Placements and WIL


Work Based Learning (WBL)

The challenge of finding a job is something that all students face following graduation. Employers value students with pre-existing workplace experience, and those who can readily translate what they learnt at university to the professional world are far more attractive to employers.

We strongly recommend students consider undertaking a placement subject during their course to gain career-ready experience, make valuable industry connections, and gain insight into the types of opportunities available after they graduate. Eligibility criteria apply for enrolment into all WBL subjects.

WBL placements for academic credit

Practical work placements in a real industry setting are offered right across the University. In addition to discipline-specific subjects, we offer a multi-discipline subject, with preference being given to students who do not have a compulsory WBL subject as part of their course.

Core Placement Subjects

Some courses (e.g. Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science) may have core placement subjects. These subjects are compulsory, and students are required to complete an in-industry placement in order to gain professional accreditation.

Elective Placement Subjects

Many WBL subjects are elective, and therefore not compulsory. However, we strongly recommend that students consider undertaking a WBL subject during their course to gain real-life experience, make valuable industry connections, and gain some insight into the types of work available in their field after they graduate.

Work Based Learning subjects by discipline

For detailed information regarding Health and Education placements, please visit the respective pages.

Agricultural Science, Animal and Veterinary Biosciences

Agricultural Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Bioscience students undertake placements in a wide variety of settings. La Trobe University students have been offered placements in settings such as:

To get information about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subject offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period

Agricultural Science

AGR2WILBusiness Work Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Week 11-45
  • Week 31-51

Email the placements team

Arts

WBL Subjects offered

If you are studying an undergraduate Arts degree, you may be eligible to apply for the following subjects. Check the handbook for more details.

DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
Journalism; Sports Journalism;
PR and Media
MAC3INTProfessional Internship
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • All year
Legal StudiesLST3LWCSocial Justice in Action -
Work experience in Legal Studies
and Criminology
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
Humanities and Social SciencesHUM5SIPAustralian Internships
and Placements
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
Humanities and Social SciencesHUS3EEPExtended Professional Practice
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Email the placements team

Business

WBL Subjects offered

If you are studying an undergraduate Business degree, you may be eligible to apply for the following subjects. Check the handbook for more details.

DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
BusinessBUS3010Business Work Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Online
  • Sydney
  • Semester 2
  • LTU Term 1, Semester 1
  • LTU Term 1, Semester 2
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
BusinessBUS5010Business Work Placement
  • Other site
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Week 48-08
Sports ManagementMGT3SVMVolunteer Management
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 2
Sports ManagementMGT3SPRSports Practicum
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Albury-Wodonga
  • All semesters

Email the placements team

Computer Science and IT

Computer Science and IT students at La Trobe are offered a variety of work placement experiences across a number of year levels. Placements are undertaken across a wide variety of industries from government to non-government organisations, small and large companies, and local and international companies.

In the past, La Trobe University students have undertaken work placements with companies such as:

  • The Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution
  • VickTrack
  • Centorrin Technologies
  • Bendigo Bank
  • The Lifesciences Computation Centre

Click to read more about work placement opportunities available to Computer Science and IT students.

To get information about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subjects offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
Computer Science

CSE3IBA

Industry Based Learning A
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Computer ScienceCSE3ILAIndustry Based Learning A
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Sydney
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Computer ScienceCSE5IBLIndustry Based Learning
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Week 48-08
Computer ScienceCSE3ILBIndustry Based Learning B
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Week 48-08
Computer ScienceCSE3IEAIndustry Experience A
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Computer ScienceCSE3IBBIndustry Based Learning B
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Email the placements team

Data Science, Maths and Statistics

male sitting on couch looking at laptop with virtual background of blue colours with equations written in white
Master of Data Science

This subject has been developed to allow students undertaking the Master of Data Science degrees to enhance their formal learning in a practical setting and to develop their understanding of the Australian workplace culture.

It also provides employers with the opportunity to access talented and motivated students to work on meaningful projects of organisational value. Students will undertake 2 days of placement per week over a 12-week period where they will plan, execute and evaluate an appropriate workplace project.

