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Practice Excellence Network

Woman at desk explaining business information.

Through the Practice Excellence Network, we connect ambitious organisations with talented students for innovative, transformational results.

The Practice Excellence Network (PEN) is an innovative, practice-based initiative designed to connect postgraduate students with real-world business challenges. Through PEN, students work directly with a wide range of businesses, applying their academic knowledge to live projects and defined problems that deliver tangible impact.

PEN is primarily available to postgraduate students, with those enrolled on Advanced Practice programmes automatically participating. Students from related disciplines may also have the opportunity to apply. Each student is carefully matched to a business and project aligned with their area of study—for example, supply chain students supporting logistics-focused ventures—ensuring both relevance and meaningful contribution.

Rather than undertaking a traditional dissertation, students engaged in PEN complete a practical, business-led project. These projects are developed in collaboration with partner businesses and are supported through a structured cycle of preparation, onboarding, and delivery across the academic year.

Students benefit from:

  • Hands-on industry experience with innovative, growth-oriented businesses
  • The opportunity to apply academic learning to real-world challenges
  • Development of key professional skills, including problem-solving, collaboration, and commercial awareness
  • Enhanced employability, with many students progressing into roles with their partner organisations or within their sector

PEN also provides opportunities for students to showcase their work to external stakeholders, including investors and industry leaders, further strengthening their professional networks and career prospects. Follow the Practice Excellence Network on LinkedIn to stay up to date.

For direct enquires, please email pen@hw.ac.uk.