Self-Employed Placement

Instead of undertaking a work placements within an established company, as an undergraduate, you may have the option of taking a Self-Employed Placement year (also known as a 'SEP').

You'll do your SEP between your second and third year of study, by starting and running a business. You can establish a business on your own, or by teaming up with other students.

It's a great way of developing your enterprise skills, and perhaps setting up a business to pursue post-graduation.

If interested - See below for details of the process for applying.

The Enterprise Programme

Stand out from the crowd, and become more employable!

The Enterprise Programme offered by the Student StartUp team is a unique opportunity to enhance your business skills and confidence.

Taking part in the enterprise programme is a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd, and provide you with a range of skills for your future career.

For more information and to register, visit the TEP website.

Process for Applying

Speak to a member of the Student StartUp Team or attend a Self-Employed Placement - Is it for me? session (dates below)
Complete an Expression of Interest and submit to the Student StartUp (SSU) team studentstartup@port.ac.uk Please also contact the Faculty Placements Hub to register your interest in the SEP: scihealthplacementshub@port.ac.uk
Presentation
Complete a risk assessment (guidance will be provided)

All students will need to meet with a member of the team but as a 1st step they can book an appointment or attend an information session.

Key Dates:

Self-Employed Placement - Is it for me? sessions: 6th March (14.00-15.00), 10th April (10.00-11.00), 2nd May (12.30-13.30)

Deadline for Expression of Interest: Sunday, 26th May 23.59

All elements of application process completed by Sunday, 30th June 23.59

Formally start the SEP year in September (if successful)

SEP Process Initial Student Pack 2024 - 2025 - click here to access

Self Employed Placement FAQs

How does the SEP year differ from a traditional placement?

During the SEP year you are your own boss. You create your own business and role during the placement, rather than being employed by an established company or organisation.

How long is the SEP year?

The placement is usually runs from mid September to end June, which is a full academic year.

How is the year assessed?

This varies slightly from faculty to faculty, so please check with your placement office for details. Overall, the placement is designed to assess the development of your enterprise skills through presentations, reports and regular meetings with allocated supervisors.

What support is available to me during the year?

You will be allocated a supervisor from the Student StartUp team, academic supervisor from your faculty and a SEP peer mentor (a SEP student from the previous year). You will also take part in the Route-to-Startup Programme with Student Start Up (SSU), which will provide training on how to start a new business.

Do I have to be based in Portsmouth?

Ideally, for monitoring purposes, you will be based in Portsmouth. However, if circumstances require you to be based elsewhere please discuss this with a member of the SSU Team. If you are based in Portsmouth you are eligible for 100% discount on a desk at one of the University Innovation Connect buildings, Halpern House.

How do I get started?

Please register your interest in a SEP by completing and submitting the SEP Expression of Interest Form to the SSU team: studentstartup@port.ac.uk. You should also Register your interest with the Placements Hub.

Page updated

Report abuse