Year In

Most undergraduate students at Kent can apply for a Year In. The Year In allows you to add an extra year of study in a different subject area alongside your main degree, helping you develop new skills and broaden your career options.

You apply while you are studying for your undergraduate degree at Kent and can choose to take the Year In between year 2 and 3, or after year 3. Many students choose this as an alternative to the very popular Year In Industry.

You must be a current Kent undergraduate student. Some degree programmes already include a Year Abroad or Year in Industry, and you cannot add a Year In on top of these due to course structure.

Each Year In has its own entry guidance and some place restrictions on subjects that are too similar to your main degree programme, but you should speak to the programme lead if you have questions/concerns. The programmes are designed to be accessible for students with no prior subject knowledge. Always check the individual Year In page for details.

A Year In is an extra academic year of study where you learn a new subject through taught modules and practical work. When you graduate, your degree title will include “with a Year In …”.

A Year in Industry or placement year focuses on paid or unpaid work experience with an employer rather than academic study. The two options offer different benefits, and a Year In is ideal if you want to develop new academic and professional skills, change or enhance your focus, or have thought about a placement, but been unable to secure one but still want to add something extra to your degree.

A Year In adds an additional year of tuition, meaning your degree becomes a four-year programme. You will pay your usual rate of tuition fees for the extra year, in line with standard undergraduate fees for that academic year.

In many cases, student loans can cover the additional Year In, including tuition fees and maintenance support, if you are eligible. Funding rules can vary, so it’s important to check directly with Student Finance (or your funding body) to confirm your individual entitlement.

For current stage 3 students  - applications close 26 March 2027 (students with a visa should check eligibility)

For current stage 2 students - applications close 30 July 2027

Please note that if you are in your final year, there is an earlier deadline to enable graduation. It is important to apply as soon as possible.

With changes to student funding, anyone who starts their programme from 2027 will be able to take a Year In after Stage 3 only.   

Yes. You can:

• Book an appointment with the Careers and Employability Service for personalised advice
• Attend Year In information sessions
• Speak with your Academic Adviser or Year-In lead about how a Year-In fits with your degree and goals

Support is available to help you choose the option that’s right for you. You can also email careerhelp@kent.ac.uk if you have any questions and we will direct your enquiry to the right place.

Most Year In programmes are designed to be accessible to students from any degree background. You’ll be taught from the basics, although enthusiasm and commitment are important. Any specific expectations will be clearly stated on the individual Year-In pages.

In many cases, yes, but international students should check visa and funding implications before applying. You should seek advice from Kent’s immigration and student support services to ensure a Year-In is suitable for your circumstances.

The Year In usually takes place between stages of your degree (often between Stage 2 and Stage 3, or after Stage 3). Your course will be extended by one academic year.

With changes to student funding, anyone who starts their programme from 2027 will be able to take a Year In after Stage 3 only.     

Assessment methods vary depending on the subject and may include:

• Coursework
• Practical or project-based work
• Portfolios or group projects

Full details are provided in the programme specification for each Year In.

The Year In does not affect your final degree classification, but it does appear in your degree title, showing employers that you have completed additional specialist study.

Yes, many students work part-time during their Year In, provided it fits alongside their studies. You should ensure any work commitments are manageable and comply with visa conditions if applicable.

Absolutely. You will continue to have full access to Careers and Employability support, including appointments, workshops, employer events, and application guidance throughout your Year In.

A Year In helps you:

• Develop new technical and transferable skills
• Explore or confirm career interests
• Stand out to employers with a broader skill set
• Gain confidence in a new discipline alongside your main degree

Many students use the Year In to change direction, specialise, or strengthen their employability.

If you need more information:

• Contact the Careers and Employability Service for general advice – careerhelp@kent.ac.uk
• Contact the relevant School or Year In programme team for subject-specific questions

They’ll be happy to help.