If you enjoy solving problems, building things, or understanding how technology works, engineering can be both exciting and challenging. You might wonder what the field actually looks like beyond the formulas and diagrams you study in school. After all, engineering involves design, innovation, teamwork, and practical problem-solving in addition to technical knowledge. One of the best ways to explore the subject more deeply is by joining an engineering program in the UK for high school students.

Picture yourself designing prototypes in university labs, working on robotics projects, or learning how engineers solve real-world challenges. By spending time in an engineering program, you’ll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with students from around the world, and get a glimpse of university-level academics and research.

How do you choose the right engineering programs in the UK for high school students?

Choosing the right program can be difficult because every engineering course offers something different. Some focus more on theory, while others emphasise practical learning, group projects, and lab work. That’s why it’s important to look at factors like teaching style, project opportunities, mentorship, and subject focus.

You should also think about what you want from the experience. Some students want research exposure, while others hope to strengthen their college applications or explore different engineering fields before choosing a career path. The best programs help you build practical knowledge while also encouraging creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the 15 Engineering Programs in the UK for High School Students. These programs stand out for their academic quality, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong student experiences.

For adjacent options, consider the online engineering program and summer programs in the UK.

15 Engineering Programs in the UK for High School Students 

1. King’s College London Pre-University Computer Science (Session 2) 

Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £3,195 tuition; £3,965 residential option; £65 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13th – July 17th
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-17 enrolled in the final three years of high school; international students are eligible to apply

If you want to explore computing through a university lens, this one-week program offers a focused introduction to computer science at the degree level. You’ll study programming principles, algorithmic thinking, and program design while working with Python, a language widely used in higher education and industry.

Teaching combines lectures, tutorials, and small-group projects. You’ll also complete assignments that mirror university-style assessments and encourage independent thinking. You can test your interest in computer science while building analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Why it stands out: You’ll experience a condensed first-year computer science course while working with university-style projects and coding tasks.

2. Immerse Education’s Engineering Summer School

Location: London, Oxford, Cambridge in the UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through the bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Multiple summer cohorts; 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13-18 worldwide, including international students

If you want an introduction to engineering that feels more interactive than classroom-based, this program gives you exactly that. You’ll explore areas like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering through small-group sessions led by tutors from leading universities and industry backgrounds. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on projects, so you spend time solving practical problems rather than only listening to lectures.

Alongside academic sessions, you’ll work on an independent research project that can strengthen your future college applications. Because classes stay small, you’ll also have regular opportunities to ask questions and receive personalised feedback. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here. 

Why it stands out: You’ll combine university-style engineering study with personalised mentorship in an intimate classroom setting.

3. Imperial Global Summer School: Engineering 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified; selective