Employability
The 100 hours of work-related learning guarantee
The University of Leicester is delighted to become one of the first UK universities to guarantee 100 hours of employer-informed work-related learning for every undergraduate student, starting in September 2026.
What’s on offer?
We believe that every student, no matter their background, should have access to meaningful, high-quality, real-world experience. We are therefore guaranteeing that every undergraduate student will complete at least 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning as an integrated part of their degree.
This applies to all on-campus undergraduate programmes from September 2026 entry.
What is work-related learning?
It includes a wide range of “learning by doing”, such as:
- Live industry briefs and consultancy projects
- Professional simulations
- Lab work and fieldwork
- Clinics, problem-based scenarios and real-world case studies
- Virtual internships or micro-placements
- Design and innovation challenges
- Employer-validated project work
- Career and skills workshops linked to professional practice
Why 100 hours?
- Practical experience that employers value
- Confidence applying subject knowledge in real contexts
- A strong set of transferable skills aligned with our Skills Framework
- A clear story to tell in applications, CVs and interviews
What does “employer-informed” mean?
- Advisory boards
- Input into task and assessment design
- Guest lectures, workshops and feedback
- Practitioner involvement or industry contacts from academic staff
- PSRB-informed requirements developed with employer consultation
How will I benefit?
- Build a portfolio of experience during your degree
- Develop skills in communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving and digital literacy
- Understand workplace expectations
- Build networks with employers and industry professionals
- Increase your readiness for employment or further study
How is the 100 hours delivered?
- Embedded into modules you already take and every student will complete them
- Scaffolded with preparation, support and reflection
- Assessed on skills and experience, not on counting hours
Do I need to apply for the 100 hours?
The 100 hours are guaranteed, built into your course, and do not require you to apply separately.
Contact us
If you have any questions about studying at the University of Leicester or about our 100 hours of work-related learning guarantee, please email us at study@le.ac.uk.