At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Safety Culture Lead in promoting a positive safety culture through assessments and workshops.
- Company: Join Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard, the largest naval base in Western Europe.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and connect with supportive colleagues.
- Other info: Potential for graduate programme consideration based on performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety practices while gaining insight into a complex industrial environment.
- Qualifications: Must be in final year of a Psychology or related behavioural science degree.
Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year
Programme title: Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 16 October 2025
Start date: September 2026
Role ID: 66882
What you’ll be doing
Join us at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth – the largest naval base in Western Europe – for your placement year, where you’ll be part of our Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team.
During your time with us, you’ll support the Safety Culture Lead in delivering our cultural strategy to promote a positive safety culture across the site. You’ll carry out assessments, surveys, workshops, and interviews to evaluate safety culture and measure the impact of our interventions.
Applying your Psychology background, you’ll help identify and propose improvements to safety practices and cultural initiatives. You’ll also collaborate with our Learning from Experience team to analyse incidents and near misses, contributing to ongoing safety performance improvements.
This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into a complex industrial environment and work alongside a diverse, experienced team committed to making a meaningful impact.
What you’ll get out of it
Our placements are about more than work experience – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you up for your future career. You’ll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way.
We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what’s right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme – your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.
What you’ll need
- You must be entering your final year of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Psychology or a related behavioural science/behaviour change discipline.
- Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
Application process and closing dates
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique placement opportunity at the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to develop your skills alongside experienced professionals while contributing to meaningful safety initiatives. With a focus on employee growth, successful placement students may even secure a position in our graduate programme, paving the way for a rewarding career in a dynamic industrial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth
✨Engage with University Career Services
Alright, so if you're on the hunt for a psychology placement, hit up your uni's career services. They often have specific resources, workshops, and connections to organisations looking for students like us. Plus, they might even help you prep for interviews and offer guidance on how to stand out!
✨Tap into Psychology Networks
Don’t forget to check out psychology-specific forums and communities online—places like the British Psychological Society and various Facebook groups are goldmines for placement opportunities. Connecting with current professionals in these networks can give us a leg up and might even lead to insider tips on openings at places like Babcock International.
✨Attend Psychology Events and Workshops
Get yourself to psychology conferences, workshops, or local talks! These events are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers and mentors. They could provide some solid networking opportunities that may lead you directly to a placement at Babcock International.
✨Show Your Passion Online
Start a blog or an online portfolio where you can share your interest in psychology—think case studies, reflections, or research discoveries. This not only showcases your enthusiasm but also increases your visibility in the field. When applying for placements, we can link them to your writings and give potential employers a taste of your perspective!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off Your Passion for Psychology:In your application, let your enthusiasm for psychology shine through! Talk about your journey so far, what drives you in this field, and why you want to join Babcock International as a Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year. This is a placement, so illustrate how keen you are to learn and contribute.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you haven’t had loads of professional experience, detail any relevant projects or volunteer work related to psychology. Whether it’s a psychology-related coursework or practical experience through internships or class projects, make sure to include it as it demonstrates your application of knowledge.
Connect the Dots:Don’t just list your qualifications—link them to the skills the placement requires! For psychology roles, it can be pivotal to mention your skills in research, analysis, and communication. Show how these skills are not just theoretical but practical and how you can use them at Babcock International.
Tailor Your Documents:Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role at Babcock International. Don’t forget to mention any psychological theories or approaches you’re particularly interested in, along with any relevant academic achievements that set you apart from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Prep Your Psychological Toolbox
In the world of psychology, it’s crucial to be familiar with different theories and practices. Brush up on key psychological models and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them in real-world contexts, especially during case study questions. This could showcase your readiness for the placement at Babcock International.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
Interviewers in psychology often look for interpersonal skills. Think about your experiences where you used empathy or active listening effectively. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight how these skills can impact client interactions or team dynamics—it's what they want to hear for placements.
✨Demonstrate Your Research Interest
Don’t forget to mention any research you've done in your field. Whether it’s a project from uni or a report you found fascinating, showing your active interest in psychology will resonate well with the interviewers. It reveals your initiative and eagerness to learn on placement at Babcock International.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Many psychology placements include role-play or situational judgement tests during interviews. Be ready to think on your feet! Practise how you might respond to common scenarios you might face in your role, like dealing with difficult emotions or ethical dilemmas, to really impress at Babcock International.
