Student Projects and Placements

Discover the latest opportunities for businesses and third sector organisations to work with students.

Students can undertake projects or placements with host organisations to help explore new ideas or solve challenges they lack the resource or knowledge to undertake in-house. There are a variety of opportunities available which may be linked to the student’s degree programme or draw on more generic skills. Projects should be appropriate to the skill level of the student and never business critical. Please note some projects require no or minimal financial commitment, while some do. Please check each on enquiry. To discuss any of the opportunities please email info@interface-online.org.uk

“I have benefitted through Interface from student placements in many disciplines. My experience within working with Interface has been extremely positive and I have gained as much from the students as they have received from their placements. I hope to expand this relationship for many years to come.”

Carol Arnott, Get Set Yeti

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Themes

Business Management – Data analytics, project management, marketing, operations, human resources

Humanities & Social Science – Psychology, sport science, arts, law, health science, environmental, social science

Computing Science – Artificial Intelligence, big data, software engineering, fintech, machine learning, ethical hacking, UX design

Science & Engineering – life science, mechanical, electrical, food science, biotechnology

Creatives – Art & Design, music, gaming, visual communications

High Performance Computing Projects

Runs: Jan – August 26’. Closing date: 30th September. Financial Commitment: None.

High Performance Computing (HPC) is the use of powerful processors, networks and parallel supercomputers to tackle problems that are very computationally- or data-intensive. The same HPC techniques can be used to program the world’s largest supercomputers containing hundreds of thousands of processors or to exploit the full potential of a multi-core laptop.

Data science is the use of the scientific method to extract insight from data (both at a small and large scale). Recently, this has grown to encompass the study of machine learning and AI more generally.

Examples of the project topics

Developing algorithms to automate computational tasks
Machine learning
Testing the uses of experimental computing hardware
Training AI faster
Fluid dynamics
Satellite and earth observation analysis
Keeping traffic smooth
Queuing algorithms

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain some valuable assistance to your business, and is a particularly simple way of testing R&D avenues that are not business critical, but could have useful outcomes. The application deadline is the end of September. During the months of January to March the students will perform a book study to do all the background research on the project and identify the best way forward. The project is then be completed from May to August.

Psychology Placements

Runs: January. Closing dates: 30th November respectively. Financial Commitment: None.

Training in Psychology is an excellent foundation for a broad range of careers and sectors and equips students with valuable skills including: data management and analysis; quantitative and qualitative research; survey skills; information management; statistics; social media management; literature reviews and report writing; interpersonal skills and networking; fundraising; event management; befriending and others.

Examples of previous projects

Previous projects reflect the diversity and breadth of skills and knowledge a psychology student can bring to you organisation:

creating a social media campaign to increase awareness of your organisation or product
testing products or service in the design phase
client and service users survey
data analysis
befriending
literature reviews and report writing

Benefits to you

You’ll benefit from access to world-class education and knowledge being applied to your business. Our students get to apply what they learn in a practical setting and provide you, as the host organisation, with an outside perspective on an opportunity, project or problem. Student projects can provide:

Fresh insights to your business area
An opportunity to drive forward a project or part of a project
Access to specialists skills such as data analysis, surveying or statistics
Further links to the University for research and Continuous Professional Development
An opportunity to potentially recruit graduates in the future

Undergraduate placements should be 50 hours and postgraduate project placements should be 160 hours, however students can combine two shorter placements of 80 hours with different organisations.

Applied Social Studies Placements

Runs: Part time for 6 weeks between February – April. Closing date; End of November. Financial Commitment: None.

3^rd year BA Hons students looking for a placement as part of their course module allowing them to get experience and employability skills in a real life environment.

The students have a wide knowledgebase and cover a broad range of topics including:

Psychology
Social Sciences
Sociology
Mental Health
Social Work.

Previous examples of placements involved:

Working with citizens advice to review the impact of COVID
Looking at economic development for the Local Authority
Supporting Foodbanks and helping at pensioners tea dances.

Computing Placements (Long term)

Runs: 1 year from September or January. Financial Commitment: Paid placements at least National Minimum Wage.

3rd Year Computing students covering a diverse range of degree courses in areas such as:

cybersecurity and digital forensics
software engineering
games development
computing science
business computing
digital media
web design

These placements must be full time, a minimum of 48 weeks, can be remote, hybrid or site based and paid at least National Minimum Wage to meet module requirements.

Example Job Titles:

Student Software Engineer

Web Development & Support Assistant

Data Analyst

UX Engineer

Business Administration projects

Runs Various times throughout the year – See below Financial Commitment: None.

