Extract from Academic Quality & Standards that defines what constitutes as a placement.

Sandwich Mode: The ‘sandwich mode’ of study applies to courses which incorporate a significant period of supervised work experience or industrial placement of at least an academic year, which is non-credit bearing. Sandwich courses are distinct from other courses that are offered in FT or PT mode which may include credit bearing work- based learning modules involving shorter periods of placement. For external reporting purposes, sandwich years are defined by HEFCE as either a ‘thick’ or a ‘thin’ sandwich according to the following criteria:

• Thick sandwich students are those for which an industrial (or other) placement causes a continuous absence from full-time study of at least one academic year.
• Thin sandwich must involve the student in an average of more than 21 hours study a week for a minimum of 24 weeks study/placement.

To carry an award title of ‘degree in sandwich mode’, a course must adhere to one of these definitions.

Where a course is offered in sandwich mode, it must also be offered in full time mode. This is to ensure an alternative for students who are unable to gain a sandwich year placement.

Sandwich courses should incorporate both pre- and post-placement modules that enable students to prepare for their sandwich year and allow an opportunity to reflect on their learning during the sandwich year after they have returned to full time study during the fourth and final year of the sandwich course.