A sandwich course is a 4- to 5-year program that combines an undergraduate or graduate degree with an internship lasting a full year in the workplace. Additionally, it entails spending time away from school on a placement; this could be a full year or a thin sandwich degree with a number of internships spread out over the course of the program.
Before returning to school for the remainder of the program, you work for nine months to a year. These courses are undoubtedly longer than a typical degree, but they have the advantage that most colleges place you in a job once you finish, and this work experience is quite valuable. In the 1950s, sandwich courses first appeared in the UK and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
Difference between a full-time course and a sandwich course
A sandwich programme in the UK differs from a conventional programme in that it includes a year designated for placement and job experience. A full-time sandwich programme is best for students who want to finish their degrees without taking time off for work experience.
Mandatory placements have been implemented by many institutions in the UK for courses like psychology, engineering, business, and design. In a regular course, there may be internship opportunities, but they typically run only up to 12 weeks, while in a sandwich course, the placement year lasts 9 to 12 months. Another difference between the two courses is that in a sandwich programme, students must complete their placements.
Different Sandwich Courses in the UK
Sandwich courses come in two different varieties: thin sandwich courses and thick sandwich courses.
1. Thin sandwich courses comprise two to three internships or six months of labor over the course of the year.
2. One-year job placements or internships in businesses make up thick sandwich courses. These businesses, institutes, and organizations are frequently connected to the main university. This enables the student to quickly receive approval or job offers.
Benefits of Studying Sandwich Courses in the UK
- Gaining useful work experience is the primary benefit of earning a sandwich degree. Students learn to strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical practice.
- Students are prepared for their industry by taking sandwich courses. For instance, mechanical engineering students can find employment with prestigious companies like Rolls Royce, Michelin, McLaren F1, Spirit AeroSystems, Caterpillar, and others.
- Students who enrol in some programmes, such as non-vocational sandwich degrees that involve a second year of study abroad, will acquire new linguistic and cultural experiences. Primary institutions offer grants to students to defray their travel expenses for some language courses.
- Sandwich courses unquestionably give students the advantage of being more proficient in their jobs than they would otherwise be.
- For international students who want to qualify for post-study work visas in the UK, there are numerous internships available throughout the year.
- Sandwich courses give students the chance to make money while enrolled in a school while also developing crucial networking abilities and openings in the relevant field.
Universities in the UK that offer sandwich courses
Universities in the UK that offer sandwich courses include those that specialise in business, computer science, engineering, humanities, and mathematics.
Sandwich courses are offered at the undergraduate or graduate levels in the UK by prestigious universities such as the University of Bath, Lancaster University, University of Surrey, Loughborough University, Aston University, Staffordshire University, Birmingham City University, etc.
Things to consider if you choose a sandwich course
- How much assistance the institution provides in locating a suitable placement
- The variety of positions that can be had and the selection criteria
- How much instruction the institution provides to the student during placement
- Whether or how the student’s performance during the placement will be taken into account when awarding the degree
- If the student receives a reasonable wage while working in the field
- The university fees due while the student is on placement
Stipend for Sandwich Course Students
Although it is not required by law, employers usually offer students on sandwich year internships a decent income.
Depending on the industry, region, and company, these might range from £11,000 to £25,000 [INR 11 to 25 lakhs], with an average pay of roughly £18,000 [INR 18 lakhs].
Eligibility requirements
- The prerequisites for sandwich courses are comparable to those for full-time study in the UK:
- Minimum 60% from specific courses with a recognized board
- Result sheets for English proficiency exams such the TOEFL, IELTS, and C1 Advanced
- Students who meet the requirements may be excluded from this requirement at some universities
- GMAT and GRE for graduate programmes
- College transcripts
Recommendation letter (LOR) - Portfolio (for specific courses)
- A CV (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Apply with Rostrum
Sandwich courses give you globally renowned theoretical and practical skills. Because of the practical experience you get during the course, you will have the advantage of being instantly career-ready. All of your unique needs will be taken into account by the Rostrum Education team of counsellors. We give you comprehensive information so you don’t have to spend time doing your own research.
We transform your enthusiasm and aspirations into useful, practical results. Our group of college advisors assists you in selecting the best professional route while directing you toward courses with a promising future. We assist you with everything, including profile building and essay writing. Additionally, we help you through the complete university application procedure. To schedule a free consultation, call us right away.