The project is typically undertaken on a professional consultancy basis. The range of business functions a project can address are diverse and include growth or business development, marketing, operations, strategy and finance. New models or processes can be developed or solutions presented to strategic or operational issues. The final report will be directed at senior management or director level.
Examples of previous projects include:
• ‘A Strategic Framework for Co-branded Marketing Promotion’ for Polaroid Eyewear
• ‘Implementing Effective Communication Frameworks to Drive Performance’
• ‘Differentiation Strategies in a Tightly Regulated, Competitive and Mature Market’ for Aviva
• ‘Creating a Sales and Marketing Strategy for a Small Technology Company’

Over 6 months: Projects presented to students for selection end of FEBRUARY. Students begin project in APRIL. Projects submitted for marking AUGUST.
Over 3 months: Projects presented to students for selection end of MARCH, students begin project in JUNE. Projects submitted for marking AUGUST.
Over 6 months: Projects presented to students for selection end of JUNE. Students begin project in OCTOBER. Projects submitted for marking MARCH.
Over 3 months: Projects presented to students for selection end of AUGUST. Students begin project in OCTOBER. Projects submitted for marking JANUARY

International Management Solutions Consultancy projects

Runs for 3 months from February – April. Closing date: 6th December. Financial Commitment: None.

Areas of focus: Internationalising an existing organisation (examples below)

Market research and analysis
Foreign markets screening and selection
Evaluation of entry modes (e.g. exporting, franchising, local operations) into the target international markets
Competitor analysis and positioning
International marketing strategies and plans
Foreign partnership and networking strategies
Organising for international business operations

The course objectives are for groups of students to work together with an organisation to create NEW strategic solutions tailored to your objectives, such as expanding a product (good or service) into a new international market or optimising a global business process. Students are divided into teams and over the course of the three months work on a challenge set by the industry client to come up with a response to the brief and make recommendations to the client. The teams work closely with the client engaging regularly for the first six weeks.

Applied Games & Research Projects

Runs: January – May 26’ Closing Date: 30th October Financial Commitment: None

This practice-based module is designed to enhance and develop a postgraduate students’ knowledge and abilities in the field of applied games and their associated research methods. Key perspectives in this area (serious games, games for change) are covered in lectures, with practical sessions and projects aimed at applying theoretical concepts in practice through game development.

Students are assessed on the following Learning Objectives:

Identify, define, and develop an understanding of applied games and opportunities to use game technologies to contribute to existing knowledge and address societal challenges.
Select and justify appropriate methodologies to create and evaluate applied games that meet specified research aims and objectives.
Critically analyse and evaluate the efficacy of applied games in achieved intended research outcomes.
Reflect upon the team’s performance in achieving intended design outcomes through applied game development and make suggestions for future practice.
Reflect upon individual performance, contribution and professional development throughout the project, and plan for future opportunities and skill development.

FinTech Projects

Runs: June – September 2026. Closing Date: 30th April 26. Financial Commitment: None.

This programme brings together expertise in mathematics, computer science, finance, and economics to deliver a fully integrated learning experience in Financial Technology.

A typical project applies the learned material to real-life data using available software and draws conclusions (for example, suggesting policy decisions) in the form of a written report.

The MSc Financial Technology offers a rigorous introduction to Python, the dominant programming language in FinTech as well as machine learning and data science. The programme also highlights the inherent risks to the industry such as security breaches and the effects these can have on banks and other financial service providers. Some students join the course after completing their undergraduate degree, while others already have work experience in industry and are looking for further qualifications.

The Financial Technology MSc programme is structured into three 12-week terms. During the first two terms, the students take the following courses:

Introduction to Programming
Database Systems and Big Data
Financial Mathematics
Empirical Methods in Finance Research
Advances in Machine Learning in Finance
Financial Crime and Cyber Security
Portfolio Analysis
Financial Analysis and Markets

Computer Science Placements

Closing date’s September & May. Runs Sep-Dec and May-Jul. Financial Commitment: None.

3 month placements – flexible 180 hours

Course covered include:

cybersecurity and digital forensics
software engineering
games development
computing science
business computing
digital media
web design
animation
social media
graphic design
soundscapes/podcasts

Mass Communication Placement

Runs Sept – Dec or Jan-May. Available to apply all year round. Financial Commitment: No payment required however they encourage offering expenses, a stipend, or a wage where feasible.

3rd year Undergraduate students studying BA Hons Mass Communication are looking for opportunities to complete a placement between 80-100 hours.

Students are looking to secure opportunities that involve real-life projects and meaningful work, supported by the development of both technical and transferable skills on a remote, hybrid or on-site basis.

The Mass Communication course includes modules on:

Communication & Practice
Global Current Affairs
Popular Culture
Social Media & Analytics
Mass Communications Research Methods
Branding.

Nutrition and Food Science placements

Runs for 12 weeks between January & April. Closing date 30th September. Financial Commitment: No payment required.

We are looking for companies to host a student for a 12 week unpaid placements as part of their 3rd undergraduate Food, Nutrition and Health Course. The aim of the placement is to understand the role of a nutritionist, or a nutrition related role in the workplace.

The students are looking for a placement within the food industry, related to public health or related to sports nutrition. The placement does not need to be a particular project or with a single person as they can experience different areas of work and can be used as an extra pair of hands.

Placements are for 12 weeks and will take place between January and April, if you are interested in hosting a student please provide us with a brief outline of your company and what work/project you propose for the student. Student CV’s are available on request and you will be able to interview the student if desired.

Degree topics cover:

Food, Energy & nutrients
Food Analysis
Metabolism
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Public Health nutrition
Sports nutrition
Food product development

Social & Political Science projects

Closing Date 31st October. Runs for 8-10weeks May-July 25’. Commitment: Optional but not obligatory.

Social & Political MSc students are looking for research projects. These placements are usually on a full time basis over 8-10 weeks during May and July. This placement can be in person, hybrid or remote depending on the needs of the organisation.

Students on the following 15 postgraduate degree programmes are eligible to apply for a Placement-based dissertation:

MSc Africa and International Development
MSc Comparative Public Policy
MSc Conflict, Security and Development (New PBD Programme for 2025/26)
MSc Global Environment, Politics & Society
MSc Global Health Policy
MSc Global Mental Health & Society
MSc International Development
MSc International Development (Online Distance Learning Programme)
MSc International and European Politics
MSc Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance
MSc Medical Anthropology
MSc Public Policy
MSc Science and Technology in Society
MSc Social Research
MSc Sociology and Global Change

Interior Design & Architecture Internship

12 weeks starting in January – Closing date 19th December.  Financial Commitment: Paid preferable but not essential . Location: Edinburgh or Borders based preferable.  

These 12 week placements are 15hours per week for Masters Students. Students will have a variety of CAD drawing skills and could help with some technical drawing, below is some examples of what students can offer: 

 
Visual render software 
Mostly using Sketchup, Blender, sometimes- Enscape 
Prepare presentation documents using InDesign or similar 
Render plans or presentation documents using Photoshop for example 
Ordering, reviewing, selecting materials, finishes, samples, specifications, sample boards 
Issuing, printing and coordinating drawing packages 
Surveying, site visits, photographing, basic check survey information 
Shadowing site visits 
Preparation of technical documentation 
Specifications 
Materials 
Furniture 
Project Costs 
Drawing registers 
Door registers 
Detail drawings packages

Undergraduate Enterprise Consultancy Projects.

Runs January – March. Closing Date: 18th October. Financial Commitment: None.

The undergraduate Enterprise Consultancy Project gives businesses the opportunity to collaborate with final-year Business undergraduates who have specialised in entrepreneurship and innovation, backed by a solid foundation in business management.

Here are some examples of projects successfully worked on:

Digital marketing strategy: Crafting targeted strategies to attract, engage, and retain customers through digital channels.
Market research: Identifying new business opportunities and providing data-driven insights into growth potential, market trends, and emerging sectors.
Social media strategy: Developing a tailored social media approach to boost brand awareness, engage with your audience, and strengthen your brand presence in the market.

Market expansion & export strategies: Conducting rigorous market research to identify new routes to market, underpinned by solid insights to help design and support export strategies.

Project Management in Business Analytics

Runs Jan – March. Closing date – 12th December. Financial Commitment: None.

The Project Management in Business Analysis Consultancy Projects course is part of the MSc in Management. Students work as a team of consultants to tackle real-world challenges that a private or public sector organisation is facing.

During the 10-week period, students invest up to 72 hours each by working in groups of four to five to carry out the research, namely collecting and analysing business requirements, communicating with key stakeholders, analysing data, and formulating and presenting recommendations.

Student teams can carry out consultancy on a wide range of issues, including:

Market analysis
Process improvement
Timetabling and rostering decision support
Event organisation
Survey design and implementation
Sustainable supply chain

Sustainable Business Consultancy Projects

Runs January – March. Closing Date: 18th October. Financial Commitment: None.

