What happens when King’s online offer holders from around the world connect before their studies even begin?
From the moment our students choose to apply to King’s, they become part of a university community dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. The King’s Global Challenge Sprint reflects that mission, giving offer holders the opportunity to address real‑world issues while connecting with future peers.
The first sprints were held in late March and early April 2026, marking the launch of this new initiative developed with King's Edge. Designed exclusively for applicants to King's online master's programmes, they offered a practical introduction to King’s approach to learning and set the foundation for future sprints.
What is the King’s Global Challenge Sprint?
The King’s Global Challenge Sprint is a short, fully online, interactive workshop for prospective students holding an offer for a King’s online master’s programme. Each sprint brings together small, international teams to explore a real‑world challenge through guided activities that require no prior preparation.
Participants are supported by King’s facilitators and Graduate Teaching Assistants, who help shape discussion, encourage teamwork, and ensure everyone can contribute. This format offers a fast‑paced, hands‑on introduction to how online learning at King’s works in practice.
In their inaugural iteration, the sprints focused on a challenge linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Over four focused hours, participants examined how people and communities experience their environments and developed ideas for creating more inclusive, connected, and sustainable urban spaces.
A global cohort
These first pilot sessions brought together 18 participants from different countries, professional backgrounds, and academic disciplines, reflecting the global community students will join when they begin their studies.
“The most valuable part was the opportunity to exchange ideas with people from different parts of the world and different professional backgrounds. It was rare and inspiring to hear diverse perspectives on culture and cities, and to realise how much we can learn from each other across borders.”
Yee Tai, workshop participant
Collaborative thinking in practice
Participants drew on everyday experiences and their own local environments to examine questions of inclusion, access, and belonging. By sharing images, photographs, and engaging in group discussions, they explored how public spaces are designed, how they are used, and how small design choices can shape whether people feel welcome or excluded.
Working in small groups helped participants build ideas together, moving from individual observations to shared insight. This collaborative approach highlighted how different academic and professional backgrounds influence how challenges are understood — and why working across disciplines is essential.
One group explored the question:
How can we build inclusive spaces that acknowledge the past while encouraging meaningful interaction in the present?
This discussion highlighted how many public spaces prioritise efficiency and movement, often leaving limited room for connection, pause, or community.
“I valued the multitude of different perspectives, since the group was mixed with people from many different fields. It was interesting to see how an academic background takes an effect on real-world applications.”
Neda, workshop participant
Looking ahead
Building on the March and April sprints, further sessions and new challenge themes are already being planned for future cohorts.
Participants will receive a digital badge to recognise their contribution, which they can share on LinkedIn. They also earn 12 K-Points that count towards their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) award.
Most importantly, the sprints will give students an early experience of learning and belonging at King’s. Participants will work together to tackle challenges and develop ideas through discussion and teamwork.
Are you interested in joining a future Global Challenge Sprint, or finding out more about other online events we have coming up at King’s? Start your journey today by browsing our events page and registering your interest.
