Work with industry on a data project
2025 Masters programme open
The CDRC Masters Dissertation Scheme, linking students with industry, is now open for applications from students across the UK.
The partnerships are opportunities for Masters students to carry out their dissertations with the co-supervision of a large business or organisation. It’s a chance to apply research to real-world business problems, focussing on a live data project. Participants will work with important retail and consumer datasets and open data sources.
Applicants can apply for more than 30 projects. This year, sponsors include the Cabinet Office, Virgin Media O2 and Virgin GHD, West Midlands Combined Authority, England’s Economic Heartland, Social Investment Business, Nokia Bell Labs, and Experian.
Who should apply?
The Masters Dissertation Scheme provides a valuable insight into the corporate world and the different needs and drivers within businesses and major organisations.
Applications from students at universities across the UK are very welcome.
Students involved in a range of research are encouraged to apply. Organisers are particularly keen to hear from Masters students developing dissertations in GIS, transport, or related disciplines.
Why this scheme?
- Co-supervision from a UK business or organisation
- Business sponsors usually provide £500 in sponsorship, plus travel expenses
- A chance of winning one of three prizes (£500, £250 and £250), awarded to the best three dissertations
- An all-expenses-paid opportunity to showcase their research findings to an audience of leading businesses and academics
“The Masters Dissertation Research programme provided me with a great opportunity to showcase the skills learnt during my Masters through the use of real-world business data. Working with an industry partner gave me an insight into how location analysis methods are used in business, which was very insightful.”
Former University of Leeds Masters student
Deadline
The application process will remain open until the end of March 2025, but early applications are encouraged.
Successful applicants will undertake their dissertations over the spring and summer of 2025, with regular supervisory meetings with their business sponsors.
Sometimes, projects will take place on-site at the sponsor’s head office.
Find out more
Full details about the CDRC Masters Dissertation Scheme and all the organisations involved are available here.
You can discover more about Smart Data Research UK’s data services by visiting our Researchers page.