Internships

What is an internship:

An internship is typically a short period of work offered to a student during a vacation, or a recent graduate, during which the individual gains new skills and experience in a particular field/profession. An intern should be given a defined project, which creates real value for the internship provider and the intern.

How long is an Internship:

Internships should normally be for more than two weeks and will normally last for no longer than 12 weeks.

Why do an Internship: 

• Gain valuable work experience, skills and insights into certain industries
• Great way to network and make professional contacts
• Improves your CV
• Opportunity to travel and experience other cultures
• Helps you choose your next career steps

What should I do if I want to do an Internship:

Supervisors have overall responsibility for a student’s progression and hence supervisory support is needed to undertake an internship. In the first instance students must discuss their internship with their supervisor, and if they are supportive of you undertaking one, you should then proceed with completing the MPLS Internship Monitoring Form. The form is intended to help students to work through the things that they should consider when taking an internship, while also helping the MPLS Division to monitor the types of internships students are undertaking and improve our policies and support in this area. You will also need to ask your supervisor to complete the supervisor monitoring form, which should be uploaded as part of the application process.

Please note although Internships are not subject to a formal review process, intervention may be required in cases where the internship raises compliance issues, e.g. where a student's internship may be in contravention of visa or ATAS requirements.

What should I do if my programme has an Internship requirement included: 

Students who are required to undertake an internship as part of the programme, do not need to complete the MPLS internship form.  You should contact your department administrator to discuss what forms, if any, need to be completed. 

Will I need to suspend my status to take up an internship: 

If the internship is related to your research, and the work will form part of your final thesis, you should not apply for a suspension of status for the period of the internship. Should you require additional time at the end of your current period of registration, you may apply for an extension of time. Continuation charges may apply.

If your internship is not directly related to your research, and the work will not form part of your final thesis, you should apply for a suspension your status (using GSO17) for the appropriate term, unless your department specifically advise you not to do so (e.g. if you are undertaking a UKRI policy internship, or if you are an international student, which would have implications for your visa etc.). If you are advised not to suspend, should you require additional time at the end of your current period of registration, you may apply for an extension of time. Continuation charges may apply.

As suspensions can currently only be approved by terms, if the internship is taking place over the long vacation, you will need to request suspension of status for the whole Trinity Term.

The Oxford University Careers Service, can also provide further information and advice on Internships.