Full Guide to Sandwich Courses in the UK: Benefits & Top Universities

The United Kingdom is an attractive destination for Indian and international students. Not only is the nation home to some of the best and oldest universities in the world but the academic standards are among the best in the world. 

One important feature of the UK higher education system is a “sandwich course”. This has become a popular alternative to the conventional courses. In this article, we explore sandwich courses and highlight the benefits of studying one in the UK.

What is a sandwich course?

A sandwich course is a degree program that integrates work experience with academic study. 

Usually, a course spans three to four years, with one year for hands-on work. The result is that students not only graduate college with academic knowledge but also have valuable experience that enhances their employability. 

This working period is referred to as the “sandwich year” leading to the epithet sandwich course. The work year is typically taken between the second and final year of study and therefore “sandwiched” between the academic years. 

Key features of a sandwich course in the UK:

• Integrated Work Experience

The period is for professional placement in a company related to the student’s field of study.

• Enhanced Employability

The hands-on experience gained during the placement year significantly improves a graduate’s job prospects. 

• Application of Theory to Practice

Students apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios during this time. 

• Networking Opportunities

The placement year allows students to build professional networks within their chosen industry. 

• Longer Degree Duration

Due to the added sandwich year, the course takes one year longer to complete than a standard degree.

Overall it is a huge plus for the student since they graduate with not only academic knowledge but also know how to apply the same in real life. The employer doesn’t have to worry about training them for many months.

5 benefits of studying a sandwich course in the UK

Sandwich courses offer a unique blend of academic study and practical work experience. Here are five key benefits to consider:

Enhanced Employability

The biggest benefit is increased employability. Employers look for not only academic knowledge but also the ability to think critically and ability to solve problems. Knowing how to work with a team is also crucial. 

It takes many months to learn these skills. One can’t secure employment without these skills and there is no way to gain these without employment. Fresh graduates face a chick and egg-situation. A sandwich course is the best available option for this problem. It provides students with a well-rounded CV and instant employability upon completion of the degree. 

Application of Academic Knowledge

There is a wide gulf between knowing theory and using it in practice. Sandwich courses offer ample opportunity for hands-on work which increases understanding of theoretical aspects. 

For example, a student of finance might learn about managing budgets. However, there are practical constraints to such exercises that are not taught in books. A finance student who helps prepare annual company budgets as an apprentice through sandwich courses has complete knowledge. When he begins his job, he is already adept at financial modeling, market research, preparing reports, and much more. 

Development of Professional Networks

It is not easy to get employed through job placements and LinkedIn alone. To secure a good job and advance in one’s career also requires networking. 

While leveraging your university’s alumni network to build connections is important, it is rarely enough. Networking during a sandwich course can lead to lasting professional relationships. In many cases these transition to job referrals and mentorship opportunities. During a sandwich placement, you will meet industry executives and potential future employers. There is a scope to impress and later gain a permanent position. 

Increased Confidence 

The transition from the classroom to the workplace is daunting. The shift from being a student for one’s entire life to a fledgling employee is a scary one for many. Quite naturally since a school and a workplace are entirely different. 

Students on sandwich courses are pushed out of their comfort zones. They learn to manage deliverables on a deadline. Over a few months, it leads to increased confidence, improved communication skills, and better time management. With practice comes perfection and then personal growth. There is also a sense of achievement that boosts self-esteem.

Financial Benefits

There is a potential for financial support during a sandwich course placement. 

Most employers offer a stipend to students during their placement year, which is considered a part of their degree program. This means they are usually paid a salary similar to a regular employee depending on the company and industry. However, it is not legally mandated. The amount paid for a year can range from around £11,000 to £25,000.

At the very least, having a sandwich year on your CV shows a strong commitment to practical learning and industry experience.

Note: A sandwich course offers hands-on experience, industry exposure, and better job prospects. But choosing the right university for your sandwich course is key. With so many factors—placements, tuition, location, industry ties, and course flexibility—how do you make the best choice?

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps.

