Module manager: Dr Alasdair Pickles
Email: a.r.pickles@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Normally a 60% average in Level 1 and Level 2 modules. Candidates must have secured a place, through the Faculty of Biological Sciences, or the Study Year Abroad Office, at a University abroad. Students are responsible for securing a work placement abroad or in the UK prior to leaving for the year. Where the academic language of the host country is not English, the pre-requisites will normally be a grade B pass at GCSE (or equivalent) in the appropriate language and the successful completion of appropriate FLTU module(s), and/or a substantial period of time spent in the country.
| BIOL8001 | Training in the Workplace |
| BIOL9001 | Study Year Abroad |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The combined study abroad and work placement year is designed to allow students to experience both studying at an international institution (for one semester) and undertaking a 6 month work placement within the same country (preferable) or in the UK. It is the responsibility of the student to find a suitable work placement before leaving for the combined year. If a placement is not successfully found students will be transferred to the study year abroad (BIOL 9001) and will undertake a full academic year at the host institution.
The aims of the combined study abroad (50%) and work placement year (50%) are to give students the opportunity to:
- Broaden their knowledge in specific areas of the appropriate discipline and/or related subject/(s);
- Gain experience at another institution/company including gaining knowledge of their culture and working practice;
- Contribute to the work of the company or institution;
- Enhance professional development skills and transferrable skills;
- Gain experience in scientific research;
- Enhance employability and knowledge of career options.
On completion of the combined study abroad (50%) and work placement (50%) year students should have:
1. Broadened their knowledge in specific areas of the appropriate discipline and/or related subject(s);
2. Gained a knowledge of the culture, institution/company and working practices of another country;
3. Gained a working knowledge of another European language (European placements only);
4. Completed an initial literature review related to the work being undertaken during the work placement;
5. Completed a research project during the work placement and prepared the findings in the form of a written report;
6. Taken advantage of any learning opportunities offered by the institution or company for personal development and/or to gain experience of up-to-date laboratory, managerial and work practices;
7. Further developed their scientific and transferable skills including those associated with teamwork, problem-solving and communication;
8. Gained a better appreciation of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a successful career.
For the semester of study abroad (50%) this is to be arranged with the international host institution, but will normally comprise of:
- Taught courses in the appropriate discipline and/or allied subject(s) chosen to complement the Leeds degree programme;
- Cultural studies;
- Foreign language training (European placements only).
For the work placement (50%), this is to be agreed with the student, employer, module manager and academic supervisor, within the overall objectives and taking into account the facilities provided by the employer.
Placements will be 6 months duration.
The combined study abroad and work placement year is assessed on a pass/fail basis. The mark does not contribute to degree classification.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private study hours | 120 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 0 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 120 | ||
- The way in which time is spent during this module will depend on the study patterns at the host institution. The number of credits/modules varies depending on the institution but FBS students are required to complete 2/3rds course related modules and have the option to take 1/3 as non-course related modules.
- Students are expected to undertake a full-time programme of study for the semester of study abroad.
For the semester of study abroad this will be agreed with the host institution. For the taught components of the student's programme of study, the student would be treated as the home students on that programme. Monitoring of non-academic progress would be by the Advisor at the host institution, and through regular (email) contact with the student's placement mentor in Leeds. Pastoral visits may be made as possible or necessary.
For the work placement formative feedback will be agreed by the employer. Each student will also be assigned an academic supervisor in Leeds who will be available to contact throughout the placement. Students will receive formative feedback from their academic supervisor on their 1000 word literature review and 3000 word written report.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | A "Work Profile" will be completed in stages throughout the work placement, with input from the student, employer and academic supervisor, and presented for assessment. The student must be deemed to have satisfactorily completed their employment contract. A 1000 word literature review is to be submitted following 2 months of the commencement of the placement. A 3000 word written report by the student will be assessed within 3 months of the start of the academic year following the combined year. | |
| In-course Assessment | Assessments will be carried out by the host institution and vary according to the placement. Successful completion of the module will depend on a transcript of the grades obtained. At Leeds, the semester of study abroad will be assessed on a pass/fail basis, i.e. individual marks obtained abroad will not be converted into Leeds equivalents. | |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
If the student fails a module or modules then they usually apply for a resit/s directly to the host institution.
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Last updated: 10/07/2025
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