Sandwich Courses in UK

A sandwich course in UK is a degree program where you work for approximately 9 months to a year before returning to class for the remaining program. Clearly, these courses take a longer time than a standard degree, but the benefit is that universities typically place you in a job, and the experience you receive is very valuable after you graduate and begin looking for work.

Table of Contents

• Top Universities for Sandwich Courses in UK
• What is the Difference between a Sandwich Course and a Full-time Course?
• Benefits of Pursuing Sandwich Courses in UK
• Are Sandwich Courses Offered by all UK Universities?
• Eligibility Criteria for Sandwich Courses in UK
• Salaries while Pursuing Sandwich Placements
• How to Apply to UK universities?

Top Universities for Sandwich Courses in UK

There are some colleges offering sandwich courses in the Uk particularly in subjects identified with Business, Humanities, Engineering, Computer Science and Maths. The following universities offer sandwich Courses at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK:

What is the Difference between a Sandwich Course and a Full-time Course?

A sandwich course in the UK differs from a regular program in that it includes a year of placements and work experience. A full-time sandwich program is best suited for students who would like to finish their degree without taking a break for work experience. For certain disciplines like psychology, engineering, business, and design, many UK universities have introduced mandatory placements. 

Typically, internships are offered in normal courses for 12 weeks or less, but in sandwich courses, placements typically last 9 to 12 months. In a sandwich course, placements are not optional; students must complete their degree through industry placements.

Benefits 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 by all UK 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.

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)

Salaries 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].

How to Apply to UK universities?

International students must follow a these steps to apply for universities in the UK: 

• Shortlist Universities and Courses
• Know Your Deadlines
• Appear for Entrance Tests
• Prepare Your Documents
• Start Applying to Universities

Shortlist Universities and Courses

The primary step in the application process is to shortlist courses and universities according to your academic profile and preference. Students can shortlist courses and universities through AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to get through and plan their application process in advance.

Know Your Deadlines

The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are planning to apply to. International students have to take the application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can fulfil all the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options and accommodation.

Appear for Entrance Tests

The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT (in some courses). In some universities, students can be given submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to appear for the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.

Prepare Your Documents

The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and arranging their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards.

Start Applying to Universities

Once you have all the documents in place, students can start the application process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They have to select the courses, pay the application fees and start the online application process.