Skills development programmes open for applications
Career programmes to help Oxford students and researchers build employability skills
Making time for extra-curricular activities alongside your studies can not only be enriching personally, but professionally too. Learning new skills and developing those you already have will contribute to your overall employability as the majority of organisations look for both academic qualifications and interests beyond academia.
To help you build your employability skills, we run a number of original programmes for Oxford University students. Submit your applications now to take part in programmes that could help plan your next career move.
Careers Service programmes open for applications
The Oxford Strategy Challenge - Michaelmas term 2025 and Hilary term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Oxford Strategy Challenge (TOSCA) is a team-based experiential learning programme with participants taking part in real strategy-focused challenges over a week. On the programme, you will be placed in a small team providing consultancy on a client project. The project you will take part in will be important to your client, an opportunity for hands-on client experience, and to make a real contribution to an organisation.
The next programme will take place during the winter vacation 2025 and all three workshops will run online.
Apply for the Michaelmas term - winter vacation programme by Sunday 23 November 2025.
The programme will run again during term time in Hilary term 2026. All three workshops will be held in person at the Careers Service.
Apply for the Hilary term programme by Sunday 15 February 2026.
Making a Difference Programme - Hilary term 2026
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Making a Difference is a practical skills development programme that provides insight into the third sector, with a focus on strategy, development, fundraising, marketing, and operations. The programme will run during Hilary term 2026 and will include a mix of interactive presentations, guest speakers, and group activities, followed by a group project with a local or international charity or social enterprise.
Apply for the Hilary term 2026 programme by Friday 16 January 2026.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2sWuW6RGjLY?si=V86SmDNK9OM4NOsR
If you have any questions about the programmes, get in touch with us on courses@careers.ox.ac.uk.
