Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Menu
Search the University of Manchester siteSearch Menu StaffNet

Students experience significant positive outcomes from international and UK placements

29 Jan 2026

The findings of two evaluations conducted by the Placements & International Programmes Office have shown that students experience significant positive outcomes from undertaking a placement during their time at The University of Manchester.

International placements

The first is an evaluation of international placements, first run last year, which measures the impact of the 1,252 placements undertaken abroad in 2024/25 by UoM undergraduate students, including study and work placements, clinical placements, summer schools and research placements. The second is an evaluation of the 749 UK-based work and clinical placements undertaken in 2024/5, the first analysis of its kind to be carried out across the University.

The objectives of the evaluations are to understand the impact of placements on student outcomes, evaluate the accessibility of placements for underrepresented groups, measure student satisfaction and provide insights to help the University review and improve placement provision.

Overall satisfaction with placements was very high with 92% of students on international placements and 95% on UK placement satisfied. Students highlighted the opportunities to experience new working environments, be exposed to different academic styles, study specialisms not available at Manchester and form new connections and friendships.

Students reported being more adaptable and resilient as a result of their experience, having more knowledge of their field of study or industry and improved employability skills and career prospects. Students on international placements also reported having increased global awareness and intercultural competence and having made valuable connections both in terms of their personal and professional/academic networks. The key findings from the evaluations can be found in the International Placements Evaluation report and the UK Placements Evaluation report.

  • If you are looking to increase participation in placements in your area, or have any queries about the findings of the evaluation, please contact Nanna Pedley in the Placements & International Programmes Office at nanna.pedley@manchester.ac.uk