Learn by building real things

Sample project briefs

1. Databases and SQLSample brief

   Analyse a learning platform with SQL

   Answer five questions about enrolments and course completion from a realistic dataset, and explain each query.

   You hand in

   • A commented SQL script
   • A short write-up of what the data shows

   Skills practised

   • Joins
   • GROUP BY
   • NULL handling
   • Transactions

   analysis.sqlPostgreSQL

   1SELECT c.title, count(e.id) AS enrolments2FROM courses c3LEFT JOIN enrolments e ON e.course_id = c.id4GROUP BY c.title5ORDER BY enrolments DESC;

2. Full-stack developmentSample brief

   A REST API for class bookings

   Design and build an API that lets learners book seats in a class, with validation, error handling and tests.

   You hand in

   • Source code on GitHub
   • API documentation
   • Automated tests

   Skills practised

   • REST design
   • Validation
   • Database access
   • Testing

   POST /api/bookings

   { "classId": "c_104", "seats": 1 }

   201 Created

   { "id": "b_9k2", "status": "confirmed" }

   409 Conflict

   { "error": "CLASS_FULL" }

3. Software testingSample brief

   An automated test suite for a checkout flow

   Write a test plan for a sample shop, then automate the critical paths in the browser and run them in CI.

   You hand in

   • Test plan
   • Automated browser tests
   • A bug report for each defect found

   Skills practised

   • Test design
   • Browser automation
   • CI
   • Bug reporting

   checkout.spec.ts

   • ✓adds an item to the cart
   • ✓applies a valid coupon
   • ✓rejects an expired coupon
   • ✗keeps the cart after sign-in

   3 passed · 1 failed → bug report filed

4. UI/UX designSample brief

   A tested prototype for a study planner

   Interview three learners, design a study-planner app in Figma and test an interactive prototype with them.

   You hand in

   • Research notes
   • Wireframes and flows
   • Interactive prototype
   • Case study

   Skills practised

   • User research
   • Information architecture
   • Visual design
   • Usability testing

5. Mobile app developmentSample brief

   An offline-friendly notes app

   Build a notes app that works without a connection and syncs when one returns, for Android or iOS.

   You hand in

   • App source code
   • A release build
   • A short demo video

   Skills practised

   • Local storage
   • Networking
   • State management
   • Release preparation

   Notes · offline

   Revise joins

   Portfolio README

   Interview prep

   Will sync when online

6. AI and automationSample brief

   An AI-assisted enquiry triage workflow

   Sort incoming enquiries into categories with an AI step, a confidence check and a human review queue.

   You hand in

   • Working workflow
   • Evaluation notes on accuracy
   • Privacy checklist

   Skills practised

   • Prompt design
   • Evaluation
   • Automation tools
   • Responsible use

   1. 1New enquiry
   2. 2AI suggests category
   3. 3Confidence ≥ 0.8?
   4. 4Human review