SEPnet Summer Placements
Each year, SEPnet arranges for undergraduates in their 2nd and 3rd year at SEPnet partner universities to carry out eight-week paid placements. The scheme not only provides a transfer of knowledge across the South East of England, it increases the employability of physics and maths students too.
Information for Employers
Could your business benefit from a bright and enthusiastic physics undergraduate this summer?
SEPnet organises over 80 summer placements a year for all 2nd and 3rd year physics and maths undergraduate and PhD students at SEPnet universities and is seeking 8-week plus projects in industry or research in areas such as data analysis, mathematical modelling, programming, product design and testing or science communication. Students will be paid national living wage costs by the host during this period. We also have a 4 week placement option.
If your project is more suited to a PhD Student similarly we would be very keen to hear from you.
Read about some of our students’ recent experiences via our Talk to the Students link below.
Register your Placement Project Before Monday 10th Feb 2025
Register your placement project (or projects), online here:
How It Works
Starting in March, details of selected projects will be shared with eligible students through the SEPnet website and physics departments at SEPnet universities.
Throughout March, interested students can apply directly to you by submitting their CV and a cover letter. You’ll then have the opportunity to select and interview candidates.
If any placements remain unfilled, they will be re-advertised in April.
Employers are asked to inform us of their chosen student by the end of April, with all placements finalised by mid-May.
Placements typically occur between June and September, with start and end dates agreed upon between you and the student. For a copy of the summer placement handbook, please email summer.placements@sepnet.ac.uk
SEPnet Annual Student Expo
Each year we celebrate students’ achievements at the SEPnet Students’ Expo held in London. The event offers students the opportunity to give presentations and display posters about their summer projects. Over 100 students, academics and employers attend this networking event to hear from inspirational industry speakers and visit employer stands.
Benefits to employers
Early access to bright, numerate students with excellent problem-solving and IT skills
Enables you to carry out projects you would not normally have time for
Provides a fresh perspective on your business challenges
All advertising, administration and placement support is handled by the SEPnet team
Funding available!
What employers have said:
‘Very satisfied with the whole process, organised and straightforward, with good students.’
‘We took SEPnet students for the second year running and have been very impressed with the calibre, their capabilities and the general high standard. For your records we have just made a permanent job offer to one of the students…’.
FAQs
How much do I have to pay the student?
Students are paid a minimum national living wage for an 8-week placement. Employers who fund a student may be entitled to a 2nd student placement funded by one of the SEPnet university partners. There is some match-funding available from SEPnet university partners. Match-funded placements will be advertised to students at the SEPnet partner university who is funding the placement.
Do I need to include the student on my payroll?
You should treat your student as an employee for the period they are working with you so they are covered by an employment contract and protected under your insurance and health and safety policies. If you are unable to employ your student other working arrangements may possible on a case by case basis.
What if the student or supervisor has booked a holiday in the middle of the summer?
The period of work is mutually agreed by you and the student. All we ask is that the student is with you for eight weeks in total. If you wish to schedule a break, just let us know.
I’d like to host a student but a block of eight weeks over the summer doesn’t suit me. Can we make alternative arrangements?
Yes. The standard placement is eight weeks in the summer. However if you have a requirement for an alternative structure (for example half a day per week for six months and three weeks over Easter or indeed a 4 week placement ) then we will be happy to consider it.
What happens if I want to keep the student on for more work after the eight weeks?
You can agree with your student for them to work for an additional period. You should pay them for their additional time on a pro-rata basis.
What if there are any problems?
SEPnet strives to ensure that the scheme works well for the organisations and students involved. However, as issues are sometimes unavoidable, we conduct a site visit and or placement meeting during the placement to ensure that everything is going smoothly. We also offer pastoral care to the student if needed, in addition to the support of your own Human Resources department, and liaise with you during the placement to ensure there are no problems.
