Boost your employability and academic skills with UoB Xtra

UoB Xtra is your Summer Term programme of events and activities designed to help you get more from your time at university, whatever stage of study you’re at. 

Whether you want to strengthen your academic skills, boost your employability, explore future options or simply take a break, you’ll find something to give your future a competitive edge.

Academic and employability skills for everyone 

Starting 8 June, UoB Xtra offers a wide range of workshops to help you develop the skills that matter – for your studies, your future career and your personal development. 

These sessions are open to all students, regardless of level of study: 

• Youth Mental Health First Aid (9, 11, 16 & 17 June) 
  Gain practical skills and confidence to support young people experiencing mental health challenges, with accreditation from MHFA England. 

• Green Impact lab audit training (9 June) 
  Learn how to carry out sustainability audits in laboratory settings, with full training and hands‑on experience provided. 

• What can GenAI really do? (11 June) 
  Real demonstrations of current AI tools, what they excel at, where they fall short and what this means for learning and work. 

• Football Futures (11 June) 
  Hear from professionals across the football industry and discover the wide range of careers available beyond the pitch. 

• BEAR Challenge (17–19 June) 
  Work in teams to tackle real supercomputing problems, while meeting industry experts from leading technology companies and 

• Careers Network drop‑in (17 June) 
  Get personalised advice on applications, career planning and work experience from Careers Network’s friendly experts. 

• Find a job in your home country or another country (22 June) 
  Gain practical insights into international job‑hunting and learn how to turn your global experience into an advantage. 

• UK job search skills (23 June) 
  Understand what UK employers look for and learn strategies to strengthen your applications and job‑search approach. 

UG-specific opportunities 

• The Birmingham Project (8-12 June) 
  An exciting one-week enterprise challenge for first year undergraduate students. 

• Applying for Masters (10 June) 
  Hear from current postgraduates and explore your options for further study. 

PGT opportunities 

• AI in the recruitment process (10 June) 
  Discover how AI is shaping modern recruitment and learn practical tips for navigating AI‑supported hiring with confidence. 

• Applying for Masters and PhDs (10 June) 
  Hear real insights from current postgraduates and get guidance on planning your next academic step. 

• Introduction to the Birmingham Award (15 June) 
  Explore this flexible development programme designed specifically for PGT students to help you build skills alongside your studies. 

• Job hunting for those with 2+ years’ professional experience (15 June) 
  Take focused steps toward your next career move with tailored advice for students bringing prior work experience. 

• PGT job hunting tips (16 June) 
  Practical strategies for approaching the job market after your Masters and strengthening your applications. 

• Promoting PG skills in applications (22 June) 
  Find out how to highlight the value of your postgraduate study in CVs, cover letters and job applications. 

PGR opportunities 

As a researcher, your schedule doesn’t necessarily ease up over the summer — but UoB Xtra is here to support you with development opportunities that support your research journey. 

• AI for academic writing (9 June) 
  Learn how to use generative AI tools effectively and responsibly in your writing, with guidance on how this aligns with University regulations for research theses. 

• Designing and presenting research posters (11 June) 
  How to communicate your research visually, create strong visual impact and understand what to expect from a poster session. 

• Literature searching (19 June) 
  Build confidence in planning and conducting effective literature searches using keywords, subject headings and advanced search operators. 

• Working with your supervisor (19 June) 
  Understand how to get the most from your supervisory team and learn where to find support if challenges arise. 

• Preparing for your viva (25 June) 
  Strategies to help you prepare for the viva, including advice on how to deal with difficult questions.  

Connect and Unwind 

Don’t worry, it’s not all about work. UoB Xtra also brings you plenty of ways to relax, recharge and enjoy campus life: 

• Fun on the Green Heart (8–12 June) 
  Inflatables, games and activities to help you decompress on campus. 

• Global Celebration (9 June)  
  Performances, film screenings and a vibrant celebration of our global community on the Green Heart. 

• Boardgame night at the museum (10 June) 
  Relaxed board gaming in Lapworth Museum – bring your own or pick one up when you arrive. 

• Birmingham Gives (11-12 June) 
  Get involved in a campus‑wide fundraiser supporting local causes, with activities and events that bring the community together for a good cause. 

• Grad Ball (18 June) 
  End the year in style with the Guild of Students' Grad Ball 2026. 

• Campus 3K your way! (10 June) 
  Come together to walk, run, push or skip your way along our Campus 3K! 

• Summer solstice celebrations (20 June) 
  Take part in family-friendly storytelling, dance, and craft workshops at The Exchange. 

Explore what’s on 

This is just a taster. For the full list of Summer Term events to help you learn, connect and unwind, visit the UoB Xtra What’s On? page.