Skills development programmes open for applications
Career programmes to help Oxford students and researchers build employability skills
1 October 2025
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 in Michaelmas term open for applications
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Insight into Creative Writing is a three-session programme taking place in 5th, 6th and 7th week of Michaelmas term. It provides an introduction to creative writing careers, explores the writing process, and offers tips on how to get published, as well as inspiration from guest speakers.
For current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Micro-Internships two to five-day voluntary learning and development opportunities exclusively available to Oxford University students. Each placement gives you experience in observing and assisting with a project. The aim is to develop your employability skills, add to your CV, and to offer you the opportunity to professionally network. Applications for the winter vacation micro-internships open on 7 October and close on 2 November.
The work experience placements offered through the OxAbility programme are five-day learning and development opportunities for Oxford University students with disabilities with real host organisations. These placements will provide students with hands-on experience in a supportive environment, where hosts are aware that participants have a disability. It creates a safe space to explore workplace culture, navigate discussions around adjustments, and gain confidence.
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.
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 Michaelmas term 2025 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.
We invite all interested applicants to join an online information session on Thursday 18 September, 12:00-12:30, to learn more about the programme.
