High school summers can be a chance to explore future career paths and gain experiences that go far beyond the classroom. Medicine summer schools in the UK for high school students offer a focused way to do that, helping you build relevant skills, test your interests, and strengthen future university applications.

Imagine learning clinical reasoning in a UK university setting, observing hospital environments, developing key medical skills, and discussing the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. These experiences give you a clearer sense of what studying and practising medicine can look like day to day.

Even if you’re a student based in the UK, these programmes can still be beneficial. You’ll engage with peers who share similar ambitions, learn from experts actively working in medicine, and experience university-style teaching in a structured and supportive environment.

What kinds of medicine summer schools in the UK are available for high school students?

Finding the right program can be challenging. Some opportunities focus only on theory, while others may offer limited knowledge into real medical practice. Choosing a program that balances academic learning with practical exposure is important.

Many universities, hospitals, and medical organisations across the UK offer summer schools focused on clinical medicine, biomedical sciences, research, ethics, and healthcare careers. These programs allow you to explore your present interest or discover a new one, learn from expert instructors, participate in hands-on activities, and gain meaningful exposure to the medical profession.

To make this process easier, we’ve created a list of 15 Medicine Summer Schools in the UK for high school students. These programs are selected for their academic depth, practical experience, and strong reputation, helping you make an informed choice about how to spend your summer.

For a broader focus, you can explore summer programs in the UK that cover various subjects. To gain experience, you can check out medical internships in the UK.

15 Medicine Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School

Location: Cambridge, Oxford, and London
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates:  2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions.
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; Open to students worldwide

Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School offers real-world insights into the world of medicine. You’ll learn a range of concepts in clinical reasoning, medical ethics, anatomy and diagnostics. You’ll attend lectures, participate in hands-on workshops, and engage in structured case studies.

Along with academic knowledge, you’ll also receive expert tutor guidance in medical school applications, interview preparation, and career exploration. You’ll participate in in-depth academic sessions, work on an individual research project, and receive valuable feedback from your tutor. On the completion of the program, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement highlighting your dedication and academic accomplishments.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience medicine the way future doctors do, working through real case studies, completing an individual research project, and receiving direct guidance for medical school applications

2. University of Nottingham Pathways to Medicine

Location: University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: Five days in July
Application Deadline: November 3rd (Tentative)
Eligibility: Students in Year 12; More information here

University of Nottingham Pathways to Medicine offers an opportunity to improve your University application. You’ll attend a series of medicine-related masterclasses, and receive valuable guidance, support and resources.

You’ll attend lectures, immerse yourself in a real-world experience of life as a student in the medicine profession, and gain knowledge about the most up-to-date technologies in medicine. You’ll learn from experts and clinicians in the field of medicine, and also explore careers in the field. If you’re a high school student interested in the field of medicine and have studied three or more A levels, including Biology and Chemistry, then this program could be a good one to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll strengthen your college applications by learning directly from clinicians, attending medical masterclasses, and experiencing life as a medical student.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School Medical Science

Location: King’s College London, London, England
Cost: £3,965
Dates: July 6th – July 10th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: 16 or 17-year-old students; Open to students worldwide

King’s College London Pre-University Summer School Medical Science is one of the more academically focused medicine summer schools in the UK for high school students, offering a one-week learning experience in your chosen subject areas. You’ll explore the relationship between human anatomy, physiology, and different medical conditions through seminars, workshops, lectures, and experiential activities.

The program will allow you to understand body awareness and functions related to the endocrine, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. You’ll conduct independent research on a specific topic and work together in diverse groups on a presentation. The program will help you gain valuable knowledge and insights to pursue a career in biomedical and life sciences.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore how the human body works through hands-on medical science learning while researching and presenting a topic like a university student.

4. Premed Projects – London Hospital Work Experience

Location: London, UK
Cost: £3,535
Dates: 2-week sessions from July to August
Application Deadline: Rolling (Maximum seats: 40)
Eligibility: Students ages 14-18 with a strong interest in medicine; Open to students worldwide 

Premed Projects- London Hospital Work Experience offers a two-week learning experience that stands out as one of the more immersive options for students seeking a medicine summer school in UK that is focused on real hospital exposure. You’ll explore multiple world-class hospitals, gain practical insight into clinical environments, and build experiences that strengthen your medical school applications. Alongside placements, you’ll also get to explore London through visits to parks, gardens, and culturally rich activities.

The program helps you observe medicine up close and decide whether it fits your long-term goals. After enrolling, you’ll gain access to the Premed Portal Webpage and extensive project notes, so your learning continues beyond each day’s placement.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain real hospital exposure across multiple London hospitals while strengthening your medical school application and exploring life in the city.

