What is a sandwich course

sandwich course

Смотреть что такое «sandwich course» в других словарях:

sandwich course — noun An educational course consisting of alternating periods of study and paid employment • • • Main Entry: ↑sandwich * * * sandwich course UK US noun [countable] [singular sandwich course plural … Useful english dictionary

sandwich course — ➔ course * * * sandwich course UK US noun [C] UK ► a college course consisting of periods of study with periods of work in business or industry between them so that students get practical experience: »If you have relevant industry experience… … Financial and business terms

sandwich course — sandwich courses N COUNT A sandwich course is an educational course in which you have periods of study between periods of being at work. [BRIT] … English dictionary

sandwich course — n BrE a course of study at a British college or university that includes periods spent working in industry or business … Dictionary of contemporary English

sandwich course — ► NOUN Brit. ▪ a training course with alternate periods of formal instruction and practical experience … English terms dictionary

sandwich course — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms sandwich course : singular sandwich course plural sandwich courses British an educational course in which students have practical experience of the subject between periods of study … English dictionary

sandwich course — A course of study in the UK for a diploma or degree in which periods of academic study in an institution of higher education are sandwiched between periods of supervised work experience in a factory or industrial organization. The course usually… … Big dictionary of business and management

sandwich course — noun Brit. a training course with alternate periods of formal instruction and practical experience … English new terms dictionary

sandwich course — noun (C) BrE a course of study at a college or university that includes periods spent working in industry or business … Longman dictionary of contemporary English

sandwich course — /ˈsænwɪtʃ kɔs/ (say sanwich kaws) noun an educational course combining industrial training and academic studies, as one in which a student spends alternating periods of full time work in industry, and full time attendance at a college … Australian-English dictionary

What is a ‘sandwich’ course and why take one?

A so-called ‘sandwich’ course is a degree course that includes time spent on a placement, often in industry or business, away from the university. ‘Sandwich’ courses can be ‘thick’ with one long placement or ‘thin’ with two or more shorter periods on a placement and are favoured by a number of high ranking universities.

A number of UK universities including Bath, Lancaster, Surrey, Loughborough and Aston are particularly keen for students to take advantage of this type of course. At the University of Bath, for example, most of the undergraduate degree courses have the option for students to take a ‘sandwich year’. Placements usually take place after the second year of the degree course, so students will spend the first two years of their degree studying at Bath, followed by a ‘sandwich’ year on placement before returning for their final year(s) of studies.

Modern Language courses typically follow this pattern with Year 3 being spent abroad either teaching in a school, studying at a university or working in an industrial placement. A large number of other subjects offer placements and include Business, Engineering, Finance, Psychology and Sport Studies.

Although ‘sandwich’ courses are usually one year longer as a result of the placement there can be significant advantages:

‘Sandwich’ courses do not appeal to all students, with some seeing a placement as an unwelcome interruption to full time study. However, if the university subject being studied is vocational, it is certainly worth considering and it is important to check the following:

Sandwich programs in the UK

Earn work experience while you study with sandwich programs

A ‘sandwich course’ is a program where you will have at least one session (ranging from 9-12 months) to work in a particular industry (if you have opted for a vocational study program or study abroad placements for any other course) in between your academic sessions. These placements are known as a filling of the sandwich.

The sandwich program in the UK allows you to stay back in the country for an additional year besides a great exposure of your chosen industry. The concept, however, is limited programs taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels:

Thick Sandwich

Thin Sandwich

Course structure

Most of the modern courses follow a similar structure
1 st and 2 nd Year: University academic year
3 rd Year: Sandwich/internship year
4 th Year: University academic year continues

This sandwich program includes an interval of two shorter periods in your placement, which alternates with periods in the university.

Placement options

You can spend your internship/study abroad year in various ways

The courses are more experience-based wherein universities offer internships with organisations either in the UK or anywhere around the globe

Sectoral opportunity

Wide variety of opportunities are available from Forensics to Politics including Engineering, Sociology, Business, Language-specific, History and Geography

These sandwich courses are primarily offered in – Business, Finance, Sport Studies, Psychology and Engineering

Eligibility for a sandwich course in the UK

The eligibility criteria for these programs is almost the same as any other undergraduate or postgraduate program in the UK.

Advantages of pursuing a sandwich course in the UK

There are numerous ways in which a sandwich program can be used to add extra weight to your CV.

If you are opting for a sandwich course, then it’s important to know:

Sandwich courses equip you with theoretical and practical skills that are accepted globally. Owing to the hands-on training you earn during the course, it will provide you with an advantage of being career-ready immediately.

Sandwich Courses Explained

What is a sandwich course?

A sandwich course, or sandwich year, is another way of describing a student placement. Placements are year-long programmes where you will take a year out of your degree to work in industry. You’ll work full-time and get paid like any other regular employee.

On first hearing about one, it sounds like the first round of afternoon tea or BLT-making lessons. Sadly, the word sandwich in ‘sandwich year’ has little to do with the actual food.

