Live Briefs: work with employers on projects
Showcase your talent and gain experience that sets you apart.
As part of most degrees at ARU, you’ll take part in projects that connect your learning to practical challenges from employers.
These experiences are designed to help you build confidence, develop professional skills, and graduate with a CV that stands out.
What are these projects?
They’re short-term collaborations called Live Briefs, where you work on genuine business or organisational challenges presented by employers.
You’ll collaborate with professionals, learn about industry culture and working practices, get professional feedback, and deliver creative, research-informed solutions that matter.
What will you gain?
Live Brief projects give you more than classroom learning. They help you:
- gain practical experience by applying your knowledge to real challenges
- build confidence in presenting ideas and solutions
- develop key skills employers value, including teamwork, collaboration, and self-management
- network with professionals and learn directly from industry experts
- make an impact - partner organisations often use the work you produce.
How does it benefit your future?
Employers notice this experience. It’s a great addition to your CV, LinkedIn profile, and a strong talking point in interviews for jobs, placements, or internships.
You’ll graduate with practical examples of problem-solving and collaboration - skills that give you a competitive edge.
What kinds of projects will you work on?
Live Brief projects vary by subject and industry, but examples include:
- market research and user experience studies
- social media strategy and brand awareness campaigns
- product or solution design and usability testing
- data analysis and visualisation
- educational resources and public engagement materials.
The Live Brief has been great – hands-on fieldwork, tests in the environment, and bringing results back to the lab helped us learn really useful professional skills. Working with the client as we would in a professional setting was a really positive experience.
Tom, Environmental Management studentProject case studies
Here are just a few examples of Live Brief projects. You can read more here.
Students partnered with Natural England, the Government’s adviser on the natural environment, to investigate why Castor Hanglands reserve was drying out. They analysed soil and water samples, used satellite imagery, and presented solutions to protect biodiversity.
The experience helped students build practical fieldwork skills and confidence in delivering evidence-based recommendations to professionals.
“The students raised some really interesting ideas ‐ inspiring work.”
Ruth Angrave, Natural EnglandStudents worked with Test Labs UK, a specialist medical device testing company, to research antimicrobial innovations for medical devices. They assessed materials like metals and hydrogels for contamination control and compliance with safety standards, then presented findings to industry experts.
This project boosted students’ confidence in professional communication and strengthened research and presentation skills.
“I improved my communication and public speaking skills – a great opportunity beyond studying.”
Aaliyah, Biomedical Sciences studentBusiness students worked with Monitree, a health-tech start-up, and Orli Health, an app supporting neurodivergent young people and families. They designed marketing strategies and pitched plans to the company founders, gaining real-world experience and feedback.
Students developed strong analytical and presentation skills and grew in confidence through pitching ideas to business leaders.
“A huge thank you to all the amazing students – they have very bright futures ahead.”
Dr Stuart Foster, MonitreeAt ARU, we make sure your degree connects you to the world of work. These employer-led projects are just one of the ways we help you graduate ready to succeed.