If you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and you’re studying at a UK university on a student visa, then you’re likely to have authorisation to work in the UK subject to certain conditions:

• up to 20 hours a week during term time
• any number of hours during vacations
• work placement with an employer (sandwich students)
• internship with an employer.

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has produced a useful leaflet about this: www.dfes.gov.uk/international-students/workleaflet.pdf.