Year in Applied Research

The Year in Applied Research is an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a research environment for a period ranging from 9 to 12 months, with a minimum of 40 weeks.

What is a Year in Applied Research?

During this time, students immerse themselves in the daily activities of a research group, engaging in multiple projects and developing advanced skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and the use of relevant technologies.

Benefits of the Year in Applied Research

The benefits of the Year in Applied Research mode of work-based learning include:

• Working independently and within a larger research group to generate research ideas and carry out research and analysis
• Use of literature acquisition to understand recent innovations and developments within the relevant field
• Exposure to and appreciation of research topics within a particular research area
• Handling complex data sets and undertaking data analysis and display
• Running and potentially designing experiments
• Contributing to and producing focused scientific reports in appropriate formats
• Developing technical skills in a research environment to enhance employability in future roles

Organising a Research Placement

All students undertaking the Year in Applied Research programme will need to attend the Pre-Placement Preparation module, which covers more specific elements of sourcing, applying for, and undertaking placements.

Research Placement Criteria

To qualify for a Year in Applied Research placement, the following criteria must be met:

• Duration: Must be 40 weeks or more (full-time or equivalent)
• Work Level: Must provide work at or near graduate level
• Location: Conducted within a research organization, such as a university or research institute
• Approval: Placements must be confirmed in writing by the provider
• Insurance: Placement providers must offer adequate insurance, including employer's liability and public liability, covering the student as an employee
• University Decision: The University determines placement eligibility and can reject or terminate placements due to high risk or changes in conditions
• Right to Work: Students must have valid Right to Work in the placement country, a valid visa if necessary, and a National Insurance number

Tuition Fees during the Placement Year

For the Year in Applied Research programme, standard Tuition Fee costs will be reduced pro-rata for the session the Sandwich Year applies, which is normally the 3rd year of a 4-year programme. Students will be charged 20% of the agreed standard fee.

Transfer onto the Year in Applied Research Scheme

For students to be considered for transfer onto a Year in Applied Research programme, they must meet the appropriate progression criteria.

Previous Student Experiences

Previous students have undertaken placements in various organizations, including Plantasia Tropical Zoo, National Trust, and Geophysics Placement. These experiences have provided students with valuable skills and enhanced their employability in future roles.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events