The word ‘sandwich’ describes placements because they are ‘sandwiched’ between the penultimate and final year.

There are quite a few different names for placements, including industrial placement or a year in industry.

However, doing a sandwich course as part of your degree will make it easier to get a grad job. 47% of students hired by RateMyPlacement’s Best Employers in graduate roles had completed a placement year or internship.

It’s because placement students get 12 months of professional work experience, picking up all the technical skills and experience on the job.

Thick and thin sandwich courses

If you are considering applying for a sandwich course, you might hear the terms ‘thick’ or ‘thin’ placements come into conversation. Again, there is sadly no relation to thick or thin sandwiches – there is no bread involved at all.

Thick placements refer to schemes that last an entire year. Thin sandwich years are shorter – they last anywhere between two to six months.

Students who apply for thin sandwich courses usually do multiple schemes across the academic year. It’s a good idea if you want to get experience at more than one company.

Note that this language (thick and thin placements) is outdated. But some universities still use the terminology to describe different length schemes.

Do you pay tuition fees for a sandwich year?

Placement students are required to pay tuition fees. However, the fees are heavily reduced. Students pay around 20% of the £9,250 that regular students pay.

The figures can differ from university to university. If you’re considering doing a sandwich course, it’s best to check with your university’s careers or placement services. Or just do some quick Googling; all the relevant information should be on the university’s website.

You might ask, why do placement students have to pay tuition fees at all? After all, they’re not technically at university. Reduced fees are applicable because candidates still have access to university facilities and resources (like the library and the gym).

The fees also cover the costs of visits from university placement supervisors.

Do you get paid for a sandwich year?

Yes, is the short answer. Placement students are paid a salary for their troubles during a sandwich course, just like any other ordinary employee would be paid. They are also entitled to holidays and other work benefits.

The average salary for a work placement in the UK is £18,670. That’s based on reviews submitted by current and former placement students. Salary will differ from scheme to scheme. It all depends on the company you work for and where they are located.

For example, if you were working in London, you would probably be paid more than a student working in Scunthorpe. It’s because the cost of living in the capital is much higher than other regions in the UK.

Want to find out what you could earn on a paid placement? Click below to find out…

Do you get student finance for a sandwich year?

Sandwich course students are entitled to student finance.

However, this is where it gets a little complicated because your entitlements are optional and depend on your circumstances. Let’s break it down…

Tuition fees

Because placement students have to pay tuition fees (at a reduced rate), they can get a loan from student finance to cover the amount needed for those fees.

Contact your student finance provider for more detailed information about the funds you are entitled to.

Maintenance loans

UK-based students can apply for a reduced rate maintenance loan paid in three instalments. The amount you’ll receive is not based on income (like maintenance loans for regular students), but on your living situation.

It depends whether you are…

If you live at home with your parents during your sandwich course, you will likely get a smaller loan. But will get significantly more living away from home and renting in London.

You might be able to get your full maintenance loan if your sandwich placement is unpaid in one of the following sectors…

For a complete list of these exceptions and to check if you might be eligible, check out the University of Westminster site.

Do all universities offer sandwich placements?

Unfortunately, not all universities offer sandwich courses. And even if your university does offer the opportunity to do a placement, your particular area of study might not. Check with your university and faculty to see what options are available.

However, you do have the option of doing a summer internship instead. They are available to all students because they take place during the summer, during university downtime.

Internships can last anywhere between four weeks to three months, and there are schemes in almost every sector.

Why should you do a sandwich course?

So that’s sandwich courses explained. Hopefully, you’ve got a much better idea of how they work. You might still be wondering, why do a placement? Now that you know there are no actual sandwiches involved, are there other benefits?

We’ve also put together this very useful placement pros and cons list to help you decide.

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.

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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.

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.

Advantages of Pursuing Sandwich Courses in UK

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:

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].

How to Apply to UK universities- Step-Wise Guide

International students applying to UK universities must follow a well-researched guide before starting their application process:

Step-1: Shortlist Courses and Universities

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.

Step-2: 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.

Step-3: Take 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.

Step-4: Compile 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. With the COVID-19 pandemic, students must download their vaccine certificates and specify the administered vaccine for the application.

Step-5: Get Started with Application

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.

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 involves time spent 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

This, too, varies based on the university and course you choose, as well as what you’re studying. The majority of university placements, however, take place in your third year. It is highly dependent on the subject you are doing as well as the university itself.

No, placements are not optional. Sandwich year placements are an essential element of a university degree, especially in disciplines where practical experience is the best way to learn theory. They provide students with practical job experience, transferable skills that employers value, improve learning, and provide insight into the workings of a particular industry.

Yes, students do get paid a stipend during sandwich courses for taking up internships and placements. The stipend varies based on the type of work, industry, and company.

The duration of the placement depends upon the type of sandwich course. Under a thick sandwich course, an entire year is reserved for work placement while under a thin sandwich, students can take multiple internships and placements throughout the year.

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.