5. Imperial Year 12 Work Experience Program

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 attending a state school in the UK; More information here 

The Imperial Year 12 Work Experience Program allows you to explore life as a researcher. You’ll experience life as a working professional, navigate professional environments, and gain valuable research insights.

Some of the streams participating in the program include biomedical research, national heart and Lung Institute, bioengineering, mathematics, materials, and the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. If you’re a high school student interested in gaining hands-on research experience in the field of medicine, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience real research at Imperial by working alongside professionals in medical and science labs, gaining firsthand insight into life as a researcher.

6. Rosetta Institute Molecular Medicine Workshops

Location: University College London, UK
Cost: Single Room: $4180; Double Room: $3880; Non-residential: $2280
Dates: August 3rd – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and High school students ages 11-18; Open to students worldwide 

Rosetta Institute Molecular Medicine Workshops offer an engaging learning experience to high-achieving students. You’ll attend lectures, participate in hands-on activities and learn from PhD-level instructors. You’ll gain knowledge about normal molecular and cellular biology and understand how these processes are affected during the development of diseases.

The university-level workshops are conducted on a range of topics, including developmental biology, molecular immunology, cancer bioinformatics with R and more. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll apply your learnings to present an original research project on your chosen gene or molecular process. 

Why it stands out: You’ll learn molecular medicine through hands-on workshops led by PhD instructors and present your own original research project.

7. University of Edinburgh Insights into Life Sciences

Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Cost: £5,250
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: May 19th
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18; Open to domestic and international students

University of Edinburgh Insights into Life Sciences offers a two-week program exploring different areas of life sciences. You’ll understand different perspectives of life through biochemistry, biodiversity, and molecular and cellular biology.

The program will allow you to develop a range of scientific skills, including data interpretation and critical analysis, designing and conducting scientific investigations, and learn to use scientific technology and equipment. You’ll attend mini-lectures, workshops, participate in laboratory sessions, and tutorial discussions. The program is a great opportunity for high school students to learn in a supportive, engaging environment.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore life sciences through real lab work and scientific investigations, gaining hands-on experience with tools and methods applied at the university level.

8. University of Southampton The LifeLab Summer School

Location: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Cost: £180; free bursary spaces available
Dates: July 23rd – July 24th
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: UK students in years 9, 10 and 11

University of Southampton: The LifeLab Summer School offers a two-day training and work experience as a doctor. You’ll learn the application and practice of clinical skills such as suturing on a model, go on visits to clinical areas and observe healthcare professionals at work, and learn anatomy and pathology at the Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences. You’ll interact with medical students, gain insights about their training, and understand the application process.

The program will allow you to listen to keynote speakers and gain an in-depth understanding of life as a medical professional. The program fee includes food and drinks but does not include accommodation. If you’re a high school student interested in gaining practical clinical skills, this program might be a good choice.

Why it stands out: You’ll practice real clinical skills like suturing, observe doctors at work, and get a firsthand look at life as a medical professional.

9. NHS Lothian – Step Into Healthcare

Location: Edinburgh and the Lothians, UK
Cost: Varies with program sessions
Dates: Vary with program sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Senior school students, residents of  or studying within Edinburgh and the Lothians

NHS Lothian: Step Into Healthcare program allows you to explore careers in healthcare. You’ll engage in role-specific programs and learn about different healthcare careers. You’ll attend workshops, participate in hands-on activities, and interact with NHS professionals.

Some of the specific programs include Step into Medicine, Step into Dentistry, Step into Nursing, Step into Midwifery, Step into Clinical and Rehabilitation Engineering, Step into Allied Health Professions, and Laboratory Sciences. The program will help you gain valuable knowledge and insights to make an informed decision in healthcare careers. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore different healthcare careers through hands-on sessions and direct interaction with NHS professionals, helping you decide which path suits you best.

10. BioGrad Clinical Skills and Medical Research

Location: BioGrad Liverpool
Cost: £999
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-19; Open to both UK and international students

BioGrad Clinical Skills and Medical Research offers a five-day hands-on learning experience. You’ll gain knowledge from real doctors and scientists, work in a real-world clinical setting, and learn to use lab equipment in industry-standard laboratories.

You’ll develop a wide range of practical skills, including patient monitoring, bacterial culture, cardiopulmonary examinations, blood typing, basic life support, ELISA as a diagnostic assay and more. If you’re a high school student interested in developing practical skills and gaining confidence through a challenging and supportive environment, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain rare hands-on clinical and lab skills by training directly with doctors and scientists in real medical and research settings.

