Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Centre for British Studies | M.A. British Studies | FAQs | How is the work placement organised? Work placement FAQs

How is the work placement organised? Work placement FAQs

What is the purpose of the placement scheme?

Our placement scheme will offer you a fantastic opportunity to gain relevant work experience, practical skills, and professional contacts at a prestigious British or UK-related organization, in a position matching your personal interests and future career plans.  

 

How long is the work placement?

The placement is full-time, lasts 3 months, and takes place in the third semester of the MA (usually September to December or January to April).

 

Do I have to look for a placement or does the Centre provide one?
The Centre offers a wide range of placements with trusted providers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and other European countries. If you have a particular interest which we cannot help you with, you are welcome to self-organise your placement.

 

Is the placement paid?

Usually not, although some providers do offer a small stipend or a full salary. However, abroad placements in EU countries are supported by Erasmus+ grants (490 to 600 euro per month, depending on the destination) and specific funding lines are available in other cases, such as placements in the UK or at international organizations.

Applicants requiring financial support are strongly recommended to apply for a grant/scholarship/loan well in advance. The deadlines for scholarship applications may be as early as in October, the year before you plan to take up your studies at the Centre for British Studies! If you plan to work part-time to finance your studies, make sure to be able to pause your work commitments for the duration of the 3-month placement.

 

Do I have to do the work placement?

Yes, this is a mandatory and essential part of the MA programme. To complete the module and be awarded its 15 ECTS credits, all students must obtain a reference letter from the placement provider and write an internship report.

 

Do I have to do a work placement in Britain, or could I do a placement in another country?
A work placement in Britain (or Ireland) is a mandatory and essential part of the degree programme. Only in very exceptional circumstances can the internship take place elsewhere.

 

What are potential placement providers?

Our list of active placements providers include dozens of cultural, political, educational, and business organizations working in different areas of the public, private, and no-profit sector. If you don’t have the right to work in the UK, you can still enjoy a placement at a British or UK-related organization in Ireland, Germany, and other European countries.

Some examples of currently active providers are: Birmingham City Council, British Council Ireland, British Institute at Ankara, British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft, Futurepath, Leeds International Film Festival, Limerick City Gallery of Arts, Literature Wales, London & Partners, Scottish Parliament, The Little Museum of Dublin, Trans European Policy Studies Association, University of Central Lancashire Cyprus, and UK Parliament.

The full list of our past placement providers can be found here.