Program Overview

Introduction to Vertically Integrated Projects

The University of Bath has been developing Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) since 2019/20. VIPs are innovative research and applied learning projects that enable inter-disciplinary, multi-level teams of students to work with a member of academic staff on long-term real-world projects.

About our VIP Projects

VIPs at the University of Bath focus on UN Sustainability Development Goals. The projects are an attempt to create sustainable, research-engaged communities of staff and students - both undergraduate and postgraduate - who work collaboratively on live projects. Our students come from a range of disciplines or fields and from across year groups, enabling more experienced students to support other student team members, and allowing everyone involved to work closely with researchers or senior staff.

Benefits of VIPs

• Make a difference or make an impact
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the subject and its application
• Develop skills prioritized by employers, for example, collaboration, negotiation, and creativity
• Develop ideas for a project and improve research skills
• Innovate and use imagination to create change

Current Projects

We have a total of 13 projects currently running. The projects include:

• Art on Campus: State of Disappearance
• Environmental Leaders Programme
• Economic Impact Study - Midsummer Norton Illuminated Carnival
• TBB: Bath biodevices without borders
• Creating immersive training experiences in virtual reality
• Carbon reduction journey pre Carers Centre
• Open science – Hardware for microscopy
• Play your way to Net Positive buildings
• Preventative Safeguarding Approaches
• School outreach from Institute for Sustainability
• Slow the Flow - Conserving water across our region
• Smart Prosthetics
• Student Wellbeing

Information for Students

Our VIPs are open to all undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from across all courses. Getting involved in a VIP is particularly beneficial for those students not undertaking a work placement year. VIPs offer an opportunity to gain applied learning experiences and professional skills.

How to Apply

Applications for Semester 2 are open. To apply, please complete the application form.

VIP Funding for Established Projects

The VIP Operational Team has launched a funding scheme: VIP Funding. This scheme aims to further the VIP research and development work.

Information for Staff

We are seeking to develop more VIPs to meet growing student demand. Please get in touch if you would like to find out about what's involved and how you can participate in the initiative.

External Organisations

There may be the opportunity for external organisations to contribute to existing or new VIPs.

Beyond Bath: the VIP Experience

We are part of the VIP Consortium, which is a global, nonprofit alliance of colleges and universities that operate Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) programs.

New Project Idea

If you have an idea and would like more advice or have an excellent idea but do not have an Academic Lead, please complete the new project information form. The VIP team will respond with advice and direct interested Academics to potential projects.