Spending time in your industry of interest can help you to gain the required skills, first-hand knowledge and practical experience for your future career path. Take the opportunity to develop transferable skills, learn from experienced professionals and equip yourself with a better understanding of the world of work.

Many of our courses offer you the option to experience the industry during an additional sandwich year. This will typically take place between Year 2 and Year 3 of your studies. You’ll then return to university to complete your degree in your final third year.

You’ll need to find and successfully apply to a suitable placement provider to complete your sandwich year. You’ll then become a full-time paid or unpaid employee of the organisation you’re joining for around 9-12 months. This will give you direct experience of a potential career choice and you can see if it’s best one for you.

There are no additional tuition fees to pay if you take on a sandwich year.

Want to experience the world of work in an area that interests you? Take the chance to network and increase your transferable skillset with a short-term placement or internship opportunity. The majority of our courses offer these options to allow you to gain a unique insight into your future career options.

Work placement opportunities are hugely beneficial for enhancing your employability and building your experience. Not only will you gain practical work-related experience in an organisation, you will benefit from support and assessment from a mentor.

On some of our courses these placements are mandatory as part of your study. On others, work placements are optional and subject to availability. Often, if an essential element of your course, these professional placements will meet the requirements of the relevant professional and statutory bodies.

Volunteering opportunities can give you the chance to explore your career options in a flexible way around your studies and other commitments. By volunteering, you can connect with others and help to make a difference within the community, all while developing your skills and experience for the world of work.

Volunteering isn’t just about improving career prospects. You could get involved with something that is not related to your studies, simply it might just be something you are passionate about. There are volunteering options for everyone, whatever your interests or course may be and how much time you can give.

Here at Edge Hill, we value your contributions as a volunteer and by participating in the Extra Edge Award, you can also gain a valuable qualification through your voluntary experiences. This is a great way to enhance your CV and demonstrate your abilities and dedication to graduate employers.