The third annual Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Placement Awards ceremony took place at the University of Bath last week.

Over 100 students, placement providers and members of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences placements team came together to celebrate the achievements of individuals and employers on the placement programme.

The Placement Awards were created to celebrate the achievements of students and placement providers across the previous academic year. The awards are voted for by the students, employers and members of staff.

Successfully held as a hybrid event for the second time, students and employers unable to be there in person were able to take part, giving everyone an opportunity to recognise the individuals and organisations that have gone above and beyond.

Over 150 outstanding nominations were submitted for students and 50 nominations for employers. This made the task of choosing the most inspiring individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact incredibly difficult.

The evening started with a drinks reception in the Chancellors' Building, giving attendees the chance to network before moving into the auditorium for the awards ceremony.

Faculty Dean, Professor Deborah Wilson, welcomed everyone and talked about how central placements are to education and the culture of the University of Bath.

Martin Gore, Placements Manager hosted the evening, assisted by Victoria Maskell, Partnerships Manager.

Martin explained how valuable placements are as a learning experience, with nearly 99% of students recommending it and 50% of students being offered a graduate role or a possibility of a graduate role following a placement.

Feedback from some of the winners was incredibly positive:

I knew I wanted to enter an industry that's difficult to step into. The placement was invaluable and helped steer me in the right direction and will be a stepping-stone into this sector. It gives you an edge and I learnt skills that I’ll have for life, such as, networking, technical skills, learning from new people and problem solving. Winning the award was amazing and confirmation that I did a good job." - Hridaii Sharma, BSc (Hons) International Development with Economics - Placement at Olleco.

'I would definitely recommend a placement – I had a lot of support from the placements team with some really helpful sessions. You walk away with an abundance of skills. You learn so much about yourself, your capabilities and you quickly refine those skills. A placement also sets you up to be better academically, my writing has improved tenfold since I joined the lab. I worked incredibly hard and it was great to get some recognition." - Josh Wood, BSc (Hons) Psychology - Placement at the Developmental Risk and Resilience Unit, within UCL, London.

'I would absolutely recommend doing a placement – it has taught me to believe in my own abilities, I didn't understand how much I was capable of before doing it. I didn't know what direction I wanted to go in and since doing a placement I feel so much more focused. It's also changed my work ethic coming into final year. It’s great to get the award, I was committed the whole way through and it’s nice to be recognised for my hard work." - Eliza Wilton, BSc (Hons) Social Policy - winner of the 'Going Above and Beyond Award' for her placement at Bedfordshire Police.

And employers commented:

Bath students are integral to our business." - Molly Key, Home Office

It’s great to have such clever and curious minds on board." Dr Inka Karppinen, CybSafe

Employers and students that attended in person came to the stage to collect their certificates and say a few words, and those attending remotely gave their thanks virtually on the big screen. Student winners received a certificate and a £50 Amazon Voucher, whilst Highly Commended students and employers received certificates.

Huge congratulations to all those awarded on the night!

View a full list of winners and nominees.

The placements team manage over 900 placements for HSS students each year and the Placement Awards continues to grow, so we encourage you all to get involved in 2024.

For more information please contact the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences placements team.