The placement is undertaken between the taught part of the course and the dissertation; and will usually be 4 months in duration from May/June to September. Our MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice offers the option of going on a placement, which can be paid or unpaid. Placement students are valuable to employers and many of our placements are paid. All applications are on a competitive basis and students secure positions through their own efforts. Some assistance in preparation for applying for placements will be provided, however the employer has the final say. The work undertaken by the student must be of an adequate standard in an area of work strongly related to the content of the MSc Computer Science with Professional Practice Programme and the appropriateness of any placement will be assessed and approved by a member of the academic team on an individual basis. Your placement will enable you to boost your learning with hands on experience and apply your theoretical knowledge to real life work experience. Although the placement is not guaranteed, the University maintains links with a wide network of organisations who offer placement opportunities.