Work with students and academics from across the University on research tackling global challenges, while gaining skills, experience and academic credit to boost your CV.
What’s involved?
Our Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIPs) give you the chance to collaborate with students and academics on research aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led by University researchers, you’ll work on projects that can make a real difference to the world beyond our campus.
By taking part, you’ll:
- work in a team with students from different courses and levels
- be offered a choice of exciting projects to work on
- attend key meetings at our new Zone29 building in Marylebone - where you’ll plan projects, share knowledge and learn new skills
- have the opportunity to continue with VIPs throughout your studies – for example, if you take part in Year 1, you can also take part in Years 2 and 3
Your timetable will vary depending on your year of study:
- Year 1 – you’ll take part in Semester 2 with weekly meetings
- Years 2 and 3 – you’ll take part across both Semesters 1 and 2 with meetings every two weeks
Key benefits
- Gain practical experience that strengthens your CV and career prospects
- Develop confidence in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teamwork
- Deepen your understanding of global challenges and how to address them
- Earn academic credit through flexible assessment methods tailored to your project work
- Enhance your competences in sustainability, research and professional practice
- Shape the future direction of your project by contributing to decision-making and long-term plans
Who can take part?
You can take part in a VIP if you’re a current undergraduate student.
How do I take part?
To join, you’ll need to register for a Vertically Integrated Project as an elective module.
VIPs are offered at levels 4, 5, and 6, each with varying levels of challenge:
- Level 4 - Vertically Integrated Projects 1 (4WSEL025W)
- Level 5 - Vertically Integrated Projects 2 (5WSEL025W)
- Level 6 - Vertically Integrated Projects 3 (6WSEL025W)
Your Module Tutor will explain how to choose your specific project after registration.
Current projects
Each project brings together the creativity and expertise of students from across disciplines and backgrounds. Some projects are research-focused, collecting and analysing data. Others are action-oriented, campaigning for change locally or globally.
Our current projects are listed below.
The Cavendish Living Lab empowers students to create innovative solutions to global challenges. From turning food waste into bioplastics for sustainable fashion, to developing urban food-growing and health-linked sustainability projects — you’ll tackle pressing issues through creativity and collaboration.
You will be encouraged to pursue research you are passionate about, aligned with one or more of the 17 UN SDGs. Through hands-on and interdisciplinary projects, you’ll gain valuable experience and produce tangible outputs such as product prototypes, digital tools, public engagement campaigns, and community exhibitions.
Whether your passion lies in science, technology, design, or social impact, this VIP offers a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change for people and the planet.
Since 2017, Westminster students have contributed to Rwanda’s social and economic progress — from creating marketing plans for young entrepreneurs to designing land use strategies and collaborating with the University of Rwanda.
This year brings an exciting new opportunity: a fashion initiative led by the University in association with the British High Commission in Rwanda, supporting the development of Rwanda’s leading young fashion entrepreneurs. You’ll work with stakeholders, including Westminster alumna Alison Thorpe and the British Ambassador to Rwanda.
You'll help produce podcasts and creative communications, with outcomes ranging from films and reports to a public exhibition.
No experience needed - just passion, teamwork, and a drive to make change happen.
The Democratic Education Network (DEN) is a student-led initiative at Westminster that fosters local and global engagement, builds transferable skills, and enhances employability while deepening awareness of London’s diverse communities.
Through DEN, you'll explore global citizenship, democratic engagement, and international development by working in interdisciplinary teams on pressing social and sustainability challenges.
Activities include creating blogs, digital stories, and policy briefs, as well as organising public events in collaboration with local communities and international partners. Student outputs range from case studies and presentations to published blogs and annual books.
DEN encourages you to build cross-cultural networks, share knowledge, and contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through practical, real-world learning.
Students will form a project team tasked with producing translations of exhibition material for the Migration Museum in London into French and/or Spanish. The work may extend to creating easy-to-read content in English, French, and Spanish that is designed to make the museum more accessible and ensure everyone can learn and enjoy the artwork they have on show.
Are you passionate about using your knowledge to make a difference? StreetLaw is an innovative student-led project that empowers you to deliver engaging, interactive legal education to schools and community groups across London.
What is StreetLaw?
Working in small teams, you’ll research, design, and present on key legal issues (eg knife crime, sexting, police powers, or climate change) bringing the law to life for young people and local communities.
Why get involved?
By joining StreetLaw, you will:
- contribute meaningfully to your community by raising legal awareness
- apply your legal studies in real-world contexts
- develop your communication, teamwork, and public engagement skills
- collaborate with students and academics in a student-as-partners model
Who can take part?
We welcome motivated, socially conscious students from any discipline who want to build skills, gain experience, and create real impact.
StreetLaw is your opportunity to lead change where it matters most.
The Genome Health Hub brings together students and academics to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time – how urban environments shape the health of our DNA and entire genome..
In partnership with the Genome Health Foundation Australia and London community organisations, we take a transdisciplinary approach to understanding how biomedical, environmental, and social factors interact to influence DNA integrity and lifelong wellbeing.
Our goals:
- Develop innovative biomonitoring tools to support early prevention of noncommunicable diseases.
- Shape healthier urban spaces that reduce health inequalities and promote environmental justice.
- Design personalised interventions from nutrition to psychoeducation that support genome stability and resilience.
This is more than research: it’s a collaborative movement for change. Our work has been showcased internationally and shared locally through workshops with Excelsior Academy.
Whatever you're studying, from biomedical sciences and psychology to design, public policy, and beyond, your perspective matters. Join us in co-creating healthier, fairer cities through cutting-edge research and real-world impact.
Westminster Waves is a university-wide digital community radio station. It provides opportunities for students to explore through practical hands-on application how broadcasting can amplify diverse voices, foster collaboration, and connect communities.
Opportunities include:
- Creating and curating radio shows, podcasts, and music programmes
- Running social media campaigns
- Exploring music publishing
- Promoting emerging talent
- Developing skills in radio production, editing, and presenting
- Gaining project management experience by organising outside broadcast events
If you're interested in building skills in radio, audio production, and live project management, this is the project for you - no experience necessary.
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global blueprint for peace, prosperity and sustainability. They show how environmental action, social justice and a fair economy are interconnected – with progress in one area supporting progress in all others.
At Westminster, we are committed to helping students and colleagues from all backgrounds fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. Our VIPs put this commitment into action by enabling students and academics to collaborate on real solutions to global challenges.
You can learn more on our Sustainable Development page.
Contact us
If you need help with VIPs, email us at [email protected].