What Is a Placement Year?

A placement year, also called a sandwich year or year in industry, is a period of work experience, usually about 9 to 12 months, that forms part of some UK degrees. It is typically taken between the second and final years of study, so the degree is "sandwiched" around the work. Students work for an employer in a role related to their course, and many are paid.

How it works

Programs may be described as "with placement" or "with a year in industry." You apply for roles, often a year ahead, with help from the university's placements or careers service. The university checks that the role is suitable, assigns a tutor and may require reports, reflections or a visit. Completion earns a noted award or contributes to the degree title, such as "BSc Computer Science with Professional Placement."

A placement year is taken at a time when you are registered as a student, so tuition fees are typically lower for that year, and rules about student finance can differ. Check the details with the university and your funder.

Benefits

• Work experience that makes your CV stand out.
• Pay, in many roles.
• Clearer career direction and professional contacts.
• Better graduate job prospects, since some employers recruit from placement students.
• Improved performance in the final year for many students, who return with new skills and focus.

Things to consider

• It extends your degree by a year.
• Competition for good placements can be high, and applications start early.
• Some roles are unpaid or low-paid.
• You may need to relocate.
• There is no guarantee of finding a placement, though many programs offer alternatives.

Other forms of work-based study

Other options include shorter internships, work-based modules, study abroad years, and in the US, co-op programs that alternate study and work.

Related terms

See practicum, service learning, foundation year and personal tutor.