidance at qmul.ac.uk/welfare/visas-international-advice and consult the university's international advice team for your individual circumstances. 

What support do I receive during placement? 

You will have access to: 

• Academic support from the University  

• A workplace mentor  

• Ongoing support from the placement partner  

• Student support services, including wellbeing and visa advice  

What are my responsibilities as a student? 

Securing a placement is similar to applying for a professional job and requires active participation. You are expected to: attend all workshops and coaching sessions; prepare and maintain a professional CV and LinkedIn profile; actively search for and apply to suitable roles; respond promptly to communications from our specialist placement partner and the university; and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with employers. Many employers require applications to be submitted directly through their own recruitment systems, so you will need to take ownership of this process. 

What happens if I don’t secure a placement? 

If you do not secure a placement within the required timeframe, you will continue on the standard MSc programme and graduate through the regular route. A partial refund can be requested if you have engaged in more than 80% of the support programme. This change will also affect your student visa (if applicable). You will not be eligible for the additional year of sponsorship under a Student Visa. You will still be eligible for the Graduate Route Visa according to your individual eligibility.