Gaining Experience

Sandwich Placement

A sandwich placement is a validated work experience opportunity that forms part of a university degree programme, usually taken in the penultimate year of a four-year degree.

Joshua Stucky, AME graduate and GE employee, is stood wearing a lanyard and holding a clipboard in an aircraft engineering work environement.

Benefits of a Sandwich Placement:

  • Increase employability and gain new skills.
  • Gain experience to help determine your future career goals.
  • Earn a salary during your year of work.
  • Build a network of contacts in your chosen industry.
  • Gain an advantage in a competitive graduate job market.
  • Discover whether you prefer working for a smaller company or a large international organisation.
  • Potential to receive a job offer for part-time work in your final year or a position after graduation.
  • Improve final year grades and potentially achieve a higher degree classification.

Sandwich placements are typically advertised from October with a start date the following summer.

Complete your CV and covering letter early in your second year, so you're ready to apply when opportunities arise. It’s your responsibility to apply and secure a placement.

Have a look at our information on Finding Experience which includes useful websites promoting sandwich placements.

Competition for placements is high, so you may need to make several applications before being successful. Ask for feedback to refine your next application.

Top Tips

  • Research organisations offering sandwich placements.
  • Make speculative approaches if you can’t find advertised placements.
  • Speak to academic staff who have industry connections.
  • Prepare a portfolio of work (if relevant to your career sector).
  • Ensure you are aware of the tuition fees for your sandwich year and the student finance that you are entitled to. You can speak to a member of the Student Money Team to discuss further.

Placement Registration and Preparation:

  • If you've secured a sandwich placement that's part of your course, discuss it with your academic to ensure it's relevant and beneficial to your career.
  • Register your placement before starting; check for any required procedures, like completing paperwork. Some placements may need pre-approval.
  • Health and safety checks will need to be satisfactory before you start.
  • Enrol onto your sandwich year before the start of term.
  • Receive your module handbook and assessment details from your academic staff contact.
  • Remain a student of the university and receive ongoing support.
  • Regularly check your university email for messages.
  • Your academic staff will support you throughout, including visits or calls.
  • If you've secured a placement in France or Spain, ensure you complete the required Internship Agreements. Internship Agreements can be found on the Global Opportunities webpage.