• It analyzes 40,000+ programs across 4,000+ universities to find the best match for your goals.
• You can compare placement rates, industry connections, tuition costs, and ROI for different universities.
• It provides a personalized shortlist based on your academic background, preferences, and future career plans.
• You get access to exclusive scholarships, application fee waivers, and funding insights to reduce your study expenses.
• Best of all, it’s free, unbiased, and backed by real-time data, ensuring you make an informed decision.

With GradRight, you don’t just choose a university—you choose the best university for your future.

Now, let’s look at the top universities offering sandwich courses in the UK.

Also Read: Top 6 Scholarships For Indian Students to Study in the UK

5 top universities offering sandwich courses in the UK

In this section, we provide an overview of some of the top UK universities that offer sandwich courses. All of these programs combine academic study with a period of work placement.

The details are split into bachelor and master‐level options along with key information.

Top Sandwich Courses at the Bachelor Level

University of Sheffield

Introduction: The University of Sheffield, is a leading public research institution located in South Yorkshire, England. Established in 1905, it offers world-class education and research opportunities. 

• Course: BEng in Computer Systems Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year
• Duration: 4 years (including a 1-year industrial placement)
• Course Fee: Approx. £29,000 annually for international students
• Details: The course includes programming, robotics, and automation, with opportunities to work with companies like ARM, Siemens, and Boeing during the placement year.

University of Bristol

Overview: Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is a prestigious university known for cutting-edge research. Located in the heart of Bristol, it offers over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 

• Course: BSc in Data Science with a Year in Industry
• Duration: 4 years (including a compulsory placement year)
• Course Fee: Approx. £25,000 annually for international students
• Details: Focuses on mathematics, statistics, and computer science with strong employability prospects due to partnerships with local and international companies.

Queen Mary University of London

Overview: Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) was established in 1885. It has six campuses across London. QMUL offers over 700 degree programs and is home to nine Nobel laureates.

• Course: BEng in Aerospace Engineering with Industrial Experience
• Duration: 4 years (including a placement year)
• Course Fee: £29,000 per year for international students
• Details: Covers aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and aerospace design with practical industrial exposure.

Lancaster University

Overview: Founded in 1964, Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancashire, England. It consistently ranks among the top UK universities. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and has hundreds of international students.

• Course: BSc in Business Management (Industry)
• Duration: 4 years (including a placement year)
• Course Fee: Approx. £24,000 annually for international students
• Details: Offers flexibility to specialize in entrepreneurship or general management after the first year.

Loughborough University

Overview: Loughborough University, founded in 1909 and granted university status in 1966, is well known for its excellence in engineering. It is located in Leicestershire and has cutting-edge research facilities and strong industry links. 

• Course: Bioengineering (BEng Hons) with an Optional Placement Year
• Duration: 4 years (with placement) or 3 years (without placement)
• Course Fee:
  • UK Students: £9,535 per year
  • International Students: £29,750 per year
• Details: Focuses on engineering applications in biology and medicine, including prosthetics and medical imaging.

Top Sandwich Courses at the Master Level

University of Liverpool

Overview: The University of Liverpool, established in 1881, is a reputed university. It is known for its research excellence and academic standards. The campus is located in the heart of Liverpool and offers state-of-the-art facilities.

• Course: MSc Advanced Computer Science with a Year in Industry
• Duration: 2 years (including a 30-week industry placement)
• Course Fee: £30,800 annually for international students
• Details: This course teaches advanced knowledge in computer science with a focus on practical and research skills. The placement is supported by the university and offers opportunities to work with leading companies.

University of Leicester

Overview: Established in 1921, the University of Leicester is a leading research-focused institution. It offers innovative programs and has a strong placement record. The campus is located near Leicester city center. 

• Course: Master of Engineering Management with Industry
• Duration: 2 years (including a placement of 3 to 12 months)
• Course Fee: £24,500 for international students.
• Details: This course combines engineering expertise with management skills. It also includes an industrial placement followed by an in-house project. This prepares students for leadership roles in engineering fields.

