Enterprise Placement Year

Enterprise Placement Year 2023/24

Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) is an alternative to a third-year, work-based placement where you spend the year exploring, researching and starting a business, freelance work or self-employment.  

You are expected to begin trading to test your product or service in the marketplace.

 

What do I need for a successful EPY?

To get the most out of EPY you’ll have:

  • a drive to start up
  • enthusiasm
  • commercial awareness
  • self-motivation and belief

The success of your EPY and your business is very much down to your own efforts.

 

How does EPY work?

  • You’ll be based in the Enterprise Hub at the 3M BIC
  • You must spend a minimum of 21 hours a week working on your business, and at least one day per week must be worked in person in the Enterprise Hub or affiliated spaces across the University
  • You’ll be treated as a business owner, not a student, and we expect you to adopt this mindset too
  • The Enterprise Team will support you through regular catch-ups, information, facilities and opportunities
  • You’ll be allocated an experienced Business Advisor who you’ll see regularly for one-to-one meetings and advice
  • You’ll be expected to attend all compulsory elements of EPY including Enterprise Workshops, Enterprise Hours, Boot Camps, Pitch Club, Group Meetings and more

 

When does EPY start/finish?

EPY starts with a compulsory, but fun and interactive, Welcome Week from Monday 11 to Friday 15 September 2023 which you MUST attend. EPY ends on 30 June 2024.

 

Can I work with another student?

Yes. We accept business partnerships of 2 students: but no more than 2.

 

When is the deadline for applications and how do I apply?

When you’re ready, submit your completed Enterprise Placement Year 2023/24 Application Form to your School’s Placement Office.

The deadline for submitting your application is Friday 9 June 2023. Applications received after this date will be rejected.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an interview with the Enterprise Team. 

 

Am I sure to be allocated a place?

No.  There are invariably more applicants than we can properly support, so the number of students on EPY is limited. We’re looking for applicants with a firm business idea and a drive to take it forward.

 

How can I find out more about EPY?

Before applying for EPY have a chat with both your Course Tutor and School’s Placement Office to check it’s the right choice for you.

You can contact us at enterprise@hud.ac.uk and come along to one of our information sessions:

Date

Time

Online Link

Thursday 9 March

10:15-11:15

Click here to join on MS Teams

Tuesday 21 March

14:15-15:15

Wednesday 5 April

13:15-14:15

 

IMPORTANT – Student Finance Information for Home Students

If you’re a Home student on an EPY placement you can get REDUCED financial help from Student Finance England (SFE). The maximum reduced loan amount for a sandwich year in 2023/24 is £3022. However, your student loan amount is dependent on your individual circumstances and a private matter between you and Student Finance England.

Please do not apply for Student Finance before your place on EPY has been confirmed following successful application and interview. 

 

What about a part-time job?

We understand that you’ll need to cover your living expenses, but any part-time job must not exceed 16 hours a week nor interfere with your proper engagement with EPY. To help you plan, we ask that you don’t work on Wednesdays, as this is the core day for EPY activity.

 

I’m an International Student, can I apply?

Yes. International students on a Tier 4 can undertake EPY on a strict non-trading basis. If offered a place, international students must agree not to trade. Absolutely no monetary transactions or business activity are permitted under any circumstance during EPY. Breach of visa conditions will result in sponsorship of visa being withdrawn.