Bite-sized brilliance: mixed-methods approach of unwrapping the benefits of sandwich courses for Sport Science students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi39.1612

Keywords:

work placement, sandwich course, higher education, sport science

Abstract

This study explores the benefits of sandwich courses for Sport Science students, particularly in relation to academic performance, graduate employment, and professional development. Work-integrated learning (WIL) that can be incorporated within the form of year-long placements provides students with real-world experience that enhances both their practical and theoretical knowledge. Quantitative analysis comparing attendance and degree grades of honours (1,012) and sandwich course (186) students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) demonstrates that placement students achieve higher academic outcomes and improved attendance records. Results indicate that sandwich course students increase their final degree classification by 12.91% compared with their honours pathway counterparts.

Author Biographies

Craig Strong, Nottingham Trent University

Craig Strong is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management at Nottingham Trent University. He previously served for over five years as Sandwich Course and Work Placement Officer within the Sport Science department. His research focuses on work-based learning and student entrepreneurship, alongside continued scholarship stemming from his doctorate in emotional intelligence, particularly its application within higher education and professional development.

Ellie Nesbitt, Nottingham Trent University

Ellie Nesbitt is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Management and Course Leader for the Sport Science and Management undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University. She completed her PhD examining professionalisation and competitive balance in English men’s elite rugby union. She continues to research in this area, including recent work on the financial health of rugby union, and is committed to expanding employability opportunities for Sport Management students.

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Published

27-03-2026

How to Cite

Strong, C., & Nesbitt, E. (2026). Bite-sized brilliance: mixed-methods approach of unwrapping the benefits of sandwich courses for Sport Science students. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (39). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi39.1612

Issue

No. 39 (2026)

Section

Papers

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