The effect of placement experience upon final-year results for surveying degree programmes.

It is well established that year-long industrial placements can bring workplace knowledge and increased employability. A body of recent studies has attempted to discern any effect on academic performance following the return to university, using a number of different data analysis approaches. This study discusses the difficulties of ascertaining differences in scores for students that have undertaken placement. The results of 417 students who graduated from property management and development courses are analysed, using an approach to correct for previous academic performance. A statistically significant enhancement in the final-year marks for students returning from placement is identified. Some evidence is also found to suggest that placement effects on academic performance may vary according to gender and age at course commencement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]