Internships

Internships are short periods of professional experience. Most internship opportunities advertised by large graduate recruiters are aimed at pre-final year students and many employers use them as a fast track onto their graduate programmes. However, many smaller businesses offer internship or work experience opportunities and will not stipulate your year of study.

Most large or multinational organisations commence advertising in Autumn for students to work the following summer, so get started early! Smaller employers however, often advertise right up until the summer period so it’s never too late to look for a summer internship. Don't forget not all opportunities for work experience will be called internships.

Keep up to date with opportunities

International students and internships

Internships are typically for undergraduate students, always check the limitations of your own visa or contact The Student Immigration Team for clarification on this. However the following advice applies to most international students.

You may find some internships are advertised to take place during vacation periods. Please note that the summer period is not classed as vacation for postgraduate / masters students.

For Tier 4 visa students, the amount of hours you can work per week depends on the level of study you are undertaking:

  • If your course of study is at degree level or above then you are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations.
  • If your course of study is below degree level (e.g. foundation, pre-sessional English) then you will be able to work 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.

A week is defined by UKVI as a 7-day period starting on a Monday and ending on the following Sunday and your weekly limit includes any paid work, unpaid work, voluntary work and internships.

Postgraduate students and internships

If you are doing a Masters or PhD programme it is unusual to do an internship during your programme. (You do not have vacation periods where you can work full time.) Normally you would do an internship during or after your undergraduate studies, unless you are enrolled on a BBSRC Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) studentship, or similar scheme.

It may be possible to negotiate something by talking to your supervisor or programme director. Alternatively consider volunteering or part-time opportunities.

Feeling concerned that the job market is too competitive?

The job market can be competitive, but that doesn't mean you won't get the internship you're looking for. If concerns about the job market are making you change plans or re-consider what to apply for, check out some practical steps you can take to address your concerns about the competition.