WBL Subject offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period

Master of Data Science

STM5IPL

Industry Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
Subject Details
  • Select entry subject requiring Subject Coordinator approval
  • Students will need to have completed their first year of Master of Data Science
  • Students must submit an Expression of Interest and Resume
  • Pre-placement preparation workshop
  • Assessment: resume/cover letter, 2 x Project Reports, Reflective Report and Employer Evaluation
Placement Details
  • 2 days of placement per week over 12 weeks
  • Streams: Big data and cloud computing, Bioinformatics and Analytical Science
  • Project based (primarily)
  • Timing – as per semester dates for Semester 1, Semester 2 and Summer
  • Mix of self-sourced and university sourced placements
  • Placements are generally unpaid
Master of Data Science students are skilled in:
  • Working with Big Data tools like Hadoop, Apache Spark, Hive and cloud computing
  • The use of Amazon Web Services
  • Java and Scala programming
  • Cleaning and transforming data at a large scale
  • Data visualisation
  • Using statistical software packages to model data arising from complex study designs
  • Applying advanced statistical techniques to modern problems
Additionally, students in specialised streams have acquired the following skills:

Data and Cloud Computing

  • Web development
  • Predictive analytics
  • Data mining

Analytical Science

  • Reproduce, critique and validate complicated statistical analyses in a variety of contexts
  • Combine evidence from several studies to increase power and make new discoveries
  • Model longitudinal and other forms of repeated measures data prevalent in modern applications

Bioinformatics

  • Differential expression analysis using either next-gen sequencing based or microarray data
  • Cluster analysis and dimensional reduction of large omics data
  • Pathway analysis of omics data
  • Statistical analysis of omics data from public repository
  • Basic analysis of single-cell omics data
  • Sample size and study power calculations
Placement projects could include:
  • Analysis and cleaning of Big Data
  • Predictive analytics: to train a model and make various predictions on test data
  • Produce reports from aggregated quantities of interest from large data sets
  • Dimension reduction and visualisation of high-dimension data
  • The effect of model violations on the analysis of repeated measures
  • Projects that use omics data to identify transcripts, genes or pathways involved in onset and progression of diseases
  • Identification of novel biomarkers for better-targeted early intervention or better drug-response
  • Single-cell omics data analysis
Student Information Session

Information sessions for this subject cover key steps on how to source internship opportunities within your industry. We encourage all students who are interested in the subject STM5IPL to attend an information session as it will equip you with valuable insider information which can also be applied to your job search strategies.

Email the placements team

Engineering

2 males in reflective vests smiling at camera standing in front of military camouflage vehicle
Engineering at La Trobe University

Engineering students at La Trobe University are given the opportunity to complete a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement in their 4th year of study for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), a professional qualification accredited by Engineers Australia.

Students are expected to carry out engineering work as if employed by the company for six months. The student’s work is expected to be a contribution to productivity or the company’s strategic goals.

La Trobe University students have worked with a number of high-profile organisations including:

  • The German Aerospace Center (DLR)
  • Fraunhofer Society
  • BMW
  • Thales Group
  • Melbourne Water

To get information about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subjects Offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
Engineering

EMS4WLA

Work Integrated Learning A
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Weeks 47-22
Engineering

EMS4WLB

Work Integrated Learning B
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Sydney
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Week 30-44
Engineering

EMS5WLA

Work Integrated Learning A
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Weeks 30-35
  • Weeks 47-22
Engineering

EMS5WLB

Work Integrated Learning B
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Weeks 30-35
  • Weeks 47-22

Email the placements team

Exercise Science

Exercise Science is available to students in the Melbourne campus through the School of Allied Health, and in Bendigo as part of La Trobe Rural Health School.

Click to read more about Exercise Science at La Trobe University.

Students in this discipline aim to become experts in sport and exercise science, with an emphasis on community wellness. La Trobe University students undertake placements in a variety of different settings including:

  • Community Health settings
  • Corporate health and wellness
  • Developing and monitoring exercise programs
  • Sport injury prevention

La Trobe University has had a partnership with the ERA (Exercise Research Australia) since 2016. In this period more than 60 La Trobe University (LTU) Exercise Science students have undertaken the ERA program. In 2018, LTU and the ERA hope to extend this to more than 80 students.

Listen to students talk about their placement experience

To find out more about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subjects Offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
Exercise Science

EXS2AES

Applied Exercise Science
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Exercise Science

EXS3EPP

Exercise Programming And Prescription
For People With Special Considerations
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
La Trobe Sport Intern Diaries

La Trobe University students undertake internship opportunities in a variety of settings. Read about their stories here!

Find out more about our health placements.

