Abstract
Using data from the University of Surrey's Economics Department, this paper explores the role of professional placement in degree performance. The list of control variables includes a measure of ability, A-level subject choice, gender and nationality. The statistical analysis offers evidence that participation in the placement scheme significantly increases the chances of obtaining an upper second or higher degree class. Ability, as captured by the student's second-year average mark, is also related to better academic performance. British students are also predicted to do better than their foreign peers.