11. The Sutton Trust Edinburgh Medical School 

Location: University of Edinburgh
Cost: Not specified
Dates: July 13-18
Application Deadline:  Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 15; Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee paying school/college; Studying in Year 12 in England or Wales. More information here 

Sutton Trust Edinburgh Summer School offers you an in-depth understanding of the field of medicine at the university level. You’ll learn from renowned faculty, engage in hands-on activities, and receive valuable guidance for your UCAS application process and interview.

During the day, you’ll engage in interesting academic work and explore fun social activities across the city during the evening. The program offers an inspiring, enriching learning experience and is a great opportunity if you’re interested in exploring a career in the field of medicine.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain university-level exposure to medicine through hands-on learning, expert guidance, and UCAS application support.

12. BioGrad Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine

Location: BioGrad Liverpool
Cost: £999
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 16-19; Open to both UK and international students.

BioGrad Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine offers a five-day intensive learning experience. You’ll gain early exposure to important emergency medicine skills and techniques in trauma care, emergency assessment and life support. You’ll learn to navigate in fast-paced work environments, learn from real doctors and clinicians, and gain practical experience and knowledge in emergency medicine.

The five-day course content includes basic and advanced life support, venesection and arterial blood gas analysis, cannulation and trauma management, emergency department presentations and suturing, and fracture diagnosis and management. The program will help you explore different opportunities in the world of medicine.

Why it stands out: You’ll train in real emergency medicine skills like trauma care and life support while learning directly from doctors in fast-paced clinical settings.

13. Study at St. Andrews: Medicine Course

Location: University of St Andrews, UK
Cost: £6,850
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18; Open to international students 

Study at St. Andrews: Medicine Course offers a three-week residential learning experience to high school students. You’ll attend lectures, engage in practical learning sessions, and develop an understanding of the scientific principles of medicine. You’ll learn a range of topics, including clinically applied anatomy and physiology, experimental design, data interpretation, clinical diagnoses and medicine.

You’ll also develop and improve your academic writing style and subject-specific vocabulary. You’ll attend lectures, participate in group and individual study sessions, as well as seminars. You’ll also engage in social and cultural activities and work on a poster project on a medicine-related topic.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain a strong foundation in medicine through lectures, practical sessions, and a residential university experience at St. Andrews.

14. Pre-Medicine Summer Camps at the Imperial College of London

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington
Cost: £990
Dates: June 29th – August 14th
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students ages 13-17; Open to students from across the globe

Pre-Medicine Summer Camps at the Imperial College of London offer you a fun learning experience. You’ll participate in small groups, interact with tutors through questions, answers, and dialogue and develop a better understanding of the world of medicine. You’ll learn to identify and engage in problem-solving, develop resilience, and interact with doctors and medical students to learn about the everyday work life of a medical professional.

The program covers a range of topics including circulation, public health, anatomy, neuroscience, clinical skills, genetics and cancer, mental health, surgical skills and more. The program also encourages you to engage in interactive discussions on science facts and concepts.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore medicine through small-group learning, interactive discussions, and direct interaction with doctors and medical students at Imperial.

15. NHS Lothian- Step Into Clinical & Rehabilitation Engineering

Location: Edinburgh and the Lothians, UK
Cost: Not specified
Dates: To Be Announced
Application Deadline: To Be Announced
Eligibility: Senior school students, residents of  or studying within Edinburgh and the Lothians

NHS Lothian- Step Into Clinical & Rehabilitation Engineering offers you an interactive opportunity to explore the world of healthcare engineering. You’ll learn the role of engineers in providing support to patients through design, maintenance and innovation of rehabilitation and medical technologies. You’ll participate in interactive discussions and demonstrations, and explore real-world healthcare engineering solutions.

The program will give you a chance to interact with professionals in clinical and rehabilitation engineering services. You’ll also learn about gait analysis, general clinical engineering, wheelchair and specialist seating, and custom design and innovation. The program will allow you to explore university courses and career pathways in clinical engineering.

Why it stands out: You’ll see how engineers support patient care by working with real medical technologies and learning directly from clinical and rehabilitation engineering professionals.

Learning to Diagnose, Decide, and Lead

Medicine is not only about knowledge. It is about judgement, communication, and staying calm when the stakes are high.

The medicine summer schools in the UK for high school students in this guide help you practise those skills early. You gain exposure to clinical thinking, ethics, research, and the reality of working in healthcare settings.

You also build confidence in how you learn, speak, and collaborate. That foundation matters when you start preparing seriously for medicine at university.

Want to keep building momentum after summer ends? Explore our Medicine Top Books Guide and find the essential reads that will sharpen your thinking and support your next steps.