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Learn by doing - connect with employers

At Middlesex, we place industry experience at the heart of our programme design and delivery. You will have opportunity to apply what you learn through placements, internships and practice-based learning activities.

Gain experience and connect with industry

Employers are looking for more than a degree. They want graduates with experience.  

Gaining experience is part of the Middlesex DNA - our students graduate with practical experience embedded into their degree curriculum - so, by the time you graduate, you will have experience you can talk about in interviews.

A wide range of opportunities to connect

We work with a wide range of organisations to help students explore career opportunities and build professional networks.

We do this in a range of ways - such as networking events and insight days, held both on campus and in employers' premises.

Many employers share opportunities with Middlesex before they are advertised publicly, giving students early access to internships, insight days and graduate programmes.

Industry experience video

Industry experience at Middlesex University

Find out how industry experience has helped our students video thumbnail

Hi, I'm Karla and I studied film at Middlesex University.

I first heard about script supervising through a master class during my second year in university.

When I was on my final year and this opportunity came my way of script supervise a feature.

And it was an amazing opportunity through the entrepreneurship module.

I managed to be in touch with a production company that were doing this feature called Bermondsey Tales.

It was a collaboration between this production company and Middlesex.

One of our professors suggested the idea of actually bringing students as part of the crew.

Amongst them, it was me as a script supervisor.

Having the chance to be able to experience this while having access to active feedback throughout the entire course, it was really a great opportunity.

Overall, everyone that jumps into a course like this wants to grab onto something that will secure a position in the industry afterwards.

Or to see that there's a way to achieve what we've been working on for the past three years.

Another thing that I really loved about this university is how many people you get to meet.

I'm an international student, I come from Spain, I very quickly felt very included.

London is such a big, open city.

So it genuinely feels like anything you might want, you could do.

I'm slowly getting a foot into the industry, it is all about networking and you just need to want to do it and if you really want to, it'll eventually happen.

Find out how industry experience has helped our students
Placements

Placements

A placement year provides students with structured, degree-relevant work experience, enabling them to apply academic knowledge in a professional environment while developing key employability skills.

Placements are designed to enhance graduate outcomes, strengthen industry connections, and support students in making informed career decisions.

 

A placement year (also known as a year in industry or professional experience year) typically takes place between Year 2 and the final year of a degree.

A placement year:

  • Usually lasts 12 months
  • Is completed with an approved employer
  • Must be relevant to the student’s course.

Students remain enrolled at Middlesex University during their placement year and receive ongoing support from academic and employability teams.

A placement year enables you to:

  • Gain substantial, real-world work experience
  • Gain an additional 120 credits towards your degree on completion of your placement
  • Develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving
  • Build professional networks
  • Improve commercial awareness and industry insight
  • Strengthen your CV and graduate job prospects
  • Increase confidence and workplace readiness
  • Potentially secure graduate employment with your placement employer.

Students who complete a placement year often demonstrate stronger employability outcomes and clearer career direction upon graduation. Research shows that students who undertake work experience are three times more likely to receive a definite job offer before graduating (High Fliers Research Limited, The UK Graduate Careers Survey).

"The experience has really influenced my career goals - in knowing that I can do anything, and I shouldn't be shy about digital marketing"

Zara Johnson, MSc Digital Marketing

Portrait of Zara Johnson, postgraduate digital marketing student, standing in front of windows and a covered atrium
Internships, industry projects and live briefs

Internships, industry projects and live briefs

Many courses include opportunities to gain experience through projects or internships. These opportunities may include:

  • Internships within the University and partner organisations
  • Consultancy-style industry projects
  • Live project briefs from employers
  • Guest lectures from industry professionals
  • Collaborative projects with external organisations.

This means your learning reflects real workplace challenges.

MDX Internship Scheme

Every year, we offer up to 50 exclusive discipline specific internship opportunities, both within the University and local business community.

Find out about student jobs

Studying abroad

Gain international experience through opportunities to study abroad 

Some courses offer opportunities to gain experience in an international context. You may be able to:

  • Study part of your degree at our campuses in Dubai or Mauritius
  • Take part in exchange programmes with international universities
  • Join overseas field trips linked to your course
  • Take part in volunteering or internship opportunities abroad

These experiences help you develop global awareness and build international networks.

Find out more about the Middlesex University global experience.

Networking events

Networking events

Two men in discussion in a busy building with a table between them
 

Throughout the year we host many networking events where you can meet employers and explore career opportunities.

A man is describing something in an animated way to a younger person at an event
 

Gradstock is our flagship careers event, bringing together employers alumni and students for a day of careers fairs, employer talks and discussions.

GRADSTOCK
A group of people smiling together at a corporate event
 

Career Connect is an annual event where students and graduates connect with employers and alumni to explore work opportunities and career pathways.

CAREER CONNECT
A large group of people sat round a table, smiling at the camera in a large university building
 

Organisations such as British Airways and KPMG regularly host insight days and early-career programmes that help students learn about industry.

EMPLOYER EVENTS
More careers info

Continue exploring Careers and Futures