Real World Impact Projects

Ready to apply your skills to real world challenges?

Real World Impact Projects give you the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team of Queen Mary students and work directly with charities, social enterprises, SMEs, startups, and cultural organisations. Together, you’ll tackle genuine challenges and deliver solutions that have meaningful social, cultural or organisational impact.

These projects form part of SKETCH – Queen Mary’s Student Knowledge Exchange Programme, which connects students with external organisations to solve real world problems while building career ready experience.

Why take part?

• Build hands-on consulting experience 

You’ll analyse a client brief, generate insights, develop solutions, and present actionable recommendations – just like a professional consultant. 

• Strengthen your employability

SKETCH projects are designed to enhance your confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills – all of which employers look for.

• Grow your professional network

You’ll collaborate with organisations such as NHS archives, historical trusts, museums and social enterprises, developing industry connections that can support your future career.

• Make a real difference

Your work addresses genuine organisational needs, helping partners improve digital content, research capacity, engagement strategies, public outreach and more.  

Who can take part?

Projects are open to students in Queen Mary Business School and the School of Society & Environment, with teams formed to include a mix of disciplines and skills.  

Time commitment:

Approximately 15–20 hours across an 8-week period.  

What you’ll do: 

• Join a multidisciplinary project team 

• Work with a real external client 

• Receive a clear project brief 

• Conduct research, analysis or content development 

• Present your findings and recommendations 

• Build your portfolio with real consultancy experience 

Places are limited, and applications are reviewed on a rolling or deadline specific basis depending on the semester. 

What are the projects?

Projects run in both Semester A and Semester B, with each semester offering a new set of organisations and challenges. 

Semester A Projects 

You Make It

Project: Business strategy
Gain hands-on consulting experience while tackling a real-world employability challenge with You Make It, a social enterprise focused on supporting young people into employment,

Swadhinata Trust  

Barts Health Archives NHS

Citizens UK

Semester B Projects 

History of Parliament

Everything in Moderation

Museum of the Home 

About SKETCH 

SKETCH is Queen Mary’s award-winning Student Knowledge Exchange Programme, designed to connect students with external organisations through hands-on, challenge-based learning. Students work in teams to solve real world problems and gain experience that enhances employability and personal development.