At a time when the cost of higher education is never far from the headlines, that aspiration carries even greater weight. Students and their families are rightly asking: Will this degree lead to meaningful employment? Will it equip me with the skills employers value? Will I be ready for the world of work?
At Sheffield Hallam University, we believe those questions deserve clear, confident answers.
Rather than just teaching the theory, we have long been focused on helping to launch students into their chosen career. However, we are taking this commitment one step further by making a bold new promise.
If a UK undergraduate Hallam student is not in work or further study 12 months after successfully completing their course, then we will guarantee them a paid internship.
This commitment is at the centre of our newly launched Career Promise – an unequivocal commitment to placing careers at the very heart of the Hallam experience.
Our Career Promise captures everything we do to prepare our students for life after graduation. It builds on our long-standing strengths and is informed directly by insight into what students value most from their degree. It sets out, clearly and transparently, what they can expect from us in terms of career readiness.
The promise begins with practical learning. Applied, real-world experience is built into our courses. Our academics bring deep industry knowledge and professional expertise into the classroom, ensuring that learning is grounded in current practice. Students do not simply study theory; they learn how to apply it.
Alongside this is research-enriched study. Our researchers are tackling real-world challenges, and those insights flow directly into our teaching. Students are encouraged to think critically, to question assumptions and to develop the analytical skills that employers consistently tell us they need.
We are also focused on outcomes. Assessment at Hallam is not just about sitting in exams. Whether through live briefs, simulations, presentations or project work, students are assessed in ways that mirror professional environments.
Meaningful employer connections are another cornerstone of the promise. We have strong partnerships across sectors and create opportunities for students to meet, engage with and learn from employers throughout their studies. These connections help students build confidence, networks and a clearer sense of direction.
Of course, even the most motivated students sometimes need individual guidance. That is why personalised support sits at the centre of our approach. Our employability team offers career coaching from day one through to graduation and beyond. From CV workshops and interview preparation to exploring career options, students are supported at every stage.
We are also launching Hallam Talent, our new on-campus student recruitment agency. Opening in the coming months, it will act as a dedicated employability hub, connecting students with part-time jobs, placement opportunities and graduate-level roles. This initiative reflects our determination to make access to work opportunities simpler and more visible.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of our Career Promise is our commitment to employability guaranteed. For students starting in September 2026, we will offer a guaranteed graduate internship if they are not in work or further study 12 months after successful completion of their course, helping them take the next career step.
We already know that our approach works. In the most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey (2022/23), 95 per cent of our graduates were in work or further study – many of whom will have joined our region’s public sector workforce. Last year, more than 1,700 health students, including nurses and paramedics, as well as more than 1,400 students on teaching related courses graduated from Sheffield Hallam.
Our strong graduate outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the strength of our employer partnerships. But we are not complacent. The labour market is changing rapidly, shaped by technological innovation, economic uncertainty and evolving employer expectations. Universities must evolve too.
Our Career Promise packages our extensive and tailored support into a single, coherent proposition that brings our offer to life. It signals to prospective students that we understand their priorities and share their ambitions. For applicants weighing up their options, clarity matters. By placing careers firmly at the centre of the Hallam experience, we are helping them see the full picture.
In a competitive and uncertain world, our message to students is simple: choose Sheffield Hallam, work hard, seize opportunities – and we will stand alongside you, committed to helping you turn your potential into a profession.
