One of the keys to the success of Surrey graduates in finding good jobs is the University’s renowned professional training scheme. In the UK alone, over 350 organisations provide professional training placements for Surrey students. Placements are arranged and carefully supervised by University staff. In this unique mentoring scheme, specific techniques are enhanced by transferable skills in professional communication, organisational strategies and critical reflection.

A pioneer in integrated professional training, the University of Surrey has operated its scheme in partnership with industry and professional bodies for the last 40 years. If you opt to include professional training in your degree programme, you will spend the third year of your degree working as a professional in the UK dance, film or theatre sector. Although you do not usually receive a salary, you will be often be paid a bursary by your employer and all students receive high quality mentoring and support over the year by experienced placement hosts. To employers interviewing graduates, the maturity and professionalism in those with placement experience is obvious.

Dance, Film or Theatre Studies students will work with established dance, film or theatre organisations based within the United Kingdom or overseas. You may choose to specialise in a particular area within your field. For example, within dance you can choose management, community dance or integrated/disability dance, among others. Film Studies students can choose to be involved in film production, film marketing, games design, or television production. Theatre students will begin going on placement during the 2011-2012 academic year. Whichever field you choose, you will find yourself doing a wide variety of activities.

Benefits of undertaking a one-year professional placement include:

• Experience in the application of theory in a practical context
• Development of skills and knowledge in specific areas which can contribute towards project work and study in the final year
• The opportunity to test abilities in a working context and discover how you respond to the challenges of your potential future career
• Access to the state-of-the-art technology used in industry
• Development of transferable skills and improvement in presentation, communication and inter-personal skills in a professional context
• Learning to work in a team
• Personal development through increased self-confidence, independence and maturity
• Development of a greater sense of career direction
• Greater awareness of employment opportunities and options after graduation
• The opportunity to establish a network of useful contacts which could lead to employment
• Increased motivation for study as the relevance of academic work becomes clearer
• As demonstrated by the University of Surrey's excellent graduate employment record, integrated professional training increases employability on graduation by providing relevant training and experience in the workplace