Law and Criminology

WBL Subjects offered

Double degree law students may be eligible to apply for WBL subjects available for Criminology, Biomedicine, Business, Arts, Psychological Science, Commerce, Science, Global Studies, Media & Communication, Politics, Philosophy & Economics. Double degree law students may be eligible to apply for WIL subjects available for Arts and Business students. Check the handbook for more details.

DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
CriminologyLCR3INTCriminology Internship
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
CriminologyLCR3002Criminology Internship A
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Winter
  • Semester 2
  • Week 4507
LawLAW2PLPPublic Interest Law Practice
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Law LAW4006Law Internship A
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Winter
  • Semester 2
  • Week 4507
LawLAW5INBLaw Internship B
  • City
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
LawLAW4INBLegal Internship (Broad)
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
LawLAW4INTLegal Internship 
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
LawLAW5INTLegal Internship 
  • City
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer
  • Winter
LawLAW4LPPLegal Practice and Conduct:
Clinical Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
LawLAW5CVPCivil Dispute Resolution
  • City
  • Semester 2
Law LAW3SSLThe Law of Succession
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • LTU Term 6

Email the placements team

Psychology

three females sitting in chairs, two taking notes as talking

Students undertaking this subject complete their work placement with the Department of Health and Human Services. In order to enrol in this subject, students must have been offered a placement by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Documentation: In order to participate in this subject must hold a valid Working With Children Check card, a current Police Check Certificate, and where indicated, a current and valid drivers license.

To get information about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subject offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period

Psychology

PSY3PFPPsychology Field Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Bendigo
  • Albury - Wodonga
  • W4507

Alternative Option: Entry into this subject is limited to a set number of students, however students who are not offered a placement for this subject are encouraged to consider the cross-discipline subject "Future Ready for Work" as a possible alternative.

Find out more about our health placements.

Email the placements team

Public Health

students sitting around table with laptops and notepads, talking and working collaboratively

Work placement opportunities are offered to Public Health students as a 3rd year undergraduate elective. Placements take place in a variety of public health settings such as:

  • Community centers
  • City councils
  • Primary health networks
  • Non-government organisations
  • Hospitals

Public Health courses at La Trobe University.

To get information about an individual subject's objectives, requirements and study options, please click on the link below to access the subject specifics in the relevant handbook entry.

WBL Subject offered
DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period

Public Health

PHE3PFPParticipatory Field Placement
  • Melbourne (Bundoora)
  • Semester 2

Find out more about our health placements.

Email the placements team

Industry Placement Elective Subjects

The Industry Placement Elective subjects are available to all students with elective space, across multiple disciplines at La Trobe University.

Find out more about the Industry Placement Elective Subjects

The Industry Placement Elective Subjects features:

  • a combination of activities in a workplace and learning activities and assessment via LMS
  • placements can be onsite, remote or hybrid
  • aligned to your course or career aspirations
  • voluntary/paid (most at unpaid)
  • usually completed 2nd or 3rd year

*Students must have elective space in their degree and meet eligibility requirements.

DisciplineSubject CodeSubject NameCampusStudy Period
Industry Placement
Elective subject 
LTU3INDIndustry Placement
(Undergraduate) 
  • Any
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer

Industry Placement 

Minor

LTU2PP1

LTU2PP2

LTU3PP3

LTU3PP4

Professional Placement 1

Professional Placement 2

Professional Placement 3

Professional Placement 4

(All undergraduate subjects)

  • Any
  • Term 1
  • Term 2
  • Term 3
  • Term 4
  • Term 5
  • Term 6

Industry Placement
Elective subject

LTU5INDIndustry Placement
(Postgraduate)
  • Any
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Summer

University Sourced placement opportunities

La Trobe University has a centralised and dedicated team of Industry Engagement experts, working closely with exciting and innovative businesses, across a number of disciplines, to create meaningful industry placement opportunities. ​These opportunities are available exclusively to students who wish to enrol into the Industry Placement Elective subjects (LTU3IND, LTU5IND and the Industry Placement Minor). ​

Student Sourced placements

When searching for your own industry placement, it is important that you spend some time creating a targeted approach though identifying industries, companies, projects, and contacts of interest. This will assist you in being clear about what it is that you are looking for and additionally, will help you to build knowledge of possible careers in your discipline area.

Find out more

Find out how to apply for the Industry Placement Elective Subjects.

Email the placements team

Industry Placement Bursaries

La Trobe University is supporting students who have commenced a placement by offering the opportunity to apply for an Industry Placement Bursary.

WBL Resources