Work experience and skills for life
Sandwich years, also known as placement years, are an opportunity to take a year away from study, usually between the second and third year of an undergraduate university course, to embark upon paid work within a role in a company. There are many reasons why students may want to undertake a placement year, the primary reason being the opportunity to gain work experience directly relevant to the field of their study. Students can apply to study a course in sandwich mode when making their UCAS application.
A student’s placement must meet certain criteria to ensure that it will be of benefit to them. Students are encouraged to find their own placement opportunities, with the Employability and Careers Service providing support in identifying and applying for placement opportunities through workshops, one-on-one appointments, and career fairs. All placements, however, must be approved by the Service to ensure suitability. All students at the University of Greenwich can reach out to the Service for advice on boosting their employability, and the Service regularly share placement, internship and other opportunities on their social media pages.
The Faculty of Engineering and Science also offer the following courses where a placement year is already included – BSc Forensic Science with Industrial Placement, BSc Forensic and Digital Investigation with Industrial Placement and a new course set to open for September 2024, BEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Practice.
For Sophie Sherlock, a placement year working as an Operational Researcher in the civil service gave her valuable work experience that she was able to later take forwards in her career. She also credits her placement year for helping her feel prepared to enter the working world.
I gained valuable skills and knowledge for the workplace. Placement years give you the confidence to enter the working world and apply for graduate roles.
Sophie Sherlock, BSc Mathematics graduate 2021, Operational Research Analyst
For Joshua Oluwuabumuyi, a placement year with BAE systems meant he developed key transferable skills such as communication. In his role at the university as Employability Champion, he was able to share his experiences with other students and promote the option.
Prospective students interested in this mode of study can find out more on our website and can apply for this mode via UCAS. Current undergraduate students can contact the university’s Employability and Careers Service for more information.
