Quick Definition
A placement year (also 'Year in Industry' or 'sandwich year') is an optional paid work placement embedded in a UK undergraduate degree — typically in Year 3 of a 4-year program. Students earn £18,000–£30,000 during placement and return for their final year. Significantly improves graduate employment outcomes.
Placement Year (UK) — Full Explanation
Available at most UK universities in engineering, business, and computing degrees. Students apply for placements independently from employers like PwC, Rolls-Royce, IBM, and Google. International students on UK Student visa can complete a placement year as part of their degree — it is curriculum-authorised.
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