The University of Northampton’s Employability Promise
From your first lecture to your first career move, and beyond, we’re with you every step of the way.
At the University of Northampton, your future is built into your university experience. Every course is designed to help you develop the skills, experience and confidence employers value, whilst Student Futures provides personalised support throughout your studies and beyond graduation.
We’re confident that the experiences, opportunities and personalised support you’ll receive throughout your time at the University of Northampton will prepare you for your future career. That’s why our support doesn’t end when you graduate.
If you’re eligible for our Employability Promise and haven’t secured graduate employment after six months of graduating, we’ll continue to work with you to help you take the next step.
Our Employability Promise
You will receive dedicated support from Student Futures providing personalised career coaching, helping you refine your career goals, strengthen your applications and connect with opportunities that match your ambitions.
We are confident that those who graduate from UON and complete the Student Futures Award will secure graduate employment. If after 6 months of tailored careers support, in the unlikely event that this doesn’t happen, they will receive either:
- A paid internship (lasting at least three months), helping you gain valuable professional experience
- Discounted postgraduate study at the University of Northampton (subject to eligibility criteria)
Your future starts on Day One
We’ll help you explore your career options, identify your strengths and build a personalised plan for success. You’ll have access to careers coaching, professional development workshops, employer insights and resources to help you make informed decisions about your future.
Develop real-world skills through practical learning
Every course includes opportunities* to develop professional skills through activities such as:
- Placements
- Live Industry briefs and consultancy projects
- Industry visits
- Professional simulations
- Problem-based scenarios and real-world case studies
- Careers and professional practice workshops
- Clinics, Lab work and fieldwork
- Employer-validated project work
*Opportunities vary by course and are subject to change as we continue to respond to industry and professional developments.
Build the relationships that shape your career
You’ll have opportunities to connect with employers, industry professionals and our dedicated Student Futures team throughout your studies. Alongside access to our Student Futures portal, you’ll benefit from CV and application support, interview preparation, networking events, LinkedIn headshots, placements and volunteering opportunities, part-time work through Unitemps, enterprise support and a personalised career development plan.
Support that lasts beyond your degree
Your relationship with Student Futures doesn’t end when you graduate. As a University of Northampton graduate, you’ll continue to have access to our Student Futures portal, lifetime careers coaching, job opportunities, CV and interview support, career change advice, enterprise support and guidance on further study. And for eligible graduates, our Employability Promise provides additional support if you need it as you take your next steps.
To be eligible for the Employability Promise, you’ll need to:
- Achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree, complete your HND or achieve a minimum merit postgraduate degree
- Complete the Student Futures Award
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Engage regularly with Student Futures during the six-month support period after graduation
Please note: Any graduate meeting these requirements but achieved an Employability Plus or Changemaker Award is still eligible. The Student Futures award was brought in to replace them.
What is the University of Northampton Employability Promise?
The University of Northampton’s Employability Promise reflects our commitment to supporting your career from the moment you join us until long after you graduate.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to employability experiences built into your course, personalised career coaching, employer connections, part-time work opportunities, enterprise support and professional development through Student Futures.
If you’re eligible and haven’t secured graduate employment after receiving six months of dedicated support from Student Futures following graduation, we’ll offer you either a paid internship (minimum three months) or discounted postgraduate study to help you take your next step.
What is the Student Futures Award?
The Student Futures Award recognises your commitment to developing the skills, experiences and attributes that employers value.
The award combines the University’s previous flagship awards (Employability Plus and Changemaker Certificate), bringing together professional development, career readiness and social impact into one recognised award.
If you’ve already completed either the Employability Plus Award or the Changemaker Certificate, you’re still eligible for the Employability Promise.
What will the internship involve?
The internship is designed to help you gain valuable professional experience and strengthen your CV.
Internships are:
- Paid (National Minimum Wage or above)
- A minimum of three months in duration
- Matched to your skills and career aspirations wherever possible
Our team will work with you to identify the most suitable opportunity available.
Who are the employers?
We work with hundreds of employers across a wide range of sectors, from local SMEs to national and international organisations.
Through Student Futures you’ll have opportunities to connect with employers via placements, live briefs, networking events, careers fairs, internships and graduate recruitment activities throughout your studies.
What if I’d prefer to study a postgraduate course?
If, following six months of dedicated careers support, you decide that postgraduate study is the right next step, eligible graduates may be offered discounted postgraduate study at the University of Northampton instead of a paid internship.
As a University of Northampton graduate, you may also be eligible for alumni discounts on selected postgraduate courses.
I’m already a University of Northampton student. Does this apply to me?
Yes. Current students who meet the eligibility criteria can benefit from the Employability Promise. To find out more, visit Student Futures in the Learning Hub or email studentfutures@northampton.ac.uk.
I’m an international student. Can I access the Employability Promise?
International students can access the same Student Futures services throughout their studies and after graduation.
To receive a paid internship through the Employability Promise, you’ll need to have the legal right to work in the UK at the time the internship is offered. If this isn’t possible due to visa restrictions, we’ll continue to support you in exploring graduate opportunities or further study.
I’m an employer. How can I can get involved?
We’re always looking to work with employers who want to support our students and graduates.
Whether you’re interested in offering internships, placements, live projects, graduate roles or networking opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact employers@northampton.ac.uk to discuss how we can work together.
