Year in Applied Research

What is a Year in Applied Research?

The Year in Applied Research is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a research environment for a period ranging from 9 to 12 months, with a minimum of 40 weeks.

During this time, students immerse themselves in the daily activities of a research group, engaging in multiple projects and developing advanced skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and the use of relevant technologies.

This experience also includes writing technical reports, synthesizing literature, and effectively communicating technical information. Networking opportunities and professional profile building are integral parts of the placement.

Students are expected to achieve a critical understanding of data collection and analysis techniques, research ethics, and health and safety requirements.

The placement culminates in a detailed portfolio and a poster presentation, which are assessed upon the student's return.

Why study a Year in Applied Research?

The Year in Applied Research mode of work-based learning has many benefits to students:

Working independently and within a larger research group to generate research ideas and carry out research and analysis
Use literature acquisition enabling understanding of recent innovations and developments within the relevant field
Exposure and appreciation of research topics within a particular research area
Handling complex data sets and undertaking data analysis and display
Running and potentially designing experiments
Contributing to and producing focused scientific reports in appropriate formats
Developing technical skills in a research environment will enhance employability in future role

This programme helps to grow students’ confidence and reaffirm their desire to pursue a career in scientific research. Alternatively, students will gain valuable skills but decide that research is not for them!

Organising a Research Placement

All students undertaking the Year in Applied Research programme will need to attend the PrePlacement Preparation module which will cover more specific elements of sourcing, applying for and undertaking placements.

The placement application process is typically competitive, the decision to recruit lies solely with the organisation to which you have applied. Therefore, securing a placement is not guaranteed.

It is possible that not all students will be successful in securing a placement; indeed, it is likely that there will be a limited number of placements available at any one time.

If a student is unable to secure a placement, they will be automatically transferred to the three- or four-year variant of their degree scheme.

Research Placement Criteria

To qualify for a Year in Applied Research placement:

Duration: Must be 40 weeks or more (full-time or equivalent).
Work Level: Must provide work at or near graduate level.
Location: Conducted within a research organization such as a university or research institute. Partnerships with industry are allowed if the main supervisor is from a research organization.
Approval: Placements must be confirmed in writing by the provider and emailed to the Employability Team by 31st August of the placement year. The agreement must be signed by all parties before the start.
Insurance: Placement providers must offer adequate insurance, including employer's liability and public liability, covering the student as an employee.
University Decision: The University determines placement eligibility and can reject or terminate placements due to high risk or changes in conditions.
Right to Work: Students must have valid Right to Work in the placement country, a valid visa if necessary, and a National Insurance number.

International Placements:

The University provides some insurance cover for placements abroad. Students should obtain details from the Go Global Team and may need to arrange additional personal accident insurance if there are gaps in the provider’s insurance.

Note: The Year in Applied Research is not credit-bearing but will be recorded on the HEAR transcript and noted on the degree certificate.

Can I transfer on to the Year in Applied Research scheme?

Yes.

For students to be considered for transfer onto a Year in Applied Research programme they must meet the appropriate progression criteria.

Please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering Employability and Placements Team (employability-scienceengineering@swansea.ac.uk) or MyUniHub for more information on the criteria.

What are the Tuition Fees during the Placement Year?

For the Year in Applied Research programme, your standard Tuition Fee costs will be reduced pro-rata for the session the Sandwich Year applies, this is normally the 3rd year of a 4 year programme.

For a Year in Applied Research, you will be charged 20% of the agreed standard fee.

If you would like more information about this please contact studentfinance@swansea.ac.uk.

What have previous students done?

Every year we have a poster presentation where students present their sandwich year experiences.

Watch these Instagram videos to see hear our students talk about their placements: