UWE Bristol internship scheme 2025–2026

Our internship scheme gives you the chance to work in a paid role and build valuable work experience. Opportunities are available across lots of sectors – or you can even find your own – so there's something to fit your interests.

Internships are a great way to:

• develop new skills
• grow your professional network
• explore what kind of work could be right for you in the future.

You'll be supported throughout your internship by your employer, who'll act as a mentor and help you get the most out of the experience.

These internships run for around 12 weeks and are designed to fit alongside your studies and other commitments. You’ll work up to 15 hours a week (148 hours in total).

They’re perfect for project-based work and can often be done flexibly or remotely. You and your employer will agree on a working pattern that balances your timetable, commitments and the needs of the business.

• Earn while you learn: Work up to 148 hours in a sector you’re interested in and get paid.
• Boost your CV: Gain valuable, high-quality work experience that shows initiative to future employers.
• Learn how the workplace works: Develop new ways of working and get insight into your industry.
• Stand out in the job market: Give yourself a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
• Build your network and confidence: Meet useful contacts and grow your professional confidence.
• Put your studies into practice: Apply what you’ve learned in your course to real-world projects.
• Explore new paths: Try out work in sectors not directly linked to your degree and broaden your career options.

You can find an internship in two ways:

1. Through InfoHub

Internships posted by organisations go live from Monday 27 October.

To see the 2025-2026 opportunities:

• Log in to InfoHub (login required) and select the 'UWE internship schemes' vacancy type, or go straight to the list of internship vacancies.
• Look for roles with 'UWE Bristol Internship 2025-2026' in the job title.

New vacancies are added when organisations submit them.

2. Arranging your own internship

You can also approach organisations directly or use your own contacts. This shows initiative and can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised. Once the organisation agrees, they should email the Internships Team at uweinternships@uwe.ac.uk to formalise the arrangement.

Things to keep in mind:

• All business sectors are eligible – don’t limit yourself to roles directly linked to your degree.
• Your internship should be project-based or add value to your CV, and include some element of training or mentoring.
• Make sure it gives you a meaningful chance to build skills, knowledge, and confidence in a professional setting.

Speculative applications

You can find guidance on making speculative applications on Career Toolkit (login required).

If you're reaching out to an organisation directly, you might want to use something like this in your message:

"My university, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), is offering a part-time Internship Scheme. The scheme fully subsidises organisations that employ an undergraduate student for 148 hours over 12 weeks (up to 15 hours per week).

I’m very interested in working at [Company Name] in the [Area/Field/Job/Sector] and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to do an internship with you.

Interns must be paid at least the Real Living Wage of £13.45 per hour via PAYE, and the subsidy can be claimed back from UWE Bristol once the internship finishes.

More details are on the UWE Bristol website. For any questions, please contact the Internships Team at uweinternships@uwe.ac.uk."

CV, Cover Letter and LinkedIn help

CareerSet utilises GPT AI technology to provide detailed feedback on CVs, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles. You can also upload a job description to receive feedback on the extent to which your application is tailored to that particular opportunity and is likely to stand-out to the employer.

• You are employed by the organisation, not UWE Bristol. Your employer will recruit you like any other staff member and pay you directly through PAYE, usually weekly or monthly.
• UWE Bristol provides an internship agreement that must be signed by you, your employer, and the university. It’s a good idea for your employer to give you a separate agreement covering any company-specific policies.
• You’ll need to complete a short pre-internship questionnaire and a feedback form at the end of your internship.
• You’ll accrue 16.25 hours of paid leave during the internship. Holiday, working hours, and sickness arrangements follow your employer’s policies.

Tax and National Insurance contributions

Your pay may be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions. Some students are placed on an emergency tax code, which can temporarily deduct more than expected. This depends on other jobs and how much tax you’ve already paid.

Find more info about paying tax as a student and how to claim a refund if you think you have paid too much.

The UWE Bristol Employability Bursary aims to support lower-income UK undergraduate students take part in activities like internships, adding value to your student experience and supporting better graduate outcomes.

We’ll be in touch with further information if you are eligible after your employer confirms your internship. Bursaries are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

• If you need help with finding a specific opportunity or careers advice, please see our Career Toolkit, which is packed with resources to help with CVs, interview guidance and practices, cover letters, networking, confidence-building, and much more.
• Get quick advice or guidance by dropping by to chat to our friendly Student Career Coaches at the Careers Lounge (Frenchay Campus, Level 2 Library). No need to book – Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00.
• If you need more specialist advice bespoke to your college/programme, you can also check out our college drop ins.
• For help once you have found an internship or whilst you’re on your internship, please contact the Internships Team at uweinternships@uwe.ac.uk.