University of Exeter

Overview: Founded in 1955, the University of Exeter is a top UK university. The institution offers excellent research opportunities. Its campuses are set in the scenic southwest of England and bring together modern facilities and beautiful green spaces.

• Course: MSc International Supply Chain Management with Industrial Placement
• Duration: 2 years (placement integrated into the program)
• Course Fee: £32,500 per year for international students
• Details: This program combines engineering principles, digital technology, and managerial skills. It helps prepare students for global supply chain management roles.

Brunel University London

Overview: Brunel University London, established in 1966, is known for its focus on employability and providing students with practical experience. It has a single-site campus in Uxbridge. The university is known for its contributions to science, arts, and social sciences.

• Course: MSc Management with Placement
• Duration: 2 years (including a six to twelve-week or year-long placement)
• Course Fee: £27,000 for international students
• Details: This course focuses on management and organizational studies. It gives specialization pathways and practical experience through placements. 

Combined Five-Year Courses 

University of Sussex

Overview: The University of Sussex, founded in 1961, is a reputed research-intensive university close to Brighton. Its award-winning campus is set within the South Downs National Park. It is well-recognized for sustainability initiatives.

• Course: Computer Science (MComp) with an Industrial Placement Year
• Duration: 5 years (including a 1-year industrial placement)
• Course Fee: £25,000 per year for international students
• Details: This program covers core computing concepts alongside advanced topics like AI and data science. Accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) the course provides excellent career prospects in computing fields.

Kingston University London

Overview: Kingston University London was founded in 1992 and offers career-focused courses with strong industry links. It offers programs in business, social sciences, arts, engineering, computing, the environment, health, science, and social care. 

• Course: Aerospace Engineering (MEng) with a Sandwich Year
• Duration: 5 years (including a 1-year industrial placement)
• Course Fee: £18,500 annually for international students
• Details: This course focuses on aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and materials engineering. It allows students to gain practical experience through placements with leading aerospace companies.

Also Read: STEM Courses in the USA 2025: Top Universities, Eligibility & More

Types of sandwich courses in the UK

There are two types of sandwich courses in the UK: thick and thin

Thick Sandwich

A full year of placement, offering deeper immersion in the industry. 

Thin Sandwich

Multiple shorter placement periods, sometimes only a few months.

Advantages and disadvantages of sandwich courses

During a sandwich course, students alternate between periods of study and professional placements. When you look at it closely, there are very few downsides to studying a sandwich course.

• Advantages of Sandwich Courses

Practical experience

Provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. 

Increased employability

Graduates with a sandwich course stand out from peers due to their practical work experience. 

Networking opportunities

Helps to build professional connections within the industry during the placement year.

Career exploration

These courses allow students to test different roles and industries to better understand their career path.

• Disadvantages of Sandwich Courses

Longer duration 

A sandwich course takes longer to complete compared to a standard degree program.

Work-life balance challenges

It can be difficult to balance work responsibilities with academic demands, especially during busy periods.

How to apply for a sandwich course in the UK

Application to a sandwich course, at the bachelor’s or master’s level, is no different than applying to a standard degree program. Here are the steps: 

• You need to use the UCAS platform for the application. 
• Register on the UCAS website and start your application
• Enter your personal information, course choices, and academic details on the UCAS application form.
• Upload documents including academic transcripts and English language proficiency test scores
• Double-check all information before submitting your application by the deadline
• Universities will review your application. They may contact you for further information before sending you a decision.

Note that your qualifications may need to be verified by a credential evaluation service such as UK ENIC. 

GradRight: Your gateway to top universities in the UK

There are over 110,000 Indian students currently in the UK. Every year over 30,000 students travel to the UK for higher education. 

But how do you find the best sandwich course in the UK? There are so many programs across dozens of universities. This is where GradRight’s university-search platform makes the process simple. 

You gain easy access to hundreds of university programs through a database. Our AI algorithms pinpoint those programs that are perfectly suitable for your academic interests. 

Throughout the process, we help and guide you, assist in creating a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and even connect you with mentors and alumni. 

Sign up today and begin your study abroad journey in 2025.

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