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Consultancy projects: solve a real-world business challenge as part of your degree

Consultancy projects are an alternative to a traditional dissertation. You will work in a group or alone to complete a project with an external organisation.

A practical alternative to a dissertation

You can use your skills and knowledge to take on a project with an external organisation as part of your master’s degree. Consultancy projects are currently only available on certain courses.

Some of our courses offer you the chance to complete a consultancy project instead of a dissertation.

Consultancy projects take place with real-world organisations, giving you the chance to demonstrate your skills and expertise in a practical way as part of your degree.

You’ll work on a project with one of our partner companies. The project could be a challenge faced by the company or an extension of current research for an organisation. You may even further your own research to complement the company’s aims.

Depending on your course, you can work as part of a small group or on your own to complete a consultancy project.

Consultancy project courses

Consultancy projects are available on some Faculty of Engineering & Design, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, and School of Management courses. They usually last around three months and take place during the summer after your first two semesters.

Engineering & Design

Humanities & Social Sciences

School of Management

In the School of Management, consultancy projects are known as the Practice Track on the following courses:

Find out more about doing the Practice Track as a School of Management student

Why choose a consultancy project?

Completing a consultancy project can help you to stand out in a competitive job market. You’ll get the opportunity to:

  • gain real business experience
  • build your professional network
  • improve your CV
  • take on a challenge valued by employers
  • explore your career options
  • build a route into full-time employment
  • benefit from training in project and client management
  • enhance your presentation skills
A group of students writing on a whiteboard as part of a task

Support and guidance for a practical project

We aim to provide you with the right platform to take on the challenge.

You will have support from the company you work with and your academic supervisor throughout your consultancy project. This will help you to apply the skills, knowledge and techniques gained during your studies.

Throughout the year leading up to your project, you’ll benefit from our Professional Development Programme (PDP). PDP sessions are designed to enhance your employability skills and help you make a positive start to your project.

Practice Track: MSc students’ view

School of Management MSc students share their experience of the Practice Track.

Contact us

If you have any questions about consultancy projects, please contact us.

Study with us

Explore our master's courses

Consultancy projects aren't available on all master's courses. If you choose another course, you may have the opportunity to gain applied experience through placements or other activities.