The power of research and professional-practice opportunities: The Leeds Beckett University approach

In the competitive realm of higher education, students are looking for the chance to forge a worthwhile career within their chosen profession. Through professional practice in authentic environments, and the availability of extra-curricular opportunities, students hope they can stand way above peers in an increasingly challenging employment market. This can be achieved through a number of approaches such as placements, through the practical elements and research embedded in a rigorous curriculum, and also through additional voluntary opportunities, prizes and schemes.

Leeds Beckett University is a modern, professional university with drive and ambition. By working closely with partners and employers to ensure graduates leave work-ready and prepared to seize the wealth of opportunities that undoubtedly lie ahead, Leeds Beckett aspires to produce outstanding graduates, exceptional employees, dynamic citizens, and enterprising leaders with meaningful, global influence.

Ranked fourth in the UK for graduate employment, the University is devoted to supporting students through their transition to employment or further education after graduating. As a testament to the university’s success in placing students in relevant and rewarding roles, 96 percent of undergraduates are in work or further study six months after leaving Leeds Beckett. This figure would stand as a feather in the cap of any world-leading institution.

Image courtesy of Leeds Beckett University

The School of Clinical and Applied Science exemplifies this across the breadth of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Safety and Environmental Health, Sport and Exercise Therapy, Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. In addition to offering current and relevant academic qualifications, all courses are underpinned by real-world professional practice and invaluable research opportunities, giving students the chance to work alongside leading researchers at the forefront of their respective disciplines.

For those studying the accredited Health and Social Care courses at Leeds Beckett, the dedicated Practice Learning and Employability Unit is there to oversee all student placements, working with senior members from local NHS Trusts to ensure the breadth and quality of student placement experiences. Some of these placements are so successful that participants gain full-time employment within the Trusts. Placement offers at Leeds Beckett also extend to working in Private, Independent and Voluntary Organisations, as well as working with local elite sports teams. In 2015, the University reports that 4,532 placements were undertaken by Leeds Beckett students with no less than 3,884 innovative organisations willing to provide the University with work experience opportunities, highlighting the real-world desirability and employability tied to the respected Leeds Becket name.

Image courtesy of Leeds Beckett University

All these are achieved via the institution’s extensive links, paired with its commitment to student success, innovation, enterprise, global reach, and local impact.

Students also work as co-producers of research and have a wealth of opportunities to participate in ground-breaking projects, both for curriculum-based research and extra-curricular activities, due to the University’s cutting-edge research bodies feeding into every facet of the Leeds Beckett education:

• Centre for Biomedical Science Research, Directed by Professor Gary Jones,
• Centre for Pain Research, Directed by Professor Mark Johnson,
• Centre for Applied Obesity Research, Co-Directed by Professor Pinki Sahota,
• Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, Directed by Dr Peter Francis,
• Migrant Health Research Group, Directed by Dr Maria Maynard,
• Middle East and North African Health Research Group, Directed by Dr Osama Tashani

Image courtesy of Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University provides comprehensive training for a variety of sought-after disciplines and professions, facilitating a diverse catalogue of inter-professional learning and interdisciplinary study. Not only does this equip graduates with a detailed understanding of their dream career, it also teaches them the value of independent learning, as well as how to thrive as part of a multidisciplinary team – all incredibly valuable skills in the complex contemporary market.  Focus on the interdisciplinary extends even further with staff and students from the School of Health and Community Studies, and the School of Social Sciences working together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Upon completion of your degree at Leeds Beckett University, you could find yourself eligible to apply for one of the future Deans’ Scholarships, where you’ll be supported through a reputed PhD programme, join a growing postgraduate student research community, and become an integral member of one of the University’s research Centers or groups. Leeds Beckett also welcomes direct applications to join its diverse community, so click here to kick-start your journey from aspiring student to respected, global professional.

Follow Leeds Beckett University on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Liked this? Then you’ll love these…

The importance of research and its impact on education

The role of university research in tackling social challenges and driving economic growth