The Birmingham Project

Through this unique opportunity, you will work on a collaborative project to explore key social and environmental issues. You will choose one of the six themes prior to the project and you will be allocated to a group who you will meet on the first day. Your group's challenge question will then be revealed and you will work together to develop an innovative business 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 presentation (50%) and a peer evaluation (50%). The assessment will determine whether you receive a pass or fail award.

N.B. The programme does not bear any credits and therefore will not contribute towards your degree classification.

As well as the skill development side, it is also an enjoyable experience! Hear from previous students about their experiences below. 

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

Check out what previous participants have to say below about the skills they have developed through the project! 

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
• Celebrating 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

We are proud to deliver The Birmingham Project with the encouragement and backing of some of the region's major employers and most significant innovators. The organisations we work with are passionate about embracing young talent and encouraging skill development at university to ensure that when you leave, you are ready for the world of work. 

• Employer partners for 2023

BSc Chemistry students

'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 will be a visit to the employer partner's organisation for lunch and an opportunity to explore their business areas from key experts and recruiters. These prize trips will take place on Monday 19 June 2023 or Tuesday 20 June 2023. 

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: 

• Enhanced transcript 
• Digital certificate 
• Personal Skills Award (PSA) - 70 points 

Please only enrol if you are available every day from 09:00-17:00 from Monday 12 June 2023 - Friday 16 June 2023. 

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.

Birmingham Scholar students’ enrolment

If you are a first year undergraduate Birmingham Scholar student, you will be granted early access to enrolment between Monday 20 March 2023 and Sunday 9 April 2023. Please see the Birmingham Scholar Canvas course for The Birmingham Project enrolment link.

All first year undergraduate students’ enrolment

The enrolment period for all first year undergraduate students will open on Monday 10 April 2023.

Enrolment now open - complete the enrolment form!