The Masters Consultancy Challenge (MCC) gives Postgraduate Taught students the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary groups to solve a real-world business problem that an employer is facing.
The programme will take place between June 8th and June 26th 2026, and will run in collaboration with Turner & Townsend, renowned for their project management and consultancy work in the real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors.
The Masters Consultancy Challenge offers a range of skills development opportunities, including teamwork, commercial awareness, and pitching, all of which will enhance your future career prospects.
Applications will open on February 24th 2026, closing on May 3rd 2026. Find out how to apply below.
Please note that places on this programme are limited and that the programme is typically oversubscribed - please ensure that you put effort into your application.
To find out more about Turner & Townsend and the Masters Consultancy Challenge, register for our MCC 2026 Information Session, online on 14:00-15:30 on March 13th 2026, on Careers Connect.
To find out more about the MCC programme:
What is the Masters Consultancy Challenge?
The Masters Consultancy Challenge is a work experience programme held in collaboration with an employer partner (Turner & Townsend). In this intensive 3-week programme, students will form interdisciplinary groups to solve a 'challenge' set by Turner & Townsend. This challenge simulates the type of work that our employer partner regularly undertakes and is designed to give students an experience of consultancy work.
The MCC will include a variety of skills development sessions - some specific to the challenge, some more broad - that aim to enhance your employability. By the end of the programme, teams will present their challenge solutions to a judging panel made up of industry and University representatives. Teams will compete to secure the panel's vote; the winning team(s) will receive a prize, while rewards for standout individuals will also be available!
What is the time commitment?
The Masters Consultancy Challenge will run between June 8th and June 26th.
Sessions are provisionally scheduled to take place during the following times:
- Monday 8th June: 10:00-14:00
- Tuesday 9th June: 10:00-16:00
- Friday 12th June: 10:00-13:00 (students will only be expected to attend approximately 45 minutes of this time period)
- Monday 15th June: 10:00-16:00
- Wednesday 17th June: 10:00-16:00
- Wednesday 24th June: 10:00-13:00; 14:00-17:00 (students will only be expected to attend one of these slots, not both)
- Friday 26th June: 10:00-13:00
Regular breaks will be scheduled in these time periods. In addition to scheduled sessions, students will be expected to spend time working in their teams to make progress on their group solution to the employer challenge.
You will be expected to attend these sessions unless you have another mandatory University commitment (e.g. dissertation sessions, labwork, supervisor meetings, etc.) running at the same time.
Am I eligible to take part?
The Masters Consultancy Challenge is only open to Postgraduate Taught students registered to a degree programme based at the Edgbaston Campus. Postgraduate Taught students from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Unless registered as Distance Learners, students will be expected to take part in the programme in-person.
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 be able to attend mandatory sessions (see above). If you are unable to attend a mandatory session or a group meeting due to another University commitment (e.g. a dissertation session), you will be expected to communicate this clearly in advance.
BBS Students: During the UoB Xtra period (June 8th to 26th) there are multiple challenges and activities taking place and you will only be able to participate in one over this period. These include the Masters Consultancy Challenge, Future Leaders Certificate, Consultancy Skills Week, and Skills Passport. Communications for the full range of activities will be shared in the coming weeks and months. If you have any questions about these activities, please contact bbs-careers@contacts.bham.ac.uk
How do I apply to the programme?
You can apply for the Masters Consultancy Challenge 2026 here.
Applications will open at 9am on February 24th 2026, closing at 23:45pm on May 3rd 2026.
Places for the Masters Consultancy Challenge are limited, and will be allocated depending on the quality of your application. Please ensure you take the time to complete the application form in full and answer the questions to the best of your ability.
In particular, you application will assessed against the following criteria:
- Authenticity and Effort
- Skills and Suitability
- Links to career aspirations, including knowledge and desire to work with Turner & Townsend
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