Imperial’s Summer Schools

Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading universities, stands at the forefront of innovation and academic excellence. Known for its expertise in science, engineering, medicine, and business, Imperial College London offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to inspire and support high school students. Among these initiatives are Imperial’s Summer Schools, which provide exceptional opportunities for students to explore their interests, expand their knowledge, and experience university life firsthand.

Imperial College London’s Summer Schools aim to nurture young minds and empower students through immersive and engaging experiences. These programs are carefully crafted to offer a taste of the university’s academic rigor while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. By participating in Imperial’s Summer Schools, high school students gain valuable insights into their chosen fields of interest, develop key skills, and establish a solid foundation for their future academic and career endeavors.

The Summer Schools at Imperial College London cater to both UK and international students, ensuring a diverse and vibrant learning environment.

For UK Students

Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School

Imperial College London offers a unique opportunity for Year 9 girls to explore the exciting world of engineering. This summer school aims to inspire young minds by introducing them to various engineering disciplines through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and hands-on projects. Participants get a glimpse into the diverse career paths within engineering, fostering their interest and encouraging them to pursue STEM subjects in the future.

Year 10 Insights into Science and Engineering Summer School

Designed for Year 10 students, Imperial’s Summer Schools provides an immersive experience in the fields of science and engineering. Students engage in a range of practical experiments, interactive lectures, and workshops led by expert faculty members. They gain insight into cutting-edge research, explore different scientific disciplines, and discover potential career paths in these fields.

Year 11 Online STEM Challenge

Imperial College London organizes an exciting online STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Challenge for Year 11 students. This program offers a dynamic platform for participants to tackle real-world problems through teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. Students collaborate virtually with peers and receive guidance from mentors while developing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School

Imperial College London partners with the Sutton Trust to offer a transformative summer school experience for Year 12 students from underrepresented backgrounds. This program provides an immersive taste of university life, including academic lectures, practical workshops, and personal development sessions. It aims to inspire and support talented students, helping them make informed decisions about their higher education choices.

Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme allows students to gain valuable insights into different professional fields. Through placements with industry partners and departments within the College, students have the opportunity to explore potential career paths, develop essential skills, and make informed decisions about their future studies and career choices.

Also read The Ideal College Application

For International Students

Imperial College London Global Summer School

Imperial College London welcomes international students to its Global Summer School, offering a unique experience of academic and cultural immersion. This program provides a range of courses across various disciplines, allowing students to expand their knowledge, engage in cutting-edge research, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of London. Students also benefit from networking opportunities, cultural activities, and guest lectures from renowned academics and industry experts.

What you will do during Global Summer School

• Experience world-class education at Imperial College London, a top ten university globally, renowned for its focus on science, engineering, medicine, and business.
• Elevate your subject knowledge through an enriching academic program that encompasses engaging lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and practical workshops.
• Collaborate with students from diverse academic backgrounds in a STEM challenge, tackling real-world problems and leveraging collective expertise.
• Receive valuable guidance and professional advice on pursuing higher education in the UK, with a particular emphasis on admissions to Imperial College London.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant student community by staying in authentic campus accommodation located in the heart of South Kensington.
• Embrace a fulfilling social calendar, including exciting evening events and weekend activities, providing a chance to make lifelong memories and fully embrace the vibrant atmosphere of London.

Age Requirements

To be eligible for the 2023 program, you must

• Have turned 16 years old prior to the start of the program.
• Not reach the age of 18 before or during the program.

If you meet the age requirements, this is what they expect to see in their applicants

1. A passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) that they may be able to see in your personal statement
2. Exceptional academic capabilities.
3. Strong proficiency in the English language.
4. Clear motivation and desire to participate in the program.

Academic Requirements

They expect students to demonstrate excellent academic performance, which includes

• Attainment of predominantly 9-7 grades (A*-A) at GCSE level or its international equivalent.
• A minimum grade of 7 (A) in mathematics and science subjects.

If you receive a conditional offer, you will need to provide an updated transcript of your most recent school or college grades to confirm that you meet the required academic standards. If the transcript is unavailable, additional information from your teacher, tutor, school counselor, or equivalent will be necessary. Please refer to our guide for common international qualifications and their UK equivalents.

English Language Requirements

Strong proficiency in English is essential. If English is not your first language or if you are not taught in English at school, they will request proof of an English language qualification (e.g., IELTS). The language requirements for the Global Summer School align with those of undergraduate programs at Imperial College London. It is important to meet the relevant standard level of English language proficiency. If you are unsure about meeting the English language requirement, please reach out to them for clarification.

Programme Structure

The Global Summer School is a comprehensive two-week program that comprises two distinct parts.

• Week One is dedicated to academic sessions focused on your chosen subject. Led by esteemed Imperial academics, these sessions provide over 50 hours of immersive learning. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, you will gain invaluable insights into your selected field of study and get a glimpse of what it entails at the university level. You have the opportunity to choose from one from three subjects
• Engineering You will be able to explore various engineering disciplines during the Global Summer School. This immersive and interactive subject offers a rich learning experience designed to ignite your passion for engineering. Through a combination of specialist workshops, engaging lectures, and thought-provoking seminars, you will acquire crucial skills and collaborate within groups to tackle real-world engineering challenges. You will learn
  • Civil Engineering
  • Earth Science and Engineering
  • Design Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Aeronautical Engineering

• Medicine and Life Sciences In the Medicine and Life Sciences track, you will delve into new research techniques and explore captivating subject content. Practical workshops, led by healthcare professionals from prestigious affiliated hospitals, will equip you with vital clinical skills. This hands-on experience will deepen your knowledge and provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of medical sciences. You will learn
  • Medicine sessions
  • Clinical skills (practical)
  • Life Sciences
• Physics The Physics track focuses on the fundamental principles of physics and mathematics. By employing three powerful tools—calculus, experimental analysis, and computer simulations—you will develop a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and analyzing physical situations. Building on this foundation, you will have the opportunity to apply your newly acquired programming skills and theoretical knowledge in a team-based project. This collaborative endeavor will showcase your ability to integrate concepts and deliver innovative solutions. You will learn
  • Introduction to Physics
  • Computing Suite and Programming Skills
  • Construction of physics simulations
  • Final presentation

You can learn more about the specifics of what subjects they offer in their official website 

• During Week Two of the program the opportunity to address a real-world issue.  You will join other students from various academic disciplines to tackle a real-world STEM challenge. Guided by the expertise of the Imperial Enterprise Lab, a team of industry professionals, this challenge offers a platform to enhance vital university skills such as presentation, communication, and teamwork. With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, you will collaborate with students from diverse subject areas to combine expertise, brainstorm ideas, and develop a solution to tackle the challenge question.
• Working together as a team, you will have the chance to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Drawing upon your collective skills and knowledge, you will evolve your idea into a concrete solution. The culmination of this process will be a presentation of your solution to a panel of esteemed judges and your fellow Global Summer School peers.

Imperial College London’s Summer School programs, both for UK and international students, provide enriching experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. These programs inspire curiosity, foster academic growth, and empower students to explore their interests and passions in the fields of science, engineering, and beyond.

Imperial’s Summer Schools underscores their dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators. By opening their doors to high school students, they aim to inspire young minds, nurture talent, and cultivate a passion for learning. Whether it is through hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, or exposure to real-world challenges, these Imperial’s Summer Schools offer an invaluable stepping stone for students’ personal and academic growth.