June 24, 2025, by aczht

MSc Consultancy Competition 2025 – Company visits bring projects to life

At Nottingham University Business School, our company-based challenges for MSc and MBA students offer a unique opportunity for both students and participating companies. Students gain valuable real-world experience by working on consultancy briefs, developing key skills in teamwork, research, and communication. In return, companies benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas delivered through a free consultancy project undertaken by a team of motivated and creative students.

A few weeks ago, our MSc students started this year’s MSc Consultancy Competition. Following an introduction and team-building session, students were divided into groups and briefed by participating companies. With support from experienced mentors, many of whom are Professor of Practice in the Business School, the teams are now working collaboratively on real business challenges.

Last week, some teams had the opportunity to visit their allocated companies on-site. These visits provided valuable insights into each organisation’s operations, challenges and gave context, helping students to bring their consultancy briefs to life.

Hear from some of our students as they reflect on their experience, what they gained, and why taking part in the competition is valuable.

Student reflections on company visits.

Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters

Haya Jafri (MSc Supply Chain and Operations Management) and her team visited Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters in Coventry and shared her experience.

“Visiting JLR brought our consultancy project brief to life, especially seeing how real teams are shaping the future of procurement. It’s exciting to work on a challenge that’s not hypothetical but genuinely connected to what JLR is building.”

Busch Vacuum Solutions

Ashok Gowda (MSc Business Administration) and his team visited Busch Vacuum Solutions, accompanied by mentor and Professor of Practice at Nottingham University Business School,  Professor David Pemberton, student Mohan Ashok Gowda said:

“Gaining firsthand exposure to the advanced vacuum technologies that support hydrogen production truly deepened my understanding of our consulting project. Huge thanks to the Busch team for the warm welcome and valuable insights – this experience has sparked even more curiosity and motivation to contribute meaningfully to the future of clean energy!

Saili Sawantt (MSc Marketing) and her team also visited Busch Vacuum Solutions, added:

“I really enjoyed visiting Busch! It was eye-opening to learn about their innovative products and see the operations up close. Speaking with the team and asking questions gave me a much deeper understanding of the industry – such a valuable and fun experience!”

Looking ahead

The MSc Consultancy Competition finishes with team presentations and a prize-giving event, where students showcase their solutions and recommendations to participating companies.

We’d like to thank all the businesses involved for supporting this year’s competition and for providing such valuable experiences for our students.

Find out more

Find out more about our company-based challenges.

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