Depending on your degree subject you may be eligible to complete a work-based project as part of your undergraduate studies. Work-based projects provide work experience through consultancy-style projects built into a taught academic course. Projects are offered by external organisations and provide you with a fantastic opportunity to apply and develop in a real world context your transferable skills such as team work, project management, problem-solving and communication.
There are many reasons why you might choose to undertake a work-based project. These include:
• Learn more about an industry from the inside and develop your own professional network.
• Enhance technical and transferable skills.
• Refine your career plans.
• Gain valuable experience of the workplace and managing a project.
• Enhance your employability and CV.
Here is what some students have said about their work-based project experience on the course, Working Together: Employability for Arts & Social Sciences ED3535:
“I feel more confident as the experience has helped my employability and the skills developed will be useful in working life.”
“Presenting my project findings to employers improved my communication skills.”
Certain master’s level degree programmes also offer you the opportunity to complete an industry or work-based project instead of an on-campus dissertation or project. Speak to your Programme Coordinator or Project Tutor, who will be able to advise on whether or not a work-based project is an option on your programme.