Last Updated on November 12, 2025
Do you want to study in a foreign location, while exploring the place, and earning at the same time? Well! You have come to the right place. Sandwich courses in UK are here. You can think of these courses as a degree program, which is longer than any full-time program, as there are gaps in between. Students can avail valuable employment opportunities and work in real situations. The academic period gives one the opportunity to explore the theoretical and practical side of things, without waiting for the internship period.
In this blog, we will throw light on sandwich courses in UK. Learn about the type of such courses on offer, the top universities, eligibility, fees and application guide. Also learn about the detailed benefits of such courses in the UK.
Key Highlights Of Sandwich Courses In UK
| Structure | Combination of academics and paid work placements |
| Duration | 4 year courses |
| Career Benefits | Average salaries that are 10-15% higher than other graduates |
| Application Process | University websites, placement agencies |
| Types | Thick and Thin Sandwich courses |
| Top Universities | University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, Queen Mary University of London |
Types Of Sandwich Courses In UK
As students looking for sandwich courses in UK, you must be aware that there are two types of sandwich courses – Thick and Thin.
| Key Points | Thick Sandwich Course | Thin Sandwich Course |
| Course Structure | One has to complete 4 years, which will include university studies in the 1st and 2nd year. The 3rd year will be a sandwich year. The 4th year will again be an academic year | One can complete the course with a single gap, amidst two short periods |
| Courses Offered | The options are varied, from Forensics to Politics. Additionally, one will be able to choose from business, sociology, engineering, history, and geography | As a sandwich student, you will get to choose from limited options in subjects like sports, business, finance, psychology, and engineering |
| Placement | There are several different internship opportunities for you, like in research, teaching, industry, or one can also choose to study abroad at a partner college. | These are more inclined towards students who want to gain exposure to industrial and corporate settings in the UK or other countries. |
If you want to know more about the sandwich courses in UK, you must talk to our experts in study abroad counselling.
Top Universities Offering Sandwich Courses In UK
While researching sandwich courses in UK, you will come across many options in terms of universities. However, it is important to sync your goals and the offerings made by the university. For now, you can go through the list below. To study in UK, you need to be well-informed at all times.
| University | Course | Duration Of Course |
| Kingston University London | Masters in Aerospace Engineering | 5 years full-time, including a sandwich year |
| University of Sussex | Masters in Computer Science | 5 years full-time + one sandwich year |
| University of Greenwich | BA in Transport and Logistics Management | 5 years full-time, including a sandwich year |
| Loughborough University | Bachelors in Bioengineering | 4 years full-time with a sandwich year |
| Staffordshire University | Bachelors in Fashion | 4 years with a 1-year sandwiched |
| Middlesex University | BSc (H) in Business Accounting | 4 years full-time with a sandwich year |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | BSc in Banking and Finance | 4 years with a sandwich year |
| University of Sheffield | BEng in Computer Systems Engineering | 4 years including a year of industrial placement) |
| University of Bristol | BSc in Data Science | 4 years including a compulsory sandwich year |
| University of Liverpool | MSc Advanced Computer Science | 2 years including a 30-week industry sandwich year |
These are just a few of the options, which sandwich students can choose. There are sandwich courses both at the undergraduate level and the master’s level. For more detailed information and shortlisting of universities, you must get in touch with a study abroad consultant. It is important to note here, that not all universities and colleges in the UK has sandwich courses on offer.
However, you do have the opportunity to engage yourself in summer internships, as the university is off at that time. It allows you to gain exposure to the workplace settings in the UK.
Read more: UK Study Visa Interview Questions with Answers
Sandwich Courses Tuition And Placement Fee
The tuition fees are different for different universities. On an average you can consider it to be GBP 20,000 TO 23,000 per year. Some universities charge a lower tuition fee during the sandwich year. It can hover around GBP 500 to 2,000 for the placement.
Eligibility For Sandwich Courses
To study in uk, and that too, sandwich courses, you must fulfil certain criteria. The same differs from one university to the other. Thus, you have to be proactive and research actively, before making that final decision. Here is a preview of the general eligibility criteria, which can help you prepare early on.
- All students applying for sandwich courses in UK, must secure at least 60% marks in their qualifying examination. Some universities may ask for higher marks as well.
- You need to take English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL, and secure the minimum marks as mentioned by the universities.
- Some universities may also ask for GRE and GMAT scores for master’s courses.
- Letter of recommendation assumes a lot of importance, while seeking opportunities to study in UK. So, you should get the same from reliable courses.
- Your updated CV is also required.
- Statement of purpose is also required to stand out amongst your competitors.
- Some universities also require candidates to have some work experience.
These are the general eligibility guidelines that you can follow initially. At any stage, you can ask for assistance from study abroad consultants, who will readily help you with the process and documentation.
How To Apply For Sandwich Courses In UK
- The first step involves shortlisting universities and courses. And finally, select one or two to apply.
- Find out about the exact deadlines, like application form release date, submission date, etc. This ensures that the sandwich student does not miss any deadline. Also read thoroughly regarding the requirements and documentation.
- Take the required entrance examinations, like English proficiency tests and others that are required for postgraduate sandwich courses.
- Prepare and compile all your documents and zip them up, as most applications have to be submitted online nowadays. Write SOPs properly, to impress the selection committee.
- Once you have everything in place, fill up the application form, attach documents, and pay the necessary fees. You may be required to apply through UCAS or through the university portal directly.
Once done, wait for the email from the university. As easy as it may sound, the process can be quite a hassle for many students. So, in such situations, it is best to consult an educational advisor in the UK.
Read more: Top 7 Cheapest Countries To Study In Europe
Benefits of Sandwich Courses In UK
- Sandwich courses help students gain industry exposure at the very start of their course or midway.
- You get to network with peers from various walks of life.
- You can apply what you learn in the classroom, immediately in the work sphere.
- You land placement at top employers, where some may pay you well enough, so that you can lower the study in UK financial burden.
- You can gain job offers immediately after completing the course.
How Admissify Can Help
There are more than a lac students in the UK right now, from India. Thousands of students travel to the UK to fulfil their study abroad dreams. However, competition is high in certain areas of foreign education. If you are eager to pursue sandwich courses in UK, you must connect with us. Admissify is one of the leading study abroad consultants, with expertise in providing end-to-end solutions to study abroad aspirants. We provide the sandwich student, with pre-departure and post-arrival support, having completed the selection and admission process. Moreover, we are offering the first counselling session completely free. So, connect now!
Conclusion
Therefore, sandwich courses are here to stay. If you are someone who wants to combine education with real-time working exposure in the UK, then these are the best options. These courses aim to integrate knowledge with internship experience, and industry insights. You also get to build professional networks, while at the university, thus saving time. Most sandwich students secure a job offer, right after completion of the sandwich courses.
FAQs
A sandwich student is one who studies a course that includes an internship within the course. It is like a mandatory placement period, which the student must fulfil to complete the degree.
Sandwich courses are a popular study option in the UK, in which a student gets to study and work, within the tenure mentioned. The placement period may last for a year or so, in many cases.
These courses usually last 4-5 years.
A four-year sandwich course is one, which includes a mandatory placement period or internship of a year or less.
Yes, it is a great opportunity to sync your learnings with work experience. Such students often land lucrative jobs, just after completing the course.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
