Formal assessment of student placement within a retail sandwich degree

This paper provides a discussion on the implementation of formal assessment of work placement within a retail sandwich degree at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Outlines the Retail Marketing degree and placement programme. Explains the key components of placement assessment: professional practice; personal skills and the placement project. Concludes that successful assessment relies on careful briefing and preparation of students prior to placement and close liaison between placement tutor, employer and student during the sandwich period.