China Consultancy Challenge 中国咨询挑战赛
The China Consultancy Challenge (China CC) gives Postgraduate Taught students the opportunity to work in small interdisciplinary teams to solve a real business problem set by a leading company operating in China.
Working alongside industry professionals, you will apply commercial thinking, consumer insight, and AI-assisted workflows to develop a strategic recommendation and present your solution to a judging panel of employer representatives.
The programme is particularly well-suited to students who are planning to return to China after graduation. Working on a live brief from a recognised employer gives you direct exposure to the business challenges and working practices you are likely to encounter in the real working environment, and produces a concrete, evidence-based project you can speak to in interviews and on your CV.
The programme runs online over two weeks between 27 July and 7 August 2026, in collaboration with two employer partners: Unilever Prestige and Richemont.
Applications will close on 15 July 2026. Scroll down to 'How do I apply for the programme' to find the link to the application form.
Participants can apply to work on one of the two employer challenges. Both are designed to be completed without any coding or technical background. AI tool use is a core part of both challenges and is assessed as part of your final score; all required tasks can be completed using free AI tools and Excel.
Students will work in a team of 4-6 students. Each team will submit a business proposal deck an AI Workflow Document, and a Source & Assumption Log, and will present their solution to a judging panel on 7 August.
Challenge A: Omnichannel Marketing and Channel Empowerment, by Unilever Prestige
This challenge suits students with an interest in brand strategy, digital marketing, consumer behaviour, or China's beauty and lifestyle sector.
Challenge B: Client Activation and Insights, by Richemont
This challenge suits students with an interest in brand management, CRM, client experience, or data-informed marketing strategy.
What will I gain?
Upon completing the programme, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, jointly issued by the University of Birmingham and the relevant employer partner. The winning team for each challenge receives a Winner's Certificate with judging panel comments. Selected high-performing participants may be invited to interview with the employer, subject to role availability.
What is the time commitment?
The China Consultancy Challenge will run between Monday 27 July and Friday 7 August. Sessions are provisionally scheduled as follows:
- Monday 27 July, project launch and employer briefing session:
10:00-11:30 UK time / 17:00 – 18:30 Beijing time
- Thursday 30 July, project mentor training session:
11:00-12:00 UK time / 18:00 – 19:00 Beijing time
- Monday 3 August, employer check-in session:
10:00 – 11:30 UK time / 17:00 - 18：30 Beijing time
- Wednesday 5 August, project mentor training session:
11:00 – 12:00 UK time / 18:00 –19:00 Beijing time
- Friday 7 August, project final pitch and awards session:
10:00 – 12:00 UK time / 17:00 –19:00 Beijing time
All sessions are held online.
In addition to scheduled sessions, you will be expected to spend time working in your team to make progress on your challenge. The total time commitment is approximately 25–35 hours over the two weeks.
You will be expected to attend all sessions unless you have a mandatory University commitment (e.g. dissertation sessions, lab work, supervisor meetings) running at the same time.
Support during the programme
Throughout the two weeks, students will be added to a dedicated WeChat group for your challenge, where the programme team will share updates, answer day-to-day questions, and keep you on track. Each challenge has a dedicated programme mentor who will provide guidance throughout the programme.
Am I eligible to take part?
The China Consultancy Challenge is open to Postgraduate Taught students from the College of Social Sciences (including Birmingham Business School) and the College of Arts and Law. Students from all disciplines within these colleges are welcome to apply.
No prior experience in marketing, luxury, or AI is required. The programme is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and no coding or technical skills are needed.
You can apply for the China Consultancy Challenge 2026 by filling in the form below.
Applications will be closing at 23:59 on Thursday 16 July.
Places are limited. Applications will be assessed on the basis of motivation, suitability, and the effort put into your application. Please complete the application form in full.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact careersenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk