15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in the UK
- Stephen Turban
- 18 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student in the UK looking for a way to engage with medicine outside of the classroom, consider a summer program!
Medical summer programs for high school students are a great option for those interested in making healthcare a career choice. They offer exposure to college-level academics, help develop practical skills, allow you to gain industry experience, and offer networking opportunities.
The summer programs we’ve included in the list below include anatomy workshops, clinical simulations, basic clinical skills such as taking blood pressure and suturing on models, and First Aid training. You will be exposed to various medical specialties such as surgery and general practice, which will help you zero down on your preferred career choice/specialization. You will also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and clinical reasoning.
Here are 15 medical summer programs for high school students in the UK!
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The Summer Cohort I application deadline is April 13!
Program Dates: Summer: June - August, fall: September - December, winter: December - February, spring: March - June.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program presents high school students with the opportunity to collaborate 1-on-1 directly with PhD mentors on an independent research project, with a special focus on fields related to medicine and healthcare. You’ll receive guidance as you work on creating a college-level research paper, with additional support from writing coaches.
The program covers a range of subjects, such as biology, data science, psychology, economics, environmental studies, medicine, etc. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a symposium, with the possibility of having your work published, providing valuable experience for aspiring medical professionals.
Location: King’s College London, London, England
Cost: £3,050 per week
Application Deadline: The deadline hasn’t been specified, but you can find more information here.
Dates: Two-week courses starting on dates July 8 and July 22
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 to 17.
The Young Professionals Medicine summer camp at Bucksmore is a residential program for high school students interested in medical careers. You will study anatomy, diagnostics, and patient care through workshops and hands-on activities, gaining a comprehensive insight into the field.
The camp offers a balanced experience of academic preparation and personal development. Living on campus and taking trips to medical institutions and cultural sites around London such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Thorpe Park, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Cambridge will foster teamwork and communication and add context to your learning. At the end of the program, you will receive a personalized report card along with the Capstone and Bucksmore certifications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 (Financial aid available)
Application deadline: February 23 for the Spring cohort. The summer cohort regular admission deadlines are April 27 and May 25. The Summer II program’s deadline is June 22.
Program dates: March 16 — May 18 (for the Spring Cohort).
Eligibility: Grades 8-12 with a background in coding or who have completed the AI Scholars program.
Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine track provides high school students with an in-depth look at the role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare and medicine. In this track, you’ll dive into the application of AI in hospital admissions, genomics, neuroscience, drug discovery, and more. You will also deep dive into complex topics such as the Fundamentals of Clinical Evolution, Image Segmentation and Regularization and Transfer Learning.
The program also introduces medical data preparation, EDA, and Convolutional Neural Networks. You will interact with AI experts, be part of lectures, and have programming notebooks. You will also be part of a hands-on project where you will use AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to help doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form!
Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
Cost: £6,995
Application Deadline: Offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Learn more here.
Dates: 6— 19 July | 20 July — 2 August (two-week course)
Eligibility: For age groups between 12–13 & 14–15 years.
The Explore Medicine program at the Cambridge Summer School offers an introduction to human anatomy, physiology, and healthcare careers. You’ll learn about the roles of doctors and nurses while developing a basic understanding of the human body. You will be taught by world leaders in medicine such as Dr. Endrit Shabani, Dr. Anisa Butt, Dr. Claire Keene, and more.
You will learn practical activities like physical exams, applying slings, and managing bleeding, along with learning to speak like a doctor, take a patient’s history, and diagnose problems. The program also helps you build communication and teamwork abilities that are important in medical professions. In your final assessment, you will role play as medical practitioners in simulated clinical scenarios.
Location: University of London | University of Cambridge | University of Oxford
Cost: £ 5.495
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on the cohort you applied to.
Dates: 2, 4 and 6-week sessions. 29 June — 12 July | 13 — 26 July | 27 July — 9 August | 10–23 August
Eligibility: For students between the ages 15–18.
The course also covers anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, and clinical reasoning taught by expert Oxford lecturers and doctors. You will undergo hands-on clinical training via activities such as human-grade specimen dissections and suturing workshops. Crucially, it also includes UCAS/UKCAT/BMAT coaching in the form of personal statements, exam strategies, and interview simulations.
You’ll learn about the UK medical school application process through workshops and group activities, gaining a clearer understanding of how applications are assessed. The program also gives 3.5 credits, along with a Certificate of Completion and a Letter of Recommendation.
Location: Imperial College London, London, England
Cost: £7,260
Application Deadline: Allocated on a first-come first-serve basis. More information here.
Dates: 30 June — 11 July | 4 — 15 August
Eligibility: Must be 16 or 17 years old before the start of the program, and not turn 18 years old before or during your program.
The Global Summer School is a two-week program that combines subject-specific learning with a collaborative project. In the first week, experts at St. Mary’s Hospital will teach you clinical skills such as ABCDE assessment, CPR blood pressure, glucose measurement, urine dipstick analysis, genetic experiments, diagnosing kidney disorders, etc. You will also be part of medicine sessions and learn about life sciences.
In the second week, you’ll join students from other academic streams to take part in the ‘Innovation Challenge,’ where you will apply your subject knowledge in a team setting. This challenge is led by industry experts where you will learn teamwork, presentation, and communication.
Location: Oxford Summer School, Oxford, England
Cost: £6,995
Application Deadline: Offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Link to apply here.
Dates: 6— 19 July | 20 July — 2 August | 3— 16 August
Eligibility: For students between the ages of 16–18 years.
This summer medical school program offers a detailed introduction to biology, anatomy, genetics, neuroscience, and emergency medicine. Through lectures, simulations, and workshops led by experienced tutors like Dr. Endrit Shabani, Dr. Anisa Butt, Dr. Claire Keene and Dr. Amy Booth, you will learn how medical knowledge is applied in practice, making it one of the most revered medical summer programs for high school students in the UK.
You will also learn about different roles in healthcare and receive guidance on applying to medical school, all while living on the Oxford campus. The program also fosters leadership, communication, and confidence in navigating research projects in students. Sessions by guest speakers are also part of this program; Helen Sharman OBE, the first British astronaut conducted one such session.
Location: Brunel University of London with Imperial College London | University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) with University of Sunderland | Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) with University of Southampton and University of Surrey | University of East Anglia with Anglia Ruskin University (for the medical summer school)
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: February 9
Dates: Variable based on selected college. More information here.
Eligibility: Summer schools are aimed at students aged 11-12 who are from underrepresented demographic groups in medicine and dentistry in England.
Funded by the NHS, the Medical Schools Council and Dental Schools Council are expected to run eight medical summer programs for high school students in the UK England, offering over 500 free spots. These programs are open to Year 11 and 12 students from under-represented backgrounds. There are residential, commuter, and online options available.
The summer schools provide an overview of studying medicine or dentistry, using several different teaching methods to support the transition to university. Sessions cover medical and dental careers, values and behaviors expected in the professions, application and interview preparation, and guidance on admissions tests.
Location: King's College London, London, England
Cost: £2,990 (one course, 1 week) | £5,610 (two courses, 2 weeks) | £8,600 (three courses, 3 weeks) | £11,220 (4 courses, 4 weeks). More information here.
Application Deadline: April 4
Dates: Each course is one-week long and students can select to do multiple courses over one, two, three or four weeks. Session 1: 30 June — 4 July | Session 2: 7–11 July | Session 3: 14–18 July | Session 4: 21–25 July
Eligibility: For students between the ages of 16–17.
This medical course allows studying in a globally renowned top-tier college comprising world-class faculty. It focuses on the relationship between human physiology, anatomy, and medical conditions. You’ll explore the workings of the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and musculoskeletal systems, as well as how the body adapts to various environments, such as extreme temperatures, high altitudes, airplane cabins, and space.
The course also covers research aimed at monitoring and improving physiological well-being. You will be part of practical workshops where you will learn about health history, diagnostic procedures, medical emergency management, and disease treatments, and tackle medical challenges as part of groups. There is a King’s Certificate of Completion up for grabs at the end of the program, but you will have to complete assignments and meet attendance requirements.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: TBA. Details here.
Dates: The program for 2025 is yet to be confirmed. Details here.
Eligibility: You must live outside Greater London, be in Year 12 as of September, have attended a non-selective state school since age 11, and be currently studying two science A-levels, including biology or chemistry.
This program, funded by Health Education England, has been specially created for students from underrepresented or priority groups, underperforming schools, or had limited exposure to medicine. 75 such Year 12 students across England are offered a chance to explore studying medicine in London which is typically taught in London’s four premier medical schools - King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, St. George’s University of London, and University College London.
Working with patients, student ambassadors, and medical professionals, you’ll gain insight into the realities of being a doctor, the day-to-day challenges, and the skills required for success in the medical field. The program also aims at improving your understanding of medicine, dentistry, and alternative science/ allied health subjects. It helps you develop knowledge and skills for your journey to higher education.
Location: The University of Manchester, Manchester, England
Cost: £2,750
Application Deadline: There is no application deadline but the program will close when we have reached capacity.
Dates: July 21 — August 8
Eligibility: You must be 18 or older on the first day of the course | You must be a registered undergraduate student at an overseas tertiary institution | Mature students, postgraduates, and recent graduates can also apply.
During this three-week summer school, you’ll attend lectures, workshops, and activities based on a weekly theme such as Doctor as a Researcher, Communicator, and Physician. Taught by experienced medical educators like Dr. Hazel England and clinicians from a top-ranked university, you’ll learn in various settings, including a purpose-built consultation skills suite. Here, you will work on simulated patients and practice techniques such as neurological examinations and manual blood pressure measurement.
In this program, staff from Manchesters’ MSc Science and Health Communication program teach students how to communicate with the public about medicine and health. NHS staff also take guest lectures about various topics such as careers in the NHS, experience of being part of global research, clinical reasoning basics, and healthcare inequalities. You will also receive 10 credits in the UK system, equivalent to 3 credits in the US.
Location: Kings Oxford, Temple Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire
Cost: Variable based on the course tier. More details here.
Application Deadline: No deadline has been specified. More information here.
Dates: 2 week program starting June 29
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 15 years old to apply.
The program offers an overview of the medical field and the range of career opportunities available in it. You will learn about the role of a doctor, the required skills, and the personal qualities needed to become one. You’ll also explore the pathways to medical school, different teaching methods, and what universities look for in applicants, including qualifications and personal attributes.
You will develop critical thinking, and learn presentation and debating skills via discussing social and ethical issues in medicine. This program includes visits to university medical schools and guest lectures by medical school admissions tutors. You will get an insight into the application process and degree requirements for various medical roles, and receive guidance for medical interviews. The program also guides you if you’re preparing for the UCAT and BMAT.
Location: Oxford and Cambridge Universities, England
Cost: Variable based on specific courses. More information here.
Application Deadline: Variable based on the course selected. Learn more here
Dates: Variable, based on the course selected. Learn more here
Eligibility: Designed for students between the ages of 13–24.
Their medicine summer school offers small class sizes, ensuring you receive personalized attention through seminars, lab sessions, and group discussions from Oxford and Cambridge’s expert faculty.
You’ll explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, genetics, human biology, medical ethics, healthcare systems, emergency medicine, public health, and medical ethics, while working on real-world medical issues. These programs also include visits to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, where you receive exposure to real-life medical situations and can interact with patients. Most importantly, you will develop key skills required in the medical field such as critical thinking, scientific research, and patient communication.
Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Cost: £6,500
Application Deadline: June 30
Dates: 12 July — 2 August
Eligibility: For students between the ages of 16–18.
These courses are spread across three weeks, where you will join students from across the globe, and experience Scotland’s academic traditions while learning about medicine. You will attend lectures at the School of Medicine, participate in academic seminars, conduct practical experiments, and collect data in the university’s labs.
You will explore topics like clinically applied anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine and diagnoses, and experimental design and data interpretation. You will also learn medical communication thanks to qualified general practitioners and simulated patients. The program also teaches students the nuances of the application process to study medicine in the UK, helps them with UCAT, and helps them practice for Multiple Mini Interviews. You will also get to visit the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington
Cost: £990
Application Deadline: Variable based on dates selected.
Dates: Multiple week long camps from June 30 — August 1
Eligibility: For ages between 12–17.
This pre-medicine summer camp offers students a hands-on, interactive learning experience with small group sizes, fostering close engagement with tutors and medical professionals in a fun way! The program covers a wide range of medical topics, including anatomy, emergency medicine, surgical skills, psychiatry, regenerative medicine, breathing, and mental health, while also focusing on developing key skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.
Students are tutored in a 1:12 ratio and one of the unique features of this program is that the mentors and tutors differentiate the content of their sessions as per the students’ level of knowledge. The program is aimed at encouraging students to learn and discuss science facts and concepts in-depth and motivating them to have a strong understanding of physics, biology, and chemistry. You will develop important skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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