Sandwich Courses and Placement Years Explained

What a sandwich course is

A "sandwich course" is a UK degree that includes a substantial period of work in industry as part of the programme — the academic study is, in effect, "sandwiched" around a placement. The most common form is the "thick sandwich", where a single placement year sits between your taught years, often between the second and final year.

The placement is a planned, assessed part of the degree rather than an optional extra, and because of the added year a sandwich degree typically runs for four years where the standard version runs for three.

What a placement year involves

During a placement year you spend an extended period working in a relevant organisation, applying what you have learned and gaining professional experience. Placements are usually arranged with support from the university's placement or careers team, though students often play an active part in finding and securing a role.

How the year is assessed, supervised and credited varies by university and course — some placements are paid by the employer, others are not — so the official course page is the place to see how a specific sandwich programme works.

• An extended period of supervised work in industry
• Built into the degree and usually assessed
• Often supported by the university's placement/careers team

Benefits described neutrally

Many students choose a placement year for the chance to gain workplace experience, apply academic learning in a real setting and build professional networks before they graduate. A placement can also help you test a career direction and bring practical context back into your final year of study.

These are commonly cited reasons rather than guaranteed outcomes — a placement year does not promise a particular job, salary or result, and experiences differ by student, employer and field. Weigh the benefits against the extra year and any cost implications when you decide.

Things to weigh up

A sandwich course usually adds a year to your degree, which affects your overall timeline and living costs, and finding a suitable placement can take effort and may be competitive. Fee arrangements for the placement year differ between universities, so it is important to check how that year is charged.

For international students there can also be visa considerations when a course includes a work placement. Treat any figures and rules cautiously and verify them on official sources before relying on them.

International students and the Student visa

When a UK degree includes a placement year, there are specific rules about work that forms an assessed part of the course versus other employment, and these are set out by the UK government. Conditions can depend on your course and circumstances, and immigration rules change over time.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Always confirm the current rules — including anything about work placements and working hours — on the official UK government source, and verify course and fee details on the official university pages.