June 2025

This programme has been generously funded by Santander Universities UK and the Quintin Hogg Trust. This means most of your in-person activities costs will be funded, including lunch and most travel costs.

The programme costs covered are:

• lunch on the days of in-person visits
• day-return train tickets to, and travel around a major UK city
• exciting prizes for engagement and development during virtual sessions
• £375 bursary upon completion of the programme

Programme costs that are not covered (and participants will have to cover):

• lunch on the virtual day on the programme
• travel around London/ to and from University campuses during the programme

The purpose of the trip is to enhance your professionality and develop skills that will help you after graduation. You’ll visit several leading and diverse organisations in the UK and have a chance to reflect on your experience. 

Please note: to ensure students make the most of their time during the trip, the itinerary will include multiple visits and talks a day and may be quite intense.

Sessions will have a professional focus from a range of sectors and may include:

• seminars, workshops and workplace tours with alumni and partners
• Q&A sessions with University of Westminster alumni
• day trip to a major UK city

Sessions

A full itinerary and list of organisations you’ll visit will be provided closer to the trip. Please be prepared to research them in advance so you can make the most of your time. Sessions will generally run daily from 9am – 5pm with at least 2 visits or speakers a day.

“The WWC UK programme was an eye-opening experience. I had a chance to meet inspiring alumni and industry leaders and learned the importance of aligning my career choices with my values. The practical insights I gained have equipped me to confidently navigate my future. This programme truly empowered me to embrace new opportunities and pursue my passions!”

– Tamila Niyazova, MSc International Business Management (WWC UK September 2024)

Participation

All participants are expected to actively engage during the programme. This means:

• researching speakers and organisations in advance and preparing questions, topics for discussion
• engaging in every session (eg. taking notes, active listening and interacting with the speakers)
• asking at least one question every day of the programme

This programme is designed by the Westminster Working Cultures team based in the University’s Alumni Relations Office. You will be joined throughout the programme by the WWC team and various members of University staff. The programme will be subject to normal University risk assessments and regulations.

You are required to attend all the programme activities as representatives of the University.

Participants complete the programme by attending all sessions, completing their WWC reflective journal and sharing feedback about their experience.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive:

• 50 points toward the Westminster Employability Award at the Gold level. WWC is an optional activity
• a digital badge that can be shared on social media
• access to a closed WWC LinkedIn group to maintain relationships and grow networks
• an exclusive opportunity to join the WWC team in a voluntary position as WWC Ambassador, a tailored employability role to enhance your professional development and experience

For the June 2025 programme only:

• £375 bursary

You must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student from the University of Westminster at the time of the programme (June 2025).

You must agree to the ‘Expectations of programme participants’:

• respect the programme’s values, other participants, speakers and staff
• be on time and participate in all activities and meetings*
• adhere to the no mobile phone policy during sessions
• follow the business casual dress code (eg no jeans. crop tops, tracksuits, short skirts or flip flops)
• post at least three times on social media about your experience
• submit photos, videos or write a blog post about your experience
• reflect on your experience through the Westminster Working Cultures reflective journal
• be aware that things may change during the programme, have an open mind and be flexible!

Students are required to maintain the highest standards of behaviour whilst participating in a Westminster Working Cultures programme. Students remain bound by the University of Westminster’s 'Student Code of Conduct'. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of your place on the programme and/or a referral to the disciplinary procedure.

*Participation means: researching speakers and organisations in advance, preparing questions, engaging in every session (eg. taking notes, interacting with the speakers) and asking at least one question every day of the programme.

Write a strong application for your chosen programme by using the top tips below. The WWC team has put together some important guidance to help you write the best application possible. Our amazing WWC participants have also contributed their own advice and tips to support you in this process!

• Generative AI: If you use generative AI to complete your application, your application may look like every other application that uses generative AI and you will likely not be selected. Please make sure to personalise your answers to help you stand out! The shortlisting panel wants to get to know you and your motivations.
• Take your time: Rushed applications that are not tailored to the programme will be immediately obvious to the shortlisting panel and can give the impression that you haven’t spent time on your application. Ask someone to proofread for grammar and spelling.
• Do your research: Have you done your research on the programme? You can use your research within your answers to improve the strength of your application by answering the following questions:
  • how would this programme impact your studies and future career?
  • what do you aim to achieve from being on the programme?
• Keep it relevant: You have 300 words to answer each question, so keep your answer specific and relevant to what we are asking. Although we need detail in your answers, make sure that what you are writing stays on point with the focus of the question.
• Expand on your points: If you state something which you feel is relevant and suitable for your application, expand on it and tell us more. If you feel being on this programme will help with your career or studies – tell us how and why! If there is an activity that is of keen interest to you – give us your reasons as to why it is. Developing employability attributes is one of the impacts this programme will have on students, but we want to know which ones you want to develop and how this programme will impact those.
• Write at least 100 words: Make sure you provide context and showcase your interests, motivations and personality when writing your application. Make an effort – the panel can tell if you don’t!

Your application will be judged on the quality of your response to each question in the form, so make sure you carefully consider your responses and clearly communicate your interest in, and your motivations for, taking part in the WWC UK programme.

Watch this video for our WWC Ambassador’s top tips for writing a successful application.

“I enhanced my networking skills by connecting with students and hearing the career journeys of so many people I would consider successful. This experience motivated me and gave me hope that challenges could be overcome regardless of the obstacles one faces. Engaging with people who have navigated their professional paths and hearing how they have dealt with adversity inspired me to remain determined and resilient in my own journey. Their stories were a reminder that success isn’t linear, and that perseverance, coupled with a strong network, can lead to unexpected opportunities.” - Muhammad Yasir, BSc Computer Science (WWC UK September 2024)