The Birmingham Project

• A one week challenge for first year undergraduates. This will take place over one week from 9-13 June 2025
• In person event on campus
• Time Commitment: You will need to be available for all days of the week and there is a structured timetable with set sessions particularly on Day 1 and the Final Day 
• An opportunity for you to work on a collaborative project to explore key social and environmental issues.
• After enrolling, you can choose your theme preferences and you will be matched to a theme subject to availability.
• Your group's challenge question will then be revealed and you will work together to develop an innovative solution.
• We equip you with the training and skills to do this, and support you in navigating working within a newly formed team.
• The project is assessed through a group video presentation (50%) and a self-evaluation (50%). The assessment will determine whether you receive a pass or fail award.
• The programme does not bear any credits and therefore will not contribute towards your degree classification.
• You don't need any experience! You will be guided throughout the week with support from facilitators and staff.

Recognising and articulating skills effectively is essential when entering the graduate job market. The Birmingham Project is a fantastic way for you to get a head start in developing your skills in a way that employers will recognise; the programme is a great CV booster and a unique experience to talk about in interviews. 

These are just a few of the skills we expect you to develop during the project: 

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Innovation
• Research

We have six themes to choose from; an industry professional and a team of academics support each challenge.

You should choose a challenge theme (below) that speaks to you and your interests. There is no prior experience necessary to sign up and the theme does not need to align with your degree programme.

Themes for this year: 

• Shaping Global Society
• Exploring Technology and Innovations
• Developing the Future of Transport
• Digital Design, Arts and Culture
• Responsible Business
• Developing Community 

On the first day you will be welcomed into your team and your challenge question will be revealed. The challenge question will be related to your chosen theme. 

Over the course of the week, you will work collaboratively with your team to develop an innovative solution to your challenge question. On the final day you will give an assessed presentation to your peers, industry professionals, and your academic support team.

• Examples of previous challenge questions

BSc Chemistry student

'Designing the Future of Transport' theme

“I would 100% recommend the Birmingham Project, it’ll help you find out what type of team player you are. You’ll improve your ability to work under pressure, as two weeks to research and to create a digital output is quite short. Hopefully you’ll see that you’ve changed at the end of it.”

• Hear from more previous participants

One winning group per theme will be selected by our Judging Panels to win a prize. There will be 6 winning groups in total across the project. 

The prize for each group is arranged by the employer partner. Previous prizes have included a visit to the employer partner's organisation for the opportunity to learn about their business areas from key experts and recruiters.

Taking part in The Birmingham Project isn't just about winning a prize and there will be recognition for all upon successful completion of the project: 

• University transcript 
• Digital certificate 
• Recognition via The Birmingham Award (formerly the Personal Skills Award (PSA))

Please only enrol if you are available every day from 09:00-17:00 during the project week

There are a limited number of spaces on the project and places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the maximum number of participants has been reached, students may be asked to join a waiting list.

First year students will be contacted via email in April with the enrolment link. 

Early enrolment for Birmingham Scholars and IMD Quintiles 1 and 2

If you are a first year undergraduate Birmingham Scholar student you will be granted early access to enrolment through the Birmingham Scholar Canvas course from 24 March 2025.

The Birmingham Project is open to all first year undergraduate students with applications particularly encouraged from Birmingham Scholars and/or those who have a home address in an IMD Quintile 1 (indices of multiple deprivation, IMD Deciles 1 and 2, lowest 20%) neighbourhood*. Enrolment for The Birmingham Project opens on 24 March 2025 if you qualify.

*If your home address is in Northern Ireland you will need to contact us with your home postcode so that we can check your eligibility to apply. Please email thebirminghamproject@contacts.bham.ac.uk to check your eligiblity.

For more information about how the University aims to improve access, provide equal opportunities and enable progress through higher education and in to graduate levels roles click here: Widening Participation and Access - University of Birmingham

All first year undergraduate students’ enrolment

The enrolment period for The Birmingham Project 2023/24 for all first year undergraduate students will open on Monday 7 April 2025.