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School of Informatics

Fast-Track Your IT Career
Postgraduate Internships in Industry


As an IT postgraduate student at City you have an unrivalled opportunity to gain six months of professional IT experience as part of your masters degree and complete a client-based project.

How You Benefit

Our internship scheme gives you the chance to see for yourself how the up-to-the-minute technologies you are learning about are being used in business, and work on your own project. An internship enables you to develop your technical skills and business knowledge, to really understand the IT industry, and to learn about the different career paths open to you.


Internships delivered by City University offer an exceptional opportunity to make you stand out in a competitive, professional job market.


Internships are available to both UK/EU and International students.


Long-Standing Employer Links

City University has been operating a sector-leading IT placements scheme to our undergraduates for over 15 years. We've developed an excellent reputation with a very wide range of employers, both large and small.


Unrivalled Support

At City we take your internship experience seriously. Our dedicated unit proactively seeks out internship opportunities for you. Whilst in industry, you will receive regular visits from City's Work-based Learning Advisors who will provide full support in helping you achieve the most from your IT industry experience. You'll receive further support from a project supervisor and your personal tutor.

 

External Professional Body Recognition

Whilst on internship the British Computer Society's Professional Development Scheme (BCS PDS), gives you both career development planning and evidence of experience that you can use when applying for professional positions. The BCS PDS also accelerates your progression to Chartered IT Practitioner, the gold-standard for IT professionals, as time spent on the BCS PDS counts as double that of IT work experience.


Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions we're asked. Our Postgraduate Team will be very happy to answer any further questions you may have regarding the scheme.


Internships are available on these degrees:


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Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions we're asked. Our Postgraduate Team will be very happy to answer any further questions you may have regarding the scheme.


How does it work?

You will attend taught lectures and tutorials and take examinations as usual during the first phase of your masters degree and also apply for internship positions, with the support of our internship unit.

You enter the scheme when an internship is secured, and you have progressed from the taught part of the masters degree. You then spend six months on your internship, where you will submit deliverables to complete your degree.

If you decide not to undertake an internship you will complete your masters degree in the usual manner and timescale.


When do I need to decide?

No decision is required on application. The internship process starts when you enrol, but you have the option available throughout the course of completing your masters in the usual manner by undertaking a project at City. In all cases, the decision is not final until you have secured an internship employer and signed an agreement with them.


How do I find an internship?

City has extensive experience in enabling students to secure placement employment in the IT industry and we will provide excellent support in helping you secure an internship with an employer.

We begin preparation with students in the Autumn term. We teach you effective communication skills, CV preparation and help you practise for interviews and psychometric tests. Our dedicated internship service will keep you informed of placement opportunities and help you with the application process.


What happens on an internship?

You will undertake interesting work with a good level of responsibility, and a client-based project that will deepen your knowledge and shows a high standard to future employers. You might choose to work in a large IT department with a project team, or in a small organisation alongside user staff. You may undertake a range of tasks such as software development, systems investigation, analysis and design, documentation and testing. City ensures that you are provided with a planned sequence of learning opportunities and professional development unique to your internship.


What must I deliver?

We will expect you to complete a client-based project dissertation whilst on internship, demonstrating that you can apply what you have learnt in the masters degree to a high professional standard in the IT industry. You will also be required to use the BCS PDS scheme to plan and document your work.


Will I get paid?

This is a matter to be agreed between you and your internship employer, so payments and amounts depend on your employer.


Is there a fee for internships?

Yes. Due to the additional support provided, an additional fee of £450 is required (2008 academic year entry). This is payable at the start of your internship, usually in the July of your year of study.

                   

Can overseas students undertake internships?

Yes. The Home Office allows overseas students studying in the UK to undertake internships without needing a work permit, and without jeopardising their student visa status, as it is a requirement of their course. Normally student visas are granted for one year, so you will need to apply for a visa extension once you have secured an internship.


Do I get a discount if I'm an undergraduate student at City?

Yes. Current City University undergraduate students or alumni who progress to a School of Informatics postgraduate degree are automatically entitled to either a 20% or 10%* fee reduction. * first class degree = 20% reduction. 2.1 degree = 10% reduction.


Can I speak to someone about internships?

Yes. Our Postgraduate Office (details below) will be very happy to speak to you about internships or any other queries relating to study at City University. Alternatively, book online to attend an open evening and meet our internship organisers in person.


Contact us:

Postgraduate Team, Programmes Office
School of Informatics
The City University
Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0HB
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7040 0248
Fax: + 44 (0)20 7040 0233
Email: pgenquire@soi.city.ac.uk
Web: www.soi.city.ac.uk/pgcourses/


Disclaimer

This information is correct at the time of going to press in April 2008. The university reserves the right to make changes in regulations, syllabuses, fees etc without prior notice.