Top 5 UK Universities Offering Sandwich Courses with Placements

12-Jun-2025

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

Top 5 UK Universities Offering Sandwich Courses with Placements

Studying in the UK is not just about gaining academic knowledge—it’s also about building work experience that sets you apart in the job market. That’s why many international students choose sandwich courses, which combine academic study with a one-year work placement.

In this blog, we’ll explore what sandwich courses are, their benefits, and the top 5 UK universities offering them for international students.

What Is a Sandwich Course?

A sandwich course is an undergraduate or postgraduate program that includes a one-year paid or unpaid work placement as part of the degree. These placements typically happen after the second year of study in a 4-year bachelor’s program or between semesters in a 2-year master’s course.

Types of Sandwich Courses:

Thick Sandwich: 3 years of study + 1 full year of placement
Thin Sandwich: Study with shorter placements spread across the course

Benefits of Sandwich Courses for International Students

Real-World Work Experience
Improved Job Prospects After Graduation
Industry Networking Opportunities
Better Understanding of Career Paths
Competitive Advantage in Your Home Country or Abroad

Top 5 UK Universities Offering Sandwich Courses with Placements

University	Key Sandwich Courses	Placement Support	Type of University
Brunel University London	MSc Data Science, BSc Business and Management, MSc Digital Design	Strong employer links, dedicated placement office	Public Research
University of Hertfordshire	MSc Artificial Intelligence with Placement, BSc Computer Science with Placement	CareerHub portal, employer fairs, CV/interview prep	Public
Coventry University	MSc International Business Management with Placement, BEng Mechanical Engineering	Industry partnerships, faculty placement team	Public
De Montfort University (DMU)	MSc Cyber Security with Placement, BSc Accounting and Finance	Paid internship support, DMU Works program	Public
University of Greenwich	MSc Engineering Management with Placement, BSc Computing with Placement	Dedicated employability team, work-based learning	Public

Popular Courses Offering Sandwich Placements

Business & Management
Computer Science / IT / Cyber Security
Engineering
Data Science & AI
Design & Creative Industries
Health and Life Sciences

Entry Requirements for Sandwich Courses

Bachelor’s Degree (for postgraduate programs)
IELTS Score of 6.0 to 6.5 or equivalent
Strong academic background in a relevant field
Some universities may require a statement of purpose and CV

Tuition Fees and Placement Costs

University Tier	Tuition (per year)	Placement Fee (if any)
Brunel University London	£20,000 – £23,000	£1,385 – £2,000 (approx.)
Coventry University	£18,000 – £20,000	£500 – £1,000
De Montfort University	£16,000 – £18,500	£750 – £1,000

Note: Placement fees are usually lower than regular tuition fees for that year.

Placement Year: Paid or Unpaid?

Placements may be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer and course. On average, paid placements offer salaries ranging between £16,000 – £25,000 per year.

Post-Placement Opportunities

After completing a sandwich course, you’ll be more attractive to employers and eligible for the UK Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa), which allows 2 years of stay after graduation.

How Pollster Education Helps You with Sandwich Courses

Pollster Education specializes in helping students apply to UK universities offering sandwich programs. Our services include:

University Selection Based on Your Profile
Course & Placement Year Guidance
SOP & LOR Writing Support
IELTS Training & Booking
UK Student Visa Filing
Pre-Departure Assistance

Whether you're targeting a course in Business, IT, Design, or Engineering—Pollster Education is here to make your UK journey smooth and successful.

Choosing a sandwich course in the UK is one of the best ways to blend academics with hands-on experience. You don’t just earn a degree—you build a career. With top universities offering dedicated support and strong industry ties, the UK is a perfect launchpad for international students.

Need guidance on how to apply for these courses? Get in touch with Pollster Education today!