The University of Manchester has announced that it will require all undergraduate students to complete work placements as part of their degree programmes. The initiative aims to enhance students’ practical experience by enabling them to apply academic learning in professional settings.

The placements, which are expected to take place during the summer term following exams, have already been implemented for students training in vocational fields such as teaching, medicine, and nursing. This year, nearly 500 students are scheduled to undertake internships with approximately 40 different companies. During these internships, students will work on specific challenges or problems over a two-week period and be evaluated by their host organisations.

Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison emphasized the importance of integrating work experience into higher education. “A big ambition for us at Manchester is wanting every single student to have a chance to put their learning into context,” he said, highlighting opportunities including internships, placements, joint projects, and exchanges. Mr. Ivison, a professor of political philosophy, further noted that the move reflects a broader commitment to incorporating more practical learning across various disciplines, regardless of whether a student studies history or chemical engineering.

The programme is designed to better prepare graduates for the workforce, instilling confidence and practical skills that can be applied in diverse professional environments. Mr. Ivison pointed to evolving educational trends, including the rise of social media as a teaching tool, which is reshaping the university’s approach toward collaborative and applied learning.

In response to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the University of Manchester has taken a nuanced approach by reintroducing traditional pen-and-paper assessments for some courses while integrating AI-driven technologies in others. This strategy aims to develop relevant professional competencies, particularly in fields such as medical diagnostics, where technological proficiency is increasingly essential.

The university’s move to mandate work placements reflects a growing recognition within higher education of the value of experiential learning in preparing students to meet the demands of a changing labour market.