Register Your Interest - Design and Sustainability Placements

Register Your Interest - Design and Sustainability Placements

ABOUT ROLE

We are looking for students currently undertaking a degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Physical/Material Sciences or related subject, to join BAT for a year-long placement. This placement may be based in London or at the BAT R&D Hub in Southampton depending on the role. Placement roles may offer students the following opportunities to apply and develop the knowledge and skills from their degree:

• Support the development of sustainable materials and implementation into new product designs
• Develop key design concepts and capabilities such as Product Concept Generation, CAD modelling, Rendering, Modelmaking Liaison, Colour Material Finish Studies, Inspiration imagery collecting
• Complete sustainable material investigations in a consistent manner with the principles of our Innovation Framework
• Demonstrate and develop problem solving abilities
• Present learnings and provide project updates to immediate team and across R&D

Benefits

We believe internships should be rewarding in every way. That’s why our program comes with a comprehensive package of financial perks and well-being benefits to support you during your journey with us.

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Salary: £24,000 per annum — a strong start to your professional journey.
• Discretionary Bonus: Get recognized through our Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Company Share Reward Scheme: Invest in your future and share in the company’s success.
• Pension Participation: Start building for tomorrow with our Company Pension Scheme.
• Group Personal Accident Insurance: To cover you if you suffer an accident anywhere in the world
• Financial Education Support: Find out how to improve your finances and meet your financial goals via the Money Talks hub, including accessing events, animation videos and calculators.

Wellness & Health

• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover to keep you feeling your best
• Eye Care Vouchers: Supports regular checkups and investing in quality glasses at a reduce cost.
• Doctor@Hand: 24/7 virtual GP access for fast, expert health advice.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Mental health support, confidential counselling, and helpful health webinars.
• On-Site Gym Access & Gym Membership Discounts: Stay active with access to our in-house gym and local gym discounts.
• Subsidised On-Site Lunches: Nutritious, delicious meals at a fraction of the cost.
• 25 Days Paid Annual Leave (pro-rated)
• Flexible Hybrid Working: Embrace a balance of remote and in-office days.
• Extensive Wellbeing Policies: Designed to support employees through life’s changing moments
• Shopping Discounts and Cashback: Discounts on a variety of items from groceries to wellness products, travel and more, you can start saving more money right away, on things you’re already buying all year round.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT SCHEME

BAT is a global multi-category consumer goods business, with brands sold in over 200 markets. Our employees come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and our business benefits from the breadth of ideas and experiences they bring. Our heritage is in cigarettes. However, we recognise the world is changing. We now have a clear purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of our business.

We make significant investments in Research and Development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. We conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate our Potentially Reduced Risk Products (PRRPs) and apply the highest standards for product safety and quality. Successful applicants will be involved in our extensive scientific research program which spans a broad spectrum of scientific fields - including molecular biology, human biology, toxicology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sensorial science, data science, computer science, product design, and engineering disciplines

In the UK, we offer 12-months placement opportunities (starting on 1st September 2026) to undergraduate students looking to gain practical experience within a vibrant and innovative industrial setting. As part of the scheme, you will be partnered with a mentor, have regular reviews with your Line Manager and work on projects that impact the business.

BAT has an established placement programme, with a dedicated Placement Team, which provides training and development throughout the placement. This includes sessions for onboarding, presentation skills, critical thinking, scientific poster presentations and ‘speed networking’ with senior management. Successful applicants are provided with multiple opportunities to develop transferable skills in addition to gaining ‘hands on’ experience in a technical discipline.

As part of the scheme students get a chance to cultivate their independent thinking and problem-solving skills in addition to working in and contributing to a team. Cross functional/department working and participation in other research activities is also encouraged, where appropriate. Previous work experience in a practical ‘hands-on’ role would be useful but not essential.