We are reaching out to you to invite your participation in a research project focused on understanding the decision-making processes of students regarding work placements or study abroad opportunities. Your input is crucial in shaping the future landscape of student opportunities at our university.

We are conducting a survey and focus groups where you will have the opportunity to share your experiences, perspectives, and suggestions in a supportive and confidential environment. The survey and focus group is open to all Home students who have the option to do or have/have not done a work placement or exchange.

Project Aims

This project aims to address key questions such as:

  • what motivates students to pursue or forgo placement/study abroad opportunities?
  • why do some students from under-represented groups choose not to engage in placements/study abroad programs?
  • how do unpaid or low-paid placements impact participation rates and eventual outcomes?

Your participation is vital in understanding barriers and suggesting actions to overcome them, thereby enhancing opportunities for all students.

Survey

Please fill out this work placement survey, to give us information we can use to explore why students elect to do or not do a work placement or/and exchange.

All respondents will have the opportunity to win a £20 Amazon voucher should they elect to be entered into the raffle. This survey should take around 5 minutes to complete.

Focus Groups

Please contact ls2507@bath.ac.uk for further information if you are interested in participating in a focus group held on campus exploring why students elect to do or not do a work placement or/and exchange. Focus Groups will take place:

Did Placement/Exchange Groups:

  • Wednesday 29 May, 12pm (midday) - 1pm
  • Monday 3 June, 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Did not do Placement/Exchange Groups:

  • Monday 3 June, 12pm (midday) - 1pm
  • Wednesday 5 June, 2.30pm - 3.30pm

All focus groups participants will be reimbursed with a £20 Amazon voucher. The Focus Groups will last 1 hour.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute, and we eagerly anticipate your involvement!

*This project has been given approval by the University of Bath’s research ethics committee. Queries on the University’s research ethics processes can be sent to research-ethics@bath.ac.uk