Xiaohongshu
Become a research consultancy for social impact
Build your portfolio as a pro bono research consultant for the third sector. Our leadership programme gives you the building blocks to try out research consultancy in the real world. Fancy giving it a shot? Read more below!
What happens in the programme?
- Step Into Real‑World Consulting
- In this programme, you won’t just learn about research and consultancy you’ll live it. From day one, you’ll join a consultancy team carefully curated around your academic background, community experience, thematic interests, methodological strengths, and your drive for social impact.
This intentional matching means you’ll be surrounded by peers who complement your strengths and challenge you to grow. Who knows, maybe your future firm partners are waiting for you! - Learn to Work Like a Professional Consultancy
- Every team faces challenges and that’s part of the learning. You’ll develop the skills that real consultants rely on:
-Understanding team strengths and using them strategically
-Assigning roles and responsibilities
-Managing schedules and coordinating across busy lives
-Building communication systems that keep your work flowing
-Crafting a team identity — even a name or brand — for those who enjoy creative consultancy design
These are the kinds of skills employers look for, and you’ll gain them through hands‑on practice in a supported and reflective environment - Work With Real Charity Clients
- Unlike traditional coursework, you won’t be competing for projects. We match each consultancy team with an organisation that is genuinely excited to work with you. These clients are ready to begin — they’re waiting for your ideas, your questions, and your insight.
Project topics vary widely, and each one has been selected with care. Typical project commitment ranges from a few hours a week to a few hours a month. If you ever feel unsure about your assigned area, you can speak with our team during your 1:1s. We’re here to support you.
Some students will work outside their usual skill set, intentionally. This programme is designed to stretch you, help you grow, and show you how to collaborate effectively when you’re in unfamiliar territory. - Eager for More? Join our Drop-In Clinic!
- The Pro Bono Drop‑In Clinic gives you a quick, flexible way to chat with real organisations, shape exciting research volunteering ideas, and learn how to design opportunities that genuinely work for UCL students. You’ll use our webform and resources to guide conversations, practise confident nudging techniques and refocusing phrases when partners arrive with big ambitions, and draw on your own student experience to judge what feels realistic and developmental. Not every call becomes a project right away — sometimes you’ll need a follow‑up — but you’ll always have support from your fellow Pro Bono members and our team as you build real‑world consultancy skills.
Ready to take the first step towards becoming a research consultant?
You wont be able to apply to join the Pro Bono Research Consultancy Programme unless you have built some foundational skills at our research consultancy trainings, these happen every year in terms 1 and 2. You can find our upcoming trainings below!
A quick application letting us know what you're skillset is, what you would bring to your consultancy group, and what areas you are passionate about.
Applications launching March 2027!
We'll let you know if your application is successful and invite you to our programme induction where you'll get an overview of the programme and insights into how to be a successful consultant!
Link to come for 2027!
If you're keen for more, you can join our drop in clinic induction to give you a quick, flexible way to chat with real organisations, shape exciting research volunteering ideas, and learn how to design opportunities that genuinely work for UCL students.
Link to come for 2027!
What could my research consultancy journey look like?
It’s a chance to meet inspiring people, see your skills in a new light, and realise that the impact of your research doesn’t have to stop at publication.