(1)   The Academic Registrar or his/her nominee may approve recommendations from Heads of Department for students to undertake a voluntary year out for work experience in instances where they are enrolled on a course of study without an intercalated year.

(2)   It is expected that a voluntary year out for work experience will cover the period of one academic year and that a student will be absent for a period covering the Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms consecutively, before resuming his/her studies.

(3)   Students may apply to undertake a voluntary year out for work experience on the basis that it offers:

       (a)   A developmental opportunity intended to enable students to engage in work experience, thus enhancing their employability;

       (b)   A formally-approved yet non-credit bearing component of potentially any course of study not including a formal intercalated year, and which leads to an institutional award;

       (c)   An experience unregulated by the University where the onus is upon the individual student to take responsibility for all aspects of the organisation of the placement. In this respect, it is to be viewed in the same way as a student independently finding work during the vacations;

       (d)   An opportunity for students to enhance their skills and, potentially, their academic development, rather than to earn money per se.

(4)    The Senate will confer on a student granted leave to undertake a voluntary year out for work experience registered student status for the period, on the understanding that the student will be subject to the University Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations in the same way as other registered students of the University.

(5)   A student granted leave to undertake a voluntary year out for work experience will have access to University Library, IT facilities and the Careers Service in accordance with (3) above.