Real-world learning

At Oxford Brookes Business School, we offer our students a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that bridges theory and practice. Our focus is on preparing undergraduate and postgraduate students for successful careers by providing real-world experiences that enhance their academic learning and employability. From pitching business ideas to tackling live client briefs, our students gain invaluable skills that set them apart in the job market.

Oxford Brookes Business School embeds the three ‘Es’ (Enterprise, Experiential Learning, Employability) into the curriculum across all teaching and learning to ensure our students are in a strong position when they embark on their next career steps.

Take a closer look at some of the opportunities available to our students.

Investors pitching day

One of the key highlights of studying at Oxford Brookes Business School is the Investors Pitching Day, where Business and Management students studying the ‘Entrepreneurial Business Management’ double honours module, have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to real investors. During this event, business students present their start-ups to a panel of investors, simulating the pressures and challenges of seeking funding in the real world. The event offers students crucial feedback and the chance to refine their ideas while developing their public speaking and negotiation skills. Participating in the Investors Pitching Day is an exciting way for students to demonstrate their entrepreneurial potential and gain exposure to real-world investment processes.

Live client briefs

Oxford Brookes Business School students have the opportunity to work on live client briefs, collaborating with businesses and organisations to solve real business challenges. Recent projects have included developing innovative campaigns for historic sites and collaborating with leading brands to enhance their marketing strategies. These briefs enable students to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting while learning from industry experts and receiving direct feedback from clients. The experience helps students develop essential problem-solving, communication, and project management skills, all of which are highly sought after by employers.

Business challenge week

Each year, postgraduate students at Oxford Brookes Business School have the opportunity to participate in the Business Challenge Week, an intensive event where they tackle real business problems posed by local, national, and international organisations. Students work in teams, developing innovative solutions and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges from the business community. The week is designed to simulate the pressures of working in a fast-paced business environment, helping students refine their critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. The Business Challenge Week is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical experience and network with industry professionals.

Field trips

Learning extends beyond the classroom with field trips that offer students the chance to experience business practices firsthand. Recent trips have included visits to leading global companies and innovative organisations. These trips give students a unique insight into industry operations, from marketing and human resource management to luxury hospitality venues, logistics and customer service operations. Students also have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, enhancing their understanding of global business practices and gaining knowledge that is invaluable for their careers.

Recent field trips include:

Postgraduate hospitality, tourism and events students attended Passion 4 Hospitality, the largest, free student, graduate, and apprentice careers exhibition and conference in the UK hospitality industry.
Marketing students visited the largest advertising and marketing agency, WPP to learn about their marketing strategies and business models. Read more.

Providing you with the digital tools to excel

Oxford Brookes Business School also offers students access to cutting-edge facilities like the BodySwaps virtual reality (VR) simulations, the Bloomberg Trading Suite, and the Marketing and Social Media Lab.

These resources are invaluable for students seeking to improve their employability and gain practical, hands-on experience in a range of business disciplines.

“I really enjoyed [BodySwaps]. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn new things”

BodySwaps

This VR platform offers postgraduate students an opportunity to enhance their soft skills, such as public speaking, negotiation, job interviews, and conflict management. It immerses students in realistic scenarios, helping them build confidence and improve their communication skills in a safe, supportive environment. Postgraduate students, in particular, benefit from this innovative tool, which prepares them for the challenges of the professional world.

Bloomberg Trading Suite

This facility provides Accounting, Finance, and Economics students with access to real-time financial data and trading tools, allowing them to simulate stock market activities and understand financial analysis in a professional context.

Marketing and Social Media Lab

Undergraduate and postgraduate marketing students use this space to explore marketing strategies and social media analytics, developing practical skills that directly apply to the marketing industry. Students learn on the tools that real-world marketers use such as Sprout Social, Brandwatch and Adobe Creative Suite.

Entrepreneurs in residence and visiting industrial fellows

Oxford Brookes Business School engages with senior leaders across a wide range of sectors who bring their expertise to help shape your learning experience.

From curriculum design, research and mentoring to regular guest talks across the university, our network of business leaders is extensive.

At Oxford Brookes Business School, we are committed to providing real-world learning opportunities that empower students to apply their knowledge, develop crucial skills, and prepare for the challenges of the business world. Through our diverse range of activities—from live projects and business challenges to state-of-the-art labs and immersive experiences—our students are equipped to succeed in today’s competitive job market.