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Year abroad OR placement year question - Year 13

Hey guys! Just wanted to ask a couple of questions. I've applied to Psychology, but I applied to the normal course without the year abroad or placement year as I haven't made my mind up on which I want to do and the grade requirements were higher for some when they were included lol. My plan was to just get in the university then see what I can do from there if I still wanted to do either.

So my question is how difficult is it to get on to? My second question is, is a year abroad or placement year more worth it? I want to do a year abroad in Canada, as it'll be fun and you get travel/life experience but a placement year is better for job prospects, and unfortunately, we cannot do both.

Thanks!!

Reply 1

Original post
by cherrypicker
Hey guys! Just wanted to ask a couple of questions. I've applied to Psychology, but I applied to the normal course without the year abroad or placement year as I haven't made my mind up on which I want to do and the grade requirements were higher for some when they were included lol. My plan was to just get in the university then see what I can do from there if I still wanted to do either.
So my question is how difficult is it to get on to? My second question is, is a year abroad or placement year more worth it? I want to do a year abroad in Canada, as it'll be fun and you get travel/life experience but a placement year is better for job prospects, and unfortunately, we cannot do both.
Thanks!!

I mean you can get experience during your degree in the summer or while at school. So if you really want to want to go to Canada go for it

Reply 2

Original post
by Alysstar
I mean you can get experience during your degree in the summer or while at school. So if you really want to want to go to Canada go for it

Yeah that's true, thanks for the reply!

Reply 3

Original post
by cherrypicker
Hey guys! Just wanted to ask a couple of questions. I've applied to Psychology, but I applied to the normal course without the year abroad or placement year as I haven't made my mind up on which I want to do and the grade requirements were higher for some when they were included lol. My plan was to just get in the university then see what I can do from there if I still wanted to do either.
So my question is how difficult is it to get on to? My second question is, is a year abroad or placement year more worth it? I want to do a year abroad in Canada, as it'll be fun and you get travel/life experience but a placement year is better for job prospects, and unfortunately, we cannot do both.
Thanks!!

A year abroad is something you can really only (pretty easily) do while at uni. Work experience can be attained before/during/after. One of my friends went to Canada and had an amazing time there. It also really helps to have that experience to speak about during interviews.

Reply 4

Original post
by quietmodule41
A year abroad is something you can really only (pretty easily) do while at uni. Work experience can be attained before/during/after. One of my friends went to Canada and had an amazing time there. It also really helps to have that experience to speak about during interviews.

Ooo that's so truee. I'll probably weigh up the pros and cons when it gets to the time I have to decide. Thanks for the reply!
Original post
by cherrypicker
Hey guys! Just wanted to ask a couple of questions. I've applied to Psychology, but I applied to the normal course without the year abroad or placement year as I haven't made my mind up on which I want to do and the grade requirements were higher for some when they were included lol. My plan was to just get in the university then see what I can do from there if I still wanted to do either.
So my question is how difficult is it to get on to? My second question is, is a year abroad or placement year more worth it? I want to do a year abroad in Canada, as it'll be fun and you get travel/life experience but a placement year is better for job prospects, and unfortunately, we cannot do both.
Thanks!!

Hey!

It really depends on the university, but for me, I added a placement year in the summer between Year 2 and Year 3. Both options are fantastic opportunities, and, of course, each has its own pros and cons.

It’s definitely worth carefully considering your options before deciding, so it’s great that you’re thinking about this early. Things like entry requirements, visas, housing, and health insurance are all important factors to consider for a year abroad, and they might not suit everyone. I also know some people who became really settled and actually decided that they no longer wanted to do either.

Personally, I found my placement year really valuable. In my case, if I was able to secure one, I could add it to my course with ease, and it provided great experience and really helped boost employability. That said, some universities' year abroad options are more competitive because spaces are limited, and they may also consider factors like your grades.

Doing neither is also completely fine! There are plenty of opportunities during university, and you discover a lot once you start, so you don’t need to worry if neither fits perfectly with your plans. I also have friends who settled in and decided they didn’t want to do either, and it worked out perfectly for them.

Both experiences are amazing; it just comes down to which one fits best with your goals and lifestyle!

Best of luck with your degree 😁

Mia
BSc Biomedical Science
University of Sheffield

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