Sandwich Courses in UK

A Sandwich Course is a 4 to 5-year course that combines an undergraduate/postgraduate degree with a year-long placement in a professional setting. It also involves spending time away from the university on a placement; it can be an entire year or a thin sandwich degree with multiple internships spread across the program. Sandwich courses originated in the UK in the 1950s and later became popular around the world. 

Must Read: The Top UK Universities Every Football Player Must Check Out!

What is a Sandwich Course in UK?

In the United Kingdom, a Sandwich Course is a degree program in which you work for 9 months to a year before returning to classes for the rest of the program. These courses are clearly longer than a standard degree, but the benefit is that universities generally provide you with a placement, and this work experience is quite valuable when you graduate and begin looking for a job.

Also Read: How to Study in Glasgow?

Difference between a Sandwich Course and a Full-time Course

The basic difference between a sandwich course in the UK and a regular program is that the former includes a dedicated year for placement and work experience. Students who wish to complete their degree without taking time off for work experience should enroll in a full-time sandwich program. Many universities in the United Kingdom have introduced mandatory placements for certain subjects like psychology, engineering, business and design. 

While there may be internship possibilities in a normal course, they are generally only for up to 12 weeks whereas in a sandwich course, the placement year lasts 9 to 12 months. Another distinction between the two courses is that placements are not optional in a sandwich course, students have to work in the industry to complete their degree.

Must Read: How to Pursue MPhil in UK?

Types of Sandwich Courses in UK

There are two types of sandwich courses: Thin Sandwich Courses and Thick Sandwich Courses.

1. Throughout the year, thin sandwich courses include two to three internships or six months of work.

2. Thick sandwich courses consist of a single one-year internship or work experience in a company. These organizations, companies, and institutions usually have an affiliation to the primary university. This helps the student in getting approvals or offers to work immediately.

Must Read: Is It Possible to Study MBA Below 20000 GBP?

Advantages of Pursuing Sandwich Courses in UK

• The biggest advantage of getting a sandwich degree is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Students learn to balance practical experience with theoretical knowledge.
• Sandwich courses prepare students for their industry. For instance, mechanical engineering students can get placements with top industry players like Spirit AeroSystems, Caterpillar, McLaren F1, Michelin and Rolls Royce etc. 
• Some courses like non-vocational sandwich degrees that include an additional year of study abroad, the student will gain new cultural and language experiences. For some language courses, primary universities provide students funding to cover students’ expenses abroad.
• Sandwich courses, undoubtedly, provide students with the advantage of being more skilled at work than conventional study courses.
• Multiple internships throughout the year for international students who wish to apply for post study work visas in the UK.
• Sandwich courses allow students to earn money during the program and gain valuable networking skills and opportunities in the relevant industry.

Are Sandwich Courses Offered at all Universities?

Unfortunately, sandwich courses are not available at all universities. Even if your university does provide the possibility for placement, your field of study may not. You do, however, have the option of doing a summer internship. Since they take place over the summer, when the university is closed, they are open to all students. Internships can range in length from four weeks to three months, and they are available in nearly every industry.

Your sandwich placement applications should be professional and tailored to each opportunity. Make sure your CV is current and highlights the key skills required for the position.

If you are required to submit a cover letter, don’t use a generic template. Do some research on the company and the role they are offering and use your cover letter to explain what makes you suitable for the role, what it is about the company that appeals to you, and how you can make a valuable contribution.

Universities Offering Sandwich Courses in UK

There are a few colleges offering Sandwich Courses particularly in subjects identified with Business, Humanities, Engineering, Computer Science and Maths. A few colleges have tie-ups with organizations, and understudies get a chance to work in a particular organization. The following universities offer Sandwich Courses at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK:

Eligibility Criteria for Sandwich Courses in UK

Here are the major requirements to study in the UK, which are similar for sandwich courses:

• Minimum 60% from relevant/specified course and recognised board
• Scorecard of English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced. (Some universities exempt students from this if they meet the set criteria)
• GMAT/GRE for Masters programs
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Recommendations (LOR)
• Portfolio (for specific courses)
• A CV (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Stipend while Pursuing Sandwich Placements

Employers generally give students on sandwich year placements with a fair salary, despite the fact that it is not a legal obligation. These can range from £11,000 to £25,000 [INE 11 to 25 lakhs], depending on the sector, region, and business, with an average salary of approximately £18,000 [INR 18 lakhs].

FAQs

Also Read: Study in UK’s Beach Towns and Breezy Cities!

Planning to study sandwich courses in the United Kingdom? Get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts at 1800 572 000 and let them help you with your application process, test preps, scholarships, and land an admit at your dream university in the UK.

The post Sandwich Courses in UK appeared first on Leverage Edu.