The Sustainable Business Consultancy Projects course is part of the MSc in Global Strategy and Sustainability. Students work in teams of consultants to tackle real-world challenges that a private or public sector organisation is facing.

During the ten-week period, students work in groups of 5–6 to carry out the research, collecting and analysing data, communicating with key stakeholders, identifying challenges, opportunities and regulatory conditions, and formulating and presenting recommendations.

Student teams can carry out consultancy on a wide range of global sustainability issues including (but not limited to):

Carbon footprint reduction, including renewable energy
Waste reduction, including packaging reduction and circular economy
Deforestation- and afforestation-related initiatives
Enhancing employee welfare, including diversity and inclusion
Contributing to local community welfare, particularly in impoverished environments
Sustainable supply chain
Organic agriculture and plant-based diets
Anti-slavery initiatives (could come under supply chain) and moving away from military applications of technology

Management Consultancy Project

Runs Jan – March. Closing Date: 18th October. Financial Commitment: None. Location: Must be Edinburgh based or local to Edinburgh.

Management Consultancy in Practice is part of the MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Students work as a team of consultants to tackle real challenges faced by established organisations or young start-ups.

For innovation projects we seek established organisations with a project, service, process or activity, technology or business model where the company seeks to explore avenues for creating new value through incremental or radical innovation. Example projects can include:

What kinds of new products should the company pursue?
How can existing services be redesigned to better fit the needs of consumers?
How can the firm harness digital technologies in changing existing products or services?
What is the scope for innovation in the existing business model?
What are the key disruptive trends for the company for the next 20 years and how can you capitalise on these?

For entrepreneurship and venture growth projects, we seek companies that are relatively new startups (primarily targeting 5 years old or younger) with products or services facing venture-based growth issues. In teams, students will explore a growth-related issue facing a host organisation to develop workable solutions to present to management. Example projects can include:

How can the company develop a business model and create new value propositions as it grows?
What are the best ways to recruit new staff and how might organisational structures change?
What are the best routes to reach overseas markets?
How should the company expand physically?

Marketing Works Projects

Closing Date: 15th November. Runs – Projects decided and confirmed between Jan and April and worked on April-August. Financial Commitment: None.

An applied marketing group project where students, supervised by a Marketing academic, work in small groups as consultants to a local or national company to tackle a real life marketing problem. Projects can be carrying out market research, developing a new marketing strategy, develop a social media campaign etc.

Fashion & Textile Placement

Runs May – August. Closing date end of April. No Payment required.

MA Fashion & textile students looking for a 12 week placement, students study the following subjects:

Design Thinking & Innovation
Fashion & Textiles – Experimentation & Research
Materials
Sustainable Design & Management
Fashion & Textiles Development and Practice
Research Methodologies
Design Technologies
Business Enterprise

Food Science Placements

Closing Date: 30th November. Runs – Jan- Apr ( 12 weeks full time) and May – August. Financial Commitment: None.

Food Science students are looking for 12 weeks placements beginning in January. Students are studying consumer science, nutrition and

The techniques and skills needed to develop new food products.
How to innovate and make healthy, delicious foods that are safe to consume.
The quality and safety requirements needed to manufacture foods.
A person’s nutritional requirements throughout their lifespan.
How to meet the needs of society, industry and consumers for sustainable food quality.
Food handling skills
The functionality of raw and cooked food ingredients
The key social issues in nutrition, sport and exercise
How nutrition, metabolism and digestion relate to diet and health
How to analyse food and drink using a range of scientific techniques
The nutritional needs throughout an individual’s lifespan
The nutritional function of foods.
How nutrients work in the body and how they impact our health.
The link between nutrition and public health.
How to develop strategies to improve food habits.
How to adjust diet to different clinical conditions.
What drives consumer eating habits and behaviours.

Biomedical Science Placments.

Closing Date: 30th November. Runs: 18 weeks full time January to May. Financial Commitment; None.

MSc Biomedical Science students are looking for the opportunity to work in an industry placement.

These are 18 week placements on a full time basis.

Module Learning includes:

Theory of Laboratory based diagnostic methods and techniques

Principles of point of care testing ( device and systems)

Experimental design for testing and evaluation

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Law Placements.

Closing Date: End of November. Runs: February – April. Financial Commitment: None.

The University are seeking placement opportunities for their 4^th Year Law students, this is a 10 week unpaid placement with the student working 1 full day per week. The placement is to provide the student with real life work experience and would consider work including:

Updating policies
Human Rights
Criminal Justice
Legal Issues
Legal Rights