The Student Room Group

How important is a placement year for Biomedical Sciences?

Hi! I'm applying for Biomedical Sciences for 2025 entry, how important is a placement year in industry if i want to go on to do a masters (and maybe PhD?), then go into biomed research and science communication after.

(I would like to do an integrated masters in Biomedical Science but might end up doing a more specific one after/if I don't do an integrated one)

This will really help me to decide which uni's I apply to so thank you for any help/advice!
Hello,

Doing a placement year is very beneficial to a career in science. If you want to apply to a PhD or a graduate scheme in research, they will ask you about any research experiences you have. Being able to talk about a year long research experience outside of your studies will make your application more competitive. I did a year in industry and because of that I now have a connection to the company and a great reference for my applications. Aside from that you will get a lot of different experiences that will enlighten you on your career choices. Also students that go on a year in industry come back with more confidence in their skills.
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Original post by York Rep Annika
Hello,
Doing a placement year is very beneficial to a career in science. If you want to apply to a PhD or a graduate scheme in research, they will ask you about any research experiences you have. Being able to talk about a year long research experience outside of your studies will make your application more competitive. I did a year in industry and because of that I now have a connection to the company and a great reference for my applications. Aside from that you will get a lot of different experiences that will enlighten you on your career choices. Also students that go on a year in industry come back with more confidence in their skills.

Hi there! I wanted to ask you ask someone which has already done a year in industry how competitive is it for international students trying to apply for internships during this placement year? Do you have any advice for those seeking to complete their IBMS portfolio during that time and what is the outcome if we are unable to complete it by the end of the internship?
Hi @anonymous817!

Doing a placement year can definitely have some benefits and allow for the development of key skills, particularly if you want to go into further research. However, please don’t feel this is essential. Personally, I am doing an internship over the summer instead of a placement within my degree.

At Southampton, everyone has the choice to add a year to their degree. If you were to join the biomedical sciences three year course, you would have the whole of your first year to choose whether you’d like to add that placement year! There is always benefits to these things, but don’t feel as though it’s the only way to get where you wish to be!

Freya- BSc Neuroscience

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