If you’re thinking about university in the UK, you’ve probably heard about sandwich courses. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly-should you pick one?
A sandwich course isn’t about food. It’s a degree that includes a full year of paid work experience in the middle-usually between your second and third year. You spend two years in class, then a year working full-time in a company related to your field, then come back to finish your final year of studies. It’s called a ‘sandwich’ because the work year sits between your academic years like the filling in a sandwich.
Over 80% of UK universities now offer some form of placement year. And according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), students who complete a placement year are 35% more likely to land a graduate job within six months of finishing their degree than those who don’t. That’s not a small edge. That’s a game-changer.
Why Work Experience Matters More Than You Think
University teaches you theory. Employers want people who can do the job. There’s a gap between those two things. A placement year closes it.
Imagine studying engineering. You know how to calculate stress loads on beams. But do you know how to read a site plan? How to talk to a contractor? How to fix a mistake when your design doesn’t fit the real world? That’s what a placement gives you. You don’t just learn from textbooks-you learn from people who’ve been doing this for years.
One student I spoke to, Mia, studied marketing. Her placement was at a small digital agency. She didn’t just write social media posts. She managed a £20,000 ad budget. She saw how campaigns failed and why. She learned how to present results to clients. By the time she returned to university, her professors were asking her to help classmates. She wasn’t just a student anymore-she was a mini-expert.
Employers notice this. A 2024 survey by the Association of Graduate Recruiters found that 78% of UK employers prefer graduates with placement experience. They trust them more. They pay them more. Starting salaries for placement graduates are, on average, £2,500 higher than those without.
What’s the Real Cost of a Placement Year?
Some students worry: ‘I’ll be a year behind. I’ll pay more in tuition. I’ll miss out on uni life.’
Let’s break it down.
Tuition: Most UK universities charge only 20% of your normal tuition fee during your placement year. That’s around £1,500-£2,000 instead of £9,250. And you’re not just saving money-you’re earning it. The average placement salary is £22,000 a year. Some tech and finance roles pay over £30,000. That’s more than most part-time student jobs.
Time: Yes, you’ll graduate a year later. But you’ll also graduate with a job offer. Many students get hired by their placement company before they even finish their final year. That means you skip the stressful job hunt. You don’t have to live in your parents’ basement for six months while applying to 50 jobs.
Experience: You won’t miss out on uni life-you’ll expand it. You’ll learn how to manage your own schedule, handle office politics, and deal with real deadlines. These aren’t just resume points. These are life skills that make you more confident, more independent, and more prepared for adulthood.
Who Benefits Most From a Sandwich Course?
Not every degree needs a placement. But some absolutely do.
Engineering, computing, and business degrees are the top choices. These fields are highly competitive. Employers want proof you can apply your knowledge. A placement gives you that.
Health and social care students-like nursing, physiotherapy, or social work-often have placements built into their curriculum. These aren’t optional. They’re required. And for good reason. You can’t learn to care for patients from a lecture hall.
Arts, humanities, and pure sciences can be trickier. You might not find a ‘placement’ in the traditional sense. But you can still get real-world experience: internships, research assistant roles, freelance projects, or volunteering. Some universities offer ‘placement-style’ options for these degrees-like a year abroad studying or working on a research project.
If you’re unsure what you want to do after graduation, a placement year is the best way to test-drive a career. You might think you want to work in finance. Then you spend six months in a bank and realize you hate spreadsheets. That’s not a failure. That’s clarity.
How to Get the Best Placement
Not all placements are equal. Some are busywork. Others are real roles with real responsibility.
Here’s how to find the good ones:
- Check your university’s placement office. Look at their employer list. Do they have partnerships with companies you actually want to work for? Companies like Siemens, NHS, Deloitte, or Google? If not, dig deeper.
- Ask past students. Find LinkedIn profiles of alumni who did placements. What did they do? Did they get hired? Did they enjoy it?
- Don’t accept the first offer. Treat it like a job interview. Ask: What will my daily tasks be? Who will I report to? Will I get feedback? Will I be treated like an employee or just a free intern?
- Look for placements that offer training, mentorship, and a clear role. Avoid roles that just ask you to make coffee or file papers.
Some students get lucky and land placements through family connections. Others apply through university portals. Either way, start early. Applications for placements open as early as September of your first year. Some companies close applications by December.
What If You Can’t Get a Placement?
Not everyone lands a placement. Maybe your course doesn’t offer one. Maybe you didn’t get accepted. Maybe you got sick, or your visa fell through.
Don’t panic. You still have options.
Do a summer internship. Even 8-10 weeks counts. Many companies offer these. Apply to multiple. Use LinkedIn. Ask your professors for leads.
Volunteer in a related field. If you’re studying psychology, help at a mental health charity. If you’re in design, build websites for local nonprofits. Show initiative. Build a portfolio.
Even part-time work in retail or hospitality teaches you soft skills: communication, time management, dealing with difficult people. These matter. Employers notice them.
The goal isn’t to have a ‘placement’ on your CV. The goal is to have experience that proves you can work.
Is a Sandwich Course Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to work in a field where hands-on experience matters? (Yes → go for it)
- Am I comfortable being away from campus for a year? (If you’re very social or hate being alone, think about how you’ll cope)
- Can I handle the pressure of balancing work and study? (Placements are demanding. You’re not on holiday.)
- Do I have a backup plan if I don’t get a placement? (Always have one.)
If you’re still unsure, talk to someone who’s done it. Ask them: ‘What was the hardest part?’ ‘What surprised you?’ ‘Would you do it again?’
Most students who take a placement year say the same thing: ‘I wish I’d done it sooner.’
It’s not the easiest path. But it’s the one that gives you the most control over your future.
Are sandwich courses more expensive than regular degrees?
No, they’re usually cheaper during the placement year. Most UK universities charge only 20% of the standard tuition fee-around £1,500-£2,000-for the work year. Plus, you earn a salary of £20,000-£30,000, which often covers your living costs and saves you from taking out extra loans.
Can international students do placement years in the UK?
Yes, as long as your student visa allows it. Most Tier 4/Student Route visas permit work placements as part of your degree. You must check with your university’s international office and ensure your placement meets visa rules. You can work full-time during the placement year, but you can’t switch to a different visa type during it.
Do all universities offer sandwich courses?
No, but most do-especially in engineering, business, computing, and health. Check your course page on the university website. Look for terms like ‘placement year’, ‘industrial year’, or ‘work experience year’. If it’s not listed, contact the admissions team directly.
Will a placement year delay my graduation?
Yes, you’ll graduate one year later than students on a standard three-year degree. But many students say it’s worth it. You’ll graduate with a job offer, real-world experience, and often less debt. Some employers even hire you before your final year ends, so you’re already working when others are still applying.
What if I hate my placement?
You’re not stuck. Talk to your university’s placement coordinator. They can help you switch companies or adjust your role. Many students change placements in the first few weeks. It’s better to find out early that a job isn’t right for you than to spend a whole year in the wrong role. Use the experience to learn what you don’t want-sometimes that’s just as valuable as finding what you do want.
If you’re serious about your future, don’t just go to university to get a degree. Go to get ready for the world. A sandwich course doesn’t just add a year to your studies-it adds years to your career.