If you have chosen a vocational study program or study abroad placements for any other course, a “sandwich course” is a program that includes at least one session (from 9 to 12 months) of employment in a specific industry in between your academic sessions. These placements are referred to as the sandwich’s stuffing. Nevertheless, this concept is restricted to undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
In the majority of UK institutions, the undergraduate sandwich program is a three-year degree that can be divided into two components: two years of academic study and a third year of project/internship/study abroad placement (i.e., prior to the final year). This apprenticeship should be completed for a minimum of nine months.
In addition, postgraduate programs provide the opportunity to pursue an additional industrial placement year, which is referred to as a 1+1 or PGT sandwich program.
| Thick Sandwich | Thin Sandwich | Thin Sandwich |
| Course structure | The majority of contemporary courses adhere to a comparable framework.1 and 2 Year: University academic year 3 Year: Sandwich/internship year 4 Year: University academic year continues |
This sandwich program comprises two brief periods of placement that alternate with periods at the university. |
| Placement options | Your internship or study abroad year can be spent in a variety of ways.- You can teach in a school-You are eligible to pursue your education abroad at any university that is a partner institution (excluding the United Kingdom).- An industrial placement is an option. | The courses are more experiential, and universities provide internships with organizations located in the United Kingdom or anywhere else on the planet. |
| Sectoral opportunity | Engineering, Sociology, Business, Language-specific, History, and Geography are among the numerous opportunities available, ranging from Forensics to Politics. | The primary subjects in which these intermediate courses are offered are Business, Finance, Sport Studies, Psychology, and Engineering. |
Eligibility for a sandwich course in the UK
The eligibility criteria for these programs are nearly identical to those of any other undergraduate or postgraduate program in the United Kingdom.
Advantages of pursuing a sandwich course in the UK
There are numerous methods by which a sandwich program can be employed to enhance the weight of your CV.
- Practical experience: It is an excellent method for acquiring a deeper understanding of one’s preferred industry.
- Financial incentives: The stipend provided during the apprenticeship may assist in alleviating the costs of living abroad.
- Personality development: You will acquire new skills that are necessary for adjusting to a corporate culture.
- Prospects for employment: It provides you with the opportunity to investigate a variety of industry avenues and establish connections, which can lead to multiple employment opportunities.
- Pre-placements: Typically, if you are a diligent worker, you will be able to secure a pre-placement offer from the internship organization to work as a full-time employee after graduation.
- Competitive advantage: It is self-evident that you will possess a greater understanding of your preferred industry than your counterparts.
It is crucial to be aware of the following when selecting a sandwich course:
- The degree to which the university is actively involved in the student’s search for a suitable placement
- List of placement options and the scope of work that is available when selected
- The university’s assistance during your placement period
Sandwich courses provide you with both theoretical and practical abilities that are recognized worldwide. It will grant you an immediate advantage in terms of being career-ready due to the practical training you acquire during the course.