Sandwich Courses in UK for Indian Students

A sandwich course can be understood as a degree program where a student spends 9 months to a year working in the industry between periods of academic study. This structure is why sandwich courses are longer than regular full-time courses. However, they prove to be beneficial in the long run, as students gain valuable work experience and enjoy better employment opportunities after completing the course.

A sandwich course is a four to five-year course that combines an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with a year-long placement. The concept of sandwich courses originated in 1950 and is now a popular form of course worldwide, known by different names.

Although people might confuse a sandwich course with a full-time course, they are quite different. The primary difference is that in sandwich programs, students take time off from their lectures to gain professional experience, whereas in full-time courses, students complete their academic studies before seeking practical experience.

In the UK, many courses, especially in fields like psychology, engineering, business, and design, include mandatory placements. Another notable difference is the duration of work experience: in a full-time course, students can apply for internships that typically last up to 12 weeks. In contrast, a sandwich course includes a work placement lasting 9 months to a year.

There are various advantages of sandwich courses in UK, some of which are mentioned here-

• Practical knowledge: When practical knowledge is combined with hands-on experience it becomes a terrific method to obtain insights into the sector of your choice.

• Stipend: The stipend you receive during your internship reduces your living expenses overseas, which is beneficial for any Indian student.

• Personal Growth: You will also grow personally as you will acquire new skills making you adept for the business world.

• Prospects for employment: As you network and investigate various career paths within a sector, you are exposed to a multitude of job prospects.

• Pre-placements: If you are a hard worker, you may typically get an offer from the internship organisation to start working as a full-time employee following graduation.

• Competitive advantage: Your knowledge of your preferred industry will provide you an advantage over your colleagues.

The sandwich course in the UK can be classified into two categories which a student can opt for. Here are their differentiation;

If you want to know more about the type of sandwich courses available in UK, we encourage you to speak to our counsellors at Meridean Overseas.

 There are specific universities that offer sandwich courses in UK; we have curated a list for you with the course name and its duration; here it is-

Furthermore, certain programs, such as non-vocational sandwich degrees that include an extra year of study overseas, enable students to explore different cultures and learn a new language.

Unfortunately, not all colleges offer sandwich courses. It's possible that your subject of study won't provide placement even if your university does. However, you can choose to work as an intern throughout the summer. All students are welcome to attend as they take place over the summer when the university is closed. Internships are offered in almost every field and can last anywhere from four weeks to three months. For knowing about universities offering specific sandwich courses in UK, you can contact our counsellors at Meridean Overseas.

Applications for sandwich placement should be submitted professionally and customised for each opening. Ensure that your resume is up to date and emphasises the essential abilities needed for the role. Don't utilise a template if you are asked to submit a cover letter. Investigate the business and the position they offer, then use your cover letter to highlight your qualifications for the position, the aspects of the business that you find appealing, and how you can contribute significantly.

Eligibility for sandwich courses in the UK is similar to other programs, with the following requirements:

• Academic Transcripts: At least 60% from a recognised university.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Proof of English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• GMAT/GRE Scores: For Master’s degree programs.

• Updated CV

• Letter of Recommendation

Although employers are not legally required to pay students during their sandwich-year internships, they typically offer reasonable wages. The average pay is around £18,000, with a range from £11,000 to £25,000, depending on the industry, location, and company.

International students applying to UK universities should follow a well-studied guideline before starting the application process:

Step 1: Brief list of courses and universities

The first step in the application process is to select courses and universities according to your academic profile and preferences. Through the AI-Course Finder, students can shorten the list of courses and universities and compile a list of universities that they are most likely to pass, and plan their application process in advance.

Step 2: Know your deadlines

The next step is to know the exact dates of the UK universities and colleges you want to apply to. International students must submit the application process in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can meet all of the college’s requirements, such as SOP, recommendation letters, English language tests, funding/scholarship options, and housing.

Step 3: Take the entrance exams

The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or GRE / GMAT / LNAT / BMAT / MAT (in some courses) exams. Some universities may offer students scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to the English language level exams is the Duolingo test, which allows students to take the exam at home and be accepted around the world.
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Step 4: Prepare your documents

The next step is to prepare all the necessary documents and test scores for the application process. This means that students should start writing their SOPs, receiving referrals from teachers and supervisors, and compiling their financial statements along with other documents, such as test scores. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students must download their vaccine certificates and identify a controlled vaccine for the program.

Step 5: Start with the application

Once you have all the paperwork in place, students can begin the application process directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities who accept direct applications can apply through the university’s official website. They have to choose the courses, pay the application fee and start the online application process.

To conclude, sandwich courses are a great option when considering studying in the UK because this type of course makes entry into the professional world easier and securing a job easier after your graduation. Although not all universities and colleges offer sandwich courses, there is a possibility that the option of a sandwich course might be available for the course you want to pursue. All in all, it is an amazing way of pursuing your degree.

If you want to know more about sandwich courses in UK, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Question: Do all the universities of the UK offer sandwich courses?

Answer: No, not all universities offer sandwich courses; in some instances, universities might provide placements, but it depends on your enrolled course.

Question: What is the duration of undergraduate sandwich courses in UK?

Answer: The duration of sandwich courses in the UK varies depending on the level of study. For undergraduate sandwich courses, the typical duration is four years, including a year-long placement.

Question: What is the duration of master’s degree sandwich courses in UK?

Answer: An integrated master’s degree typically lasts four years, including a year-long placement for internships and training, totalling nine to twelve months of practical experience.

Question: What essentials should people know before opting for sandwich courses in UK?

Answer: The important thing that the student must be aware of before entering a sandwich course is the extent of the university's engagement with the students concerning placement and support. Knowing more about the placement options mentioned on the website and their scope is also advised. 

Question: When does the placement occur in a sandwich course?

Answer: The placement varies according to the university and the course you have been enrolled in. Mostly, the placement starts in the third year.

Question: Can the placement be optional when opting for a sandwich course?

Answer: No, the placement is not optional. It is the main essence of the sandwich course, as it provides real-world experience and helps you work on your skills before finishing your course.

Question: Does the student get paid for a sandwich course?

Answer: Yes, when the students go on an internship of 9-12 months, they get paid a stipend, which again varies according to the industry, designation, and company.

Question: How long can a student intern in a sandwich course?

Answer: If a student is enrolled in a thick sandwich, they can intern for up to a year, but if they are in a thin sandwich, they can opt for multiple internships and placements throughout the year.

Question: In which field are the universities offering sandwich courses mostly?

Answer: Universities offer sandwich courses in many fields, such as engineering, fashion, management, and others.

Question: Which course should I opt for, full-time or sandwich courses?

Answer: It depends highly on your desire and how you want to complete your degree. Both courses and degrees have pros and cons. It is also dependent on which course you want to enrol in. For more clarity, you can contact our experts at Meridean Overseas at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.