Enterprise Placement Year

Try working for yourself 

Instead of an internship or placement with an employer, why not think about setting up your own business or working for yourself during your third year?

Enterprise Placement Year is an alternative placement where you explore, research and develop your own business or try self-employment.

All you need is an idea, commitment, motivation, self-discipline and enthusiasm.

Watch our videos to hear about Indie Shark Games and Devonte Brown's experience on EPY

How does Enterprise Placement Year work?

Key facts

Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) runs from September until June. You will have the support of The Enterprise Team throughout the year and we'll work closely with you to help you develop your ideas and make a success of your business.

Enterprise Placement Year is a competitive scheme - there are only 20 places available across the whole University. 

What will the year involve?

Throughout EPY you will be expected to:

  • Devote proper time, energy and commitment to your business and EPY, acting in a business-like manner throughout and proactively seeking support from Business Advisors as and when required
  • Spend at least 21 hours per week working on your business
  • Attend all appropriate presentations and events including Welcome Week, Enterprise Workshops, Boot Camp, EPY Group Meetings and one-to-one meetings with Business Advisors
  • Participate in competitions and initiatives when directed by the Enterprise Team and engage fully with all other external opportunities as and when presented
  • Compile a monthly, and final end of year, reflection of your experiences and examples of work undertaken
  • At the end of EPY you'll need to produce a business plan with financial forecasts, produce a profit & loss account for the year’s work, and present a 5-minute ‘pitch’ for your business and a 5-minute talk about your EPY experience to a panel

What do I do if I'm interested? 

If you are a second year student interested in taking EPY in 2022/23 come along to our Inspire me to...Take an Enterprise Placement Year workshop on Wednesday 9 February, contact us for a chat or talk to your School's Placement Unit.

How to apply 

Applications for Enterprise Placement Year 2021/22 are now closed.

Details on how to apply for EPY 2022/23 will be announced soon.