Research Consultancy Training Programme

What's this all about?

Not sure if you have the skills to do research consultancy or know how to go about it? Join our practical training sessions led by sector experts to discover how easily you can use your transfer your research skills, build confidence and create real world impact.

These training sessions are led by Kohlrabi Consulting, founded by UCL PhD alumni. Using their expertise and tools, they run exclusive consultancy training and workshops for the Community Research Initiative.

Please note - this is open to PhD and Postgraduate (PGR) students only. If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate (taught) student and interested in using your research skills for good, check out our other programmes here.

What training do we offer?

Each training is designed to give you a new perspective into the world of Community Research

Research Consultancy Taster - Term 1

Our taster training will help you take your research knowledge and drive it toward making a change in the wider community. We'll explore how you can take your first steps into the world of research consultancy and give you a chance to try your hand with our voluntary and community sector organisations who are looking for advice.  

What you’ll do 
Start the day with a punchy dive into the value of research consultancy for charities, backed by sharp case studies, before shifting into the charity mindset with Kohlrabi’s consultants sharing real sector insights. Pick up practical consultancy tips and agile methods to help you pivot your research skills on the fly, break for lunch, then jump into a hands‑on consultancy clinic where you’ll craft crisp, actionable briefs alongside voluntary‑sector leaders.

What skills will you build?
This training is chocked full of new skills and opportunities to take your learning from classroom to community. Below are just a few of the skills you can expect expand at this training:  
Cross-sector working
Consultancy skills
Negotiation skills
Active listening skills
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Applied research consultancy skills

Research Consultancy Deep Dive - Term 2

Deepen your methodology knowledge while building skills in client relationship management and business aspects. You'll also have access to our new networking lunches with community organisations and other likeminded students to build genuine connections.

What you’ll do 
Start strong with a crisp overview of the charity consultancy landscape, then dive into smart tools for shaping questions, refining briefs and managing client worries. Test your instincts in a fast‑paced scenarios boardgame, learn to adapt academic methods for real‑world consultancy, and build resilience for the pressures of live projects. After your networking lunch with third sector organisations you'll engage in a hands‑on consultancy clinic crafting punchy briefs with voluntary‑sector leaders.

What skills will you build?
This training is chocked full of new skills and opportunities to take your learning from classroom to community. Below are just a few of the skills you can expect expand at this training:  
Cross-sector working
Consultancy skills 
Negotiation skills
Active listening skills 
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Applied research consultancy skills

Also by attending these training, you’ll become eligible for our Pro Bono Research Consultancy Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to work directly with community organisations, applying your research expertise to solve pressing local issues. Not only will you gain invaluable experience, but you’ll also earn Inkpath credits that contribute to your professional development goals. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills, give back to the community, and take your research beyond the university.

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