Climb Higher with the Professional Pathway Scheme
The Professional Pathway (PP) Scheme is an innovative mode of study in the Department of Computer Science. It allows students to transfer to relevant employment after their first academic year and complete their degree by a combination of day-release and e-learning. The remaining two years of study are split over three years to allow you time to attend university whilst working, with up to four days in employment.
You will study the same modules as full-time students but at a slower pace. There are also options to join PP on completion of year two or a placement year.
Why choose the Professional Pathway Scheme?
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Gain up to three years of work experience before graduation.
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Receive support from the Corporate Relations & Employability Unit (CREU), including applications and interview practice.
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You will be assigned a work-based learning advisor (WLA) who provides a central point of contact and support throughout the placement.
Eligible Courses
Computer Science
Computer Science with Games Technology
Meet our Professional Pathway Scheme Graduates
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Stephanie Eta, BSc Computer Science (with Professional Pathway)
"I wanted to graduate with my eyes wide open. The Professional Pathway scheme gave me the opportunity to explore different career paths and get a real life experience of working in tech and applying my degree to the real world. It was a great opportunity to stand out because not many people can say they have graduated with three years of relevant experience."
Read more about Stephanie's story here.
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Alex Hunt, BSc Computer Science (with Professional Pathway)
"To this day, I am incredibly grateful for the Professional Pathway scheme. I can't recommend it enough to anyone considering a career in Software Engineering. In tech, your experience is more valuable than your degree. Being able to work full-time for three years during my studies was an absolute superpower."
Read more about Alex's story here.
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Lucia Clifford, BSc Computer Science (with Professional Pathway)
"PP helped me develop my technical skills in a way most people haven’t been able to, at a time where you need to not only understand how the business world really works but you need to learn not to be overwhelmed by the amount of work and responsibility you have by studying and working full time. I think it’s all about being curious, ambitious and constant; there is no is no better way of starting than PP."
Read more about Lucia's story here.
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Mike Dolha, BSc Computer Science (with Professional Pathway)
"By the time I had finished University, I had gained invaluable knowledge from working real, relevant jobs in the industry rather than relying solely on coursework and textbooks. The PP work-based project helped me get a good overview of my own development and the showcase we had to do at the end of the scheme helped reconnect with classmates and get a glimpse of what my competition looked like."
Read more about Mike's story here.
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Ioana Tugui, BSc Computer Science (with Professional Pathway)
"With the help of the Work-Based Learning Advisor, I was able to create a thorough and professional looking CV which allowed me to get my first role in IT. I initially worked as an ICT Support Officer for a charity, where I was able to build a solid foundation in IT."
Read more about Ioana's story here.
Professional Pathway FAQs
What is Professional Pathway (PP)?
The Professional Pathway scheme allows Department of Computer Science students to work in industry after they have completed their first academic year full time. The remaining two years of study are split over three years to allow you time to attend University whilst working, typically one day at university and up to four days in employment (in your second and third year you may be required to attend City for two half days). You study the same* modules as full time students but at a slower pace. There are also options to join PP on completion of year two or a placement year but joining on completion of year 1 is the most popular entry point.
What tuition fees do PP students pay?
The first full academic year requires full fees, the three years following on PP there is a reduction of 25% per year. You can contact the Finance Team for further details - Email - funding@city.ac.uk and Tel - +44 (0)20 7040 7040.
Do I have to work in the same company for three years?
Occasionally a placement provider may offer you a placement for up to three years. Most employers will review your contract every year. However some students choose to find a new placement each year to vary their experience.
How do I find PP vacancies?
After expressing an interest to join PP and once your CV is approved you will be contacted with details of PP roles. You can also independently look for PP placements and discuss the PP scheme with employers. Email Becky Jenkinson – Rebecca.jenkinson@city.ac.uk if you would like information about how to contact employers and what information you should give them.
Where can I do a PP placement?
PP employers tend to be SMEs due to flexibility of working hours and because they want a greater return on their investment, i.e. to continue employing you for three years. However, occasionally larger firms do recruit PP students.
What grades do I need to achieve to join PP? And what happens if I don’t achieve them?
All students need to achieve an average of at least 55% in every year of PP.
What is a PP Application/Continuation Form?
Any student that has successfully secured a PP placement needs to complete a PP Application/ Continuation form to join PP (you complete this every year you are on the PP scheme). Your placement will need to be approved by the PLU. The Programmes Office and PP tutor will ensure that you have met the right grade criteria and have selected the right modules for your degree. You will be emailed the PP Application Form by the Programmes Office.