The Masters Consultancy Challenge (MCC) gives Postgraduate Taught students the opportunity to work for an employer. You will work in interdisciplinary groups to solve a real-world business problem the employer is facing.
The programme will take place in June 2025, with exact dates to be revealed in future, and will also offer training on relevant skills such as teamwork, commercial awareness and pitching.
Applications will open in 2025, closing in May 2025. Find out how to apply below.
Please note that places on this programme are limted.
“It’s all about being able to link what you learn at the postgraduate level with your practical ability in a real world situation.”
To find out more about the MCC programme:
What is the Masters Consultancy Challenge?
The Masters Consultancy Challenge programme is a work experience opportunity from an employer. The employer will set you a real-life challenge they are facing and you will have the opportunity to work within a team on the challenge the employer has set.
Each team will present their solutions and compete against each other to win the panel’s vote! The winning team will win a prize from the employer!
What is the time commitment?
The MCC programme will take place in June 2025, with dates to be revealed in the future.
The programme is open to all Postgraduate Taught students from the University of Birmingham.
No previous experience is necessary and Postgraduate Taught students from all subject areas are welcome. Places are limited and will be allocated on the quality of your application.
You will need to ensure you are able to attend all mandatory sessions (see MCC programme below); as well as meetings scheduled with your team. You will also need to factor in time to spend working on tasks allocated to you during the programme.
What sessions am I required to attend as part of the programme?
The Masters Consultancy Challenge has a number of mandatory sessions. Failure to attend these sessions may prohibit you from being eligible to win prizes or receive a certificate of completion. Mandatory sessions may include:
- Welcome Session
- Employer Brief Session
- Employer Check-in Session
- Skills Development Sessions
- Final Pitch Presentation Session
Dates and times of these sessions will be confirmed once you have been successful in your application to the programme.
How do I apply to the programme?
An application form will be embedded on this webpage in 2025. Students will be required to complete this in full if they wish to be considered for the Masters Consultancy Challenge in 2025.
Please note that places for the Masters Consultancy Challenge are limited and will be allocated depending on the quality of your submission. Please ensure you take the time to complete the application from in full and answer questions to the best of your ability.
Quotes from employers and students
This kind of experience is valued by employers and is great for your CV and interview answers.
Employer quote
“It is inspirational to see students from various degrees and backgrounds participate and broaden their skillsets which gives their CVs a worthy boost. Even if all the students don't decide to pursue the course of management/consultancy, the challenge undeniably builds transferrable skills such as presenting, team work and time management which will help them in all manners of jobs.”
— Shalabh Agarwal, KPMG
Student quote
“This is a training programme you definitely can't miss out! You'll have lots of opportunities to learn knowledge of consultancy, work with smart people from various academic and cultural backgrounds, improve your communication, cooperation, coordination, and presentation skills, and gain the abilities of identifying problems, collecting information, and coming up with solutions. Come and enjoy the intellectual buzz!”
— MSc Investments student