If you know Joey from friends, you probably know his favorite food. That’s right, it was a sandwich. One might wonder what is so special about it? Well, apart from the fact that a sandwich is tasty, it is really fulfilling. Maybe that’s why the UK came up with the concept of sandwich courses.
To understand the structure of a sandwich course, think of – a sandwich. The first two years of the program are a university study period. Placements occur towards the end of the second year, with the 3rd year of the course spent attaining operational work experience at the company where the student has been placed. After completing the placement, the students retreat to the university for their final year of study until they graduate.
Why should you opt for Sandwich courses?
- More Valuable degree – According to research by ASET – the Work Based and Placement Learning Association, students with sandwich degrees are likely to do better in their degree as they build confidence on the job.
- Get a job early in your career– students who study sandwich courses degrees are also more likely to access graduate jobs earlier. That’s because networking helps you to find a graduate job.
- Develop your personality– Work experience is an excellent way to meet new people and experience new things, so you develop personally. You can even choose to do your placement year in another country.
- Earn money during your degree – While you work during your job/internship, many companies pay you a handsome salary.
Colleges that provide sandwich courses
1. Oxford Brooks University
95% of Brookes students work and/or further study within six months of graduating. Businesses today want graduates with proven work-based skills, so they go extra than a degree, providing work placements, industry experts, chances to study and work abroad, volunteering, and combined career guidance. Students benefit from the strong links with businesses and employers both locally and internationally, from local schools and hospitals to Oxfam, BMW Mini, KPMG, Ferrari, and Microsoft. Moreover, their programs are approved by 36 professional bodies across 17 subject areas and recognized by leading employers.
2. Kings college london
London’s most central university ranked top 10 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2020. They also offer a range of chances to enhance your student experience and make sure you can make the most of your time here at King’s. Wherever you are in the world, you can explore several virtual events, workshops, and activities, enabling you to connect with companions. Thus you have an opportunity to gain and acquire new skills, make a difference and be part of King’s community.
3. Middlesex university
Top 3 modern universities in the UK Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2021, Top 15 international universities in the world Times Higher Education and Top 7 universities for entrepreneurs and business leaders Hitachi Capital Finance. Students learn through doing, making, and experience. They apply their advanced knowledge and skills to real-life and work-based problems that benefit society, the professions, and business. Learning this way, students develop the skills, behaviors, and attitudes employers want.
4. Lancaster
Many students choose to return to their home country or work in other parts of the world which has, made Lancaster’s alumni network strong in more than 150 countries. Some of their students also choose to stay in the UK after graduating. There’s a chance to get a taste of professional life with work experiences or internships for lots of students. They can also help you find a part-time job to fit around your studies.
5. Surrey
The University of Surrey has been awarded the prestigious accolade of the Year for Graduate Employment in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022. The university has always placed immense importance on developing the employability of their graduates; according to their data, it shows approaching 90 percent of their graduates consistently find higher-skilled work. In conclusion, they continue to invest and innovate to ensure that their graduates have an advantage in the ever-changing job market.
Apart from the universities mentioned above, colleges like Loughborough University, Aston University, University College London are also some schools that provide sandwich courses to their students.
Will you earn a stipend/salary while pursuing a sandwich course?
Companies generally give learners on sandwich year placements a fair salary, despite the point that it is not a legal necessity. For instance, your salary 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].
Learn more scholarships in the UK
Thick and Thin sandwich courses: Difference
A “thick” sandwich course is a continuous placement that generally lasts a year. A “thin” sandwich course comprises two or more placements. A thin sandwich degree involves shorter placement or internship periods rather than an entire year.
Whether students choose a thin or thick sandwich program, their university will almost always have associations with various companies. It may be able to assist them in finding specific placements. Additionally, they may need to apply to employers directly with the university’s support.
Eligibility Criteria for Sandwich Courses in the UK
Some basic and major requirements to study in the UK are:
- Minimum 60% from relevant/specified course and recognised board
- Scrores
- Scores of English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced.
- GMAT/GRE for Masters programs
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendations from school/college/previous internships (LOR)
- Portfolio (for specific courses)
- A CV (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose signed by your teachers (SOP)
Financial advantage
Usually, the placements you get from your sandwich courses are pretty well paid. You are allowed to work 40 hours per week during your job, even though 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].
Conclusion
- Sandwich courses programme is an interesting and innovative course designed for students who want to start on an in-depth study of a subject. You can develop analysis and evaluation skills that one can use in real-world situations.
- Innovation and enterprise; sustainability; responsibility and professionalism and digitalisation are some of the key features of this course. One can explore the functional areas of business, such as management, marketing, human resources, finance and operations, etc.
- Independent and transferable personal development skills are vital in business. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to develop them through interactive training activities.
- The curiculam of sandwich courses is designed in such a way that it helps you acquire core business skills through case studies, online activities and live projects. Apart from that, you can also interact with entrepreneurs and business speakers, and reflect on your own practice.
- The course aims to supply future managers and professionals to various business and management sectors. It also provides key knowledge, skills and attributes that are important to modern organisations. It aims to supply future managers and professionals to various business and management sectors.
- Additionaly, some of the sandwich courses even offer you the option of specialising in your final year.
At ForeignAdmits, we understand how important this decision is. We are here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right school to getting admitted and securing scholarships.
We have a team of experienced counselors who can provide you with customized guidance based on your individual needscontact us today to get started. We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals!