15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in the UK

Structured academic programs are a strong option if you want to explore advanced coursework before university without committing to a full degree. The best programs expose you to university-level coursework, hands-on lab work, real-world challenges, and direct mentorship from academics and industry professionals. Many are hosted by leading universities and professional bodies, giving you access to world-class facilities and networks. Some are fully funded or offer scholarships, making them accessible opportunities. If you are interested in engineering, participating in a structured program allows you to test your interest in fields like mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, biomedical, or computer engineering before applying to a university. Engineering programs may also offer research exposure and strong networking opportunities to help you connect with ​​professors, Ph.D. researchers, industry speakers, and peers who may become future collaborators. 

Why should I do an engineering program in high school?

An engineering program in high school can help you build technical foundations early. As a participant, you will gain exposure to university-style lectures, laboratory methods, coding environments, design software, and engineering problem-solving frameworks. You will also develop transferable skills, analytical reasoning, teamwork, project management, communication, and problem-solving, strengthening your readiness for competitive engineering degree programs and career opportunities. These programs also improve your college applications, as admissions officers value demonstrated academic curiosity, evidence of hands-on project work, and experience engaging with advanced material. 

To help you with your search, here are 15 engineering programs for high school students in the UK. We have focused on programs that are academically rigorous, selective, well-regarded, and hosted by prestigious institutions.

1. Imperial College London’s Engineering Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London

Cost / Stipend: £7,695 (USD 10,258)

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: June 29 – July 10 | August 3 – 14

Application deadline: No set deadline; rolling enrollment

Eligibility: Students ages 16–17 | Majority of grades 9–7 (A*–A) at GCSE or equivalent | Minimum grade 7 (A) in math and relevant science subjects | English language proficiency required

The Engineering Summer School is a two-week residential program that exposes you to a range of engineering disciplines through specialist workshops, lectures, and seminars. In the first week, you will rotate through areas such as aeronautical, chemical, civil, mechanical, and design engineering, engaging in hands-on sessions taught by Imperial College faculty members. You will engage in activities like building and testing prototypes, conducting experiments, and working in teams to solve real-world problems. During the second week, you will engage in an Innovation Challenge led by the Imperial Enterprise Lab, where you will work with students from other subject areas to develop and present a solution to a real-world problem. You will live in student dormitories on campus and have access to social activities and weekend programming throughout the two weeks. You may also receive guidance on applying to universities in the UK, including Imperial College itself. 

2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Engineering Track

Location: Remote ,  you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!

Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.

Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.

Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.

Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

3. Imperial College London’s Year 10 Insights Summer School 

Location: Imperial College London’s South Kensington Campus, London

Cost / Stipend: Fully funded (covers tuition, materials, accommodation, meals, and scheduled trips; travel not included)

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 29 – August 1

Application deadline: March 11; applications open January 12 | References close March 18 | Decisions announced by May 6

Eligibility: UK Year 10 students who meet the academic criteria

The Year 10 Insights Summer School is a competitive, fully funded residential program designed to encourage students to continue studying science or engineering beyond GCSE level. Hosted at Imperial College London, the program provides structured academic exposure alongside a supported introduction to university life. You can choose between two academic streams: Engineering or Science. The engineering stream will help you explore multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and biomedical engineering, through applied design challenges, technical demonstrations, and exposure to cutting-edge research technologies. The science stream includes hands-on laboratory practicals and workshops in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, delivered in real undergraduate labs. 

4. Immerse Education Academic Insights Pathway: Engineering Track

Location: Oxford or Cambridge (UK campuses); also available in Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston

Cost: Varies by location; financial aid available

Program dates: Two weeks during the summer

Application deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple summer cohorts

Eligibility: Students ages 13 – 18 | Enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Pathway by Immerse Education offers high school students the opportunity to study engineering in a university-style environment at leading global academic centres, including Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. The program is structured around small seminar-style classes (typically 4–10 students), enabling focused academic discussion and individualized attention. In the engineering track, you will engage with undergraduate-level concepts in areas such as robotics, mechanical systems, artificial intelligence, and applied design. Practical components may include building robotic arms, participating in structured design challenges, and analysing real-world engineering case studies. The curriculum is delivered through lectures, workshops, and weekly 1:1 tutorial-style sessions with your assigned tutor. At the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

5. Imperial College London’s Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London

Cost / Stipend: Fully funded; includes accommodation and program costs

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 14 – 17 | July 21 – 24

Application deadline: March 5; decisions released by May 6

Eligibility: Students in Year 12 (England or Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland), or S5 (Scotland) at state-funded schools or colleges in the UK | Under 18 at program start | Course-specific requirements vary

The Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School at Imperial College London is a competitive, fully funded residential program that offers academically strong students the opportunity to experience studying STEM at a research-intensive university. The program is designed to support students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education and is delivered in partnership with the Sutton Trust. You will select an academic department aligned with your interests and spend four days immersed in subject-specific teaching, practical workshops, and project-based learning. Available courses span engineering and science disciplines, including biomedical engineering, design engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, aeronautics with mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials science.

6. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College London, London

Cost / Stipend: £3,195 (USD 4,172) for one week – £9,375 (USD 12,243) + £65 (USD 87) application fee

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 6 – 10 | July 13 – 17 | July 20 – 24 | July 27 – 31

Application deadline: April 10

Eligibility: Students ages 16–17 | About to start the final three years of high school

King’s College pre-university program offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in courses in STEM and humanities, each running for a week, with the option to extend attendance across multiple sessions. During the program, you can explore science-focused tracks while attending university-style seminars and living on King’s College campus. Extracurricular activities and trips within London are also part of the schedule. All the courses are led by faculty and focus on helping you build critical thinking, engage in advanced exploration, and sharpen creative problem-solving. You will also participate in simulation games, discussions, role-play activities, and Q&A sessions with guest speakers during the program.

7. Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School @ Imperial College London

Location: Imperial College London’s South Kensington Campus, London

Cost / Stipend: Fully funded; covers course materials and lunch, not travel

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: August 4 – 7

Application deadline: March 18; applications open January 12 | References close March 25 | Decisions announced by May 6

Eligibility: Year 9 girls (UK); applicants must meet academic criteria and be able to travel to the program site daily.

The Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London is a four-day, non-residential outreach program designed to introduce students to the breadth of engineering disciplines. Over the course of four days, you will participate in engineering taster sessions, hands-on experiments, and subject-specific workshops across multiple fields of engineering. The curriculum emphasizes applied problem-solving, teamwork, and exposure to real-world engineering contexts. You will also work in small groups to design and present a poster summarizing your learning, developing both technical understanding and communication skills over the course of the program.

8. University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School 

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry

Cost / Stipend: £50 (USD 66.60) non-refundable application fee + £5,250 (USD 6,998)

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 14 – 24

Application deadline: May 31

Eligibility: Students ages 16–17

The University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School is a residential academic experience where you can study a chosen subject through lectures, seminars, and collaborative project work led by university staff. You can choose a track in engineering to explore different subfields, attend demonstrations and classes, and engage in structured assignments designed to replicate first-year university expectations and help you build independent research, writing, and presentation skills. The schedule also includes campus activities, workshops, and opportunities to interact with current Warwick students. Depending on the assigned track, you may complete a final project or presentation demonstrating your subject understanding and communication skills developed during the program.

9. NPL Academy

Location: National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex

Cost / Stipend: Free; travel and meal costs not covered

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 6 – 10 (tentative)

Application deadline: TBA in December

Eligibility: Students in Year 10 to Year 13 enrolled in UK schools

This weeklong program at the National Physical Laboratory offers high school students hands-on work experience at a national research facility. You will join small teams to work on real projects under the mentorship of NPL staff, with possible areas including atomic clocks, engineering, computer programming, fibre optics, finance, project management, electronics, microscopy, and quantum science. The schedule includes an induction, project work, team building exercises, lab demonstrations, and a cohort challenge on Wednesday afternoon. On the final day, you and your team members will present your work to the rest of the cohort and guests. 

10. BAE Systems Work Experience @ Samlesbury

Location: BAE Systems, Samlesbury

Cost / Stipend: None

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: June 15 – 19

Application deadline: About eight weeks before the program begins; may close earlier if full

Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 | In Year 12 or 13

This is a one-week work experience program at BAE Systems' Samlesbury site, where you will spend time at the Academy of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) learning about the Air sector through a range of project-focused tasks. Your week will be structured around the engineering lifecycle, covering areas like project management, manufacturing, and supply chain, and you will work in teams to complete functional tasks/projects and deliver presentations on your work. You will also have the chance to meet industry experts and connect with current apprentices at BAE Systems through a dedicated Early Careers networking session. The program includes additional activities such as site tours and interview workshops to help you build practical skills. 

11. Imperial College London Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London campuses, London

Cost / Stipend: Free; includes course fees, materials, and lunch; travel assistance available if required

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: June 29 – July 3

Application deadline: March 5; applications open on January 12

Eligibility: Students in Year 12 at state schools in the UK who meet academic requirements 

This is a five-day program designed to offer Year 12 students hands-on insight into research careers at Imperial College London in multiple streams, including bioengineering, chemical engineering, and math. You will work within your assigned department, exploring research laboratories, attending workshops, and visiting specialist technical facilities while experiencing a typical work routine, including meeting deadlines. The program includes campus tours, talks offered by staff, and guidance on college applications covering topics like personal statements and interview skills. At the end of the program, you will deliver a presentation with your assigned group, sharing your program experiences. You will have access to a student ambassador throughout the program, and you will have opportunities to network with other participants.

12. London International Youth Science Forum’s STEM Learning Programme

Location: Imperial College London, London

Cost / Stipend: £3,295 (USD 4,431)

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 19 – August 1

Application deadline: May 30

Eligibility: High school students ages 16 – 21

LIYSF, a nonprofit, runs this 15-day STEM summer program that offers students the chance to connect with leading scientists, including Nobel Prize winners, through lectures and research-focused activities. During the program, you will visit leading university departments, such as those at Oxford and Cambridge, and explore emerging topics in STEM like AI, nanotechnology, robotics, medicine, and astrophysics. The program also offers opportunities to present your own research projects and gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge scientific developments in research facilities. Social activities are also part of the experience.

13. STEM Learning Research Placements 

Location: Various partner organizations in the UK

Cost / Stipend: Typically free; some programs offer travel reimbursement or bursaries

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: Varies by program; many placements during the summer

Application deadline: Varies by placement

Eligibility: Secondary school or college students studying STEM subjects | Requirements depend on the specific placement program

STEM Learning’s Research Placements are opportunities that allow students to gain experience working in a STEM environment with universities, research institutions, or industry partners. As a participant, you will work on real projects and learn how STEM is applied in professional settings. Placements may involve lab work, data analysis, field work, or collaborative engineering projects guided by experienced professionals. You can indicate your preference for an engineering-focused placement. Within the assigned lab, you will work with a mentor who will support your learning and help you explore the research and development process. 

14. University of Southampton’s School of Electronics and Computer Science Summer Taster Courses

Location: University of Southampton, Southampton

Cost / Stipend: £415 (USD 558); reduced fee £239 (USD 321) and full need-based bursaries available on a first-come, first-served basis

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: July 27 – August 1

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students ages 16+ by July 27 | In Year 12 or equivalent | Mostly grades 7+ at GCSE | Studying in the UK or British citizens studying abroad | Stream-specific requirements apply

The ECS Taster Course is a one-week residential program at the University of Southampton, where you can choose to explore either Electronics and Computer Science or Biomedical Engineering. During the week, you will take part in hands-on experiments in university laboratories, attend lectures from academic staff, and get to know current students and recent graduates. You will also attend an annual Taster Course Careers Fair, where you will meet employers and explore what careers these subjects can lead to. You will live on campus in student halls of residence and take part in social activities, including a visit to Southampton city center. 

15. BAE Systems Work Experience @ RAF Lossiemouth

Location: RAF Lossiemouth, Lossiemouth

Cost / Stipend: Not specified

Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified

Program dates: June 15 – 19

Application deadline: About eight weeks before the program begins; may close earlier if full

Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 | In Year 12 or 13

This is a one-week work experience placement at RAF Lossiemouth, where you will spend time with BAE Systems teams to learn about the company and its role working alongside the Royal Air Force. You will meet key teams across units like On Aircraft, Off Aircraft, Engineering, and Business, and take part in tours and presentations focused on BAE Systems' work supporting the TyTAN contract, which is a major RAF aircraft maintenance program. The week also includes networking opportunities with staff, as well as activities like quizzes, mock interviews, and team-building exercises. This can be a practical introduction to how a large defense company operates in a live military environment.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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