Specialist support for students
International students who choose to study a postgraduate STEM degree at the University of Greenwich benefit from much more than an academic qualification. Through our partnership with Twin Group and Step Recruitment, MSc students gain specialist industry experience as part of their programme, opening doors to long term international careers.
This model combines postgraduate study, UK visa sponsorship and a year of industrial practice with employers across engineering, science and technology. Together, the university and partners are creating opportunities that help students build successful global futures.
A pathway designed for real career impact
Demand for postgraduate degrees that include work experience continues to grow. In response, Greenwich has expanded its portfolio of master’s degrees with placement year, enabling students to gain both advanced academic knowledge and practical industry exposure. This approach has contributed to the university becoming one of the UK’s most successful destinations for international STEM enrolments since 2019.
The Faculty of Engineering and Science now offers 18 specialist MSc programmes with Industrial Practice, attracting students from more than 30 countries and supporting thousands of international learners. These programmes give students the skills and experience needed to thrive in competitive global job markets.
Head of International Student Recruitment, Graeme Tong, explains:
“We confidently tell applicants that our ‘with Industrial Practice’ programmes give them a massive advantage for entering the workforce.”
Delivering these placements requires strong industry networks, ongoing employer engagement and tailored support for students as they prepare for applications and interviews. Twin Group and Step Recruitment work directly with the faculty to build employer pipelines, prepare students and align placements with market demand. This sustainable model ensures that opportunities continue to grow each year.
Industry experience that builds skills and confidence
Since 2019, the partnerships with Twin Group and Step Placements have supported 2,206 MSc student journeys, with 851 students progressing into STEM placements. In 2024, Twin group reported 93% of placement students were hired by their companies after completing the programmes, demonstrating the strength of these opportunities.
Students regularly highlight the value of applying their learning to real engineering challenges and gaining practical experience that accelerates their development.
- Abhishek Kumar, now a Senior Site Engineer on the HS2 project, was the first student placed through the partnership. He describes his placement as a crucial environment for hands on learning that helped him gain specialist knowledge not easily acquired in the classroom. He and four other students secured sponsored full time roles with Kilnbridge Construction, and Abhishek now plans to recruit MSc students for his own team.
- Anika Mosharaf, now a Technical Assurance Engineer earning £55,000, credits her placement for fast tracking her career progression. She achieved in one year what would usually take five.
Beyond technical development, students report strong growth in communication, teamwork, project management, critical thinking and professional confidence. Alumni have joined global employers including Amazon, ThermoFisher Scientific and AstraZeneca, demonstrating the versatility of the skills gained through the programme.
Employers praise the professionalism and contribution of Greenwich students
At Sainsbury’s Distribution Centre, General Manager Robert Thomas said the support from the university made the process seamless. His placement student, Sachin Kumar, progressed quickly and is now an Area Manager at Amazon Tilbury, one of the world’s largest fulfilment centres.
Another student, Enobong Ikot, began her placement uncertain about her abilities. With support from Twin Group, she gained confidence and is now a Team Leader at Target Healthcare, overseeing 32 colleagues.
Stronger industry partnerships and employer outcomes
Companies such as Pacadar Plc, Quantum Pharmaceuticals, Target Healthcare and blu Ltd take part in career fairs, site visits, talks and panel events while regularly hiring Greenwich students. Several employers highlight that international students bring valuable skills and represent an underutilised recruitment opportunity, particularly in sectors experiencing skills shortages.
Creating international futures
The partnership between the University of Greenwich and the partners offers more than a placement. It creates a pathway that leads from postgraduate study to meaningful, long-term careers across global STEM industries.
For international students seeking professional experience, industry preparation and the chance to build a future in engineering, science or technology, our Industrial Practice MSc programmes offer a powerful opportunity to achieve their goals.
Apply Now and make your dream to study in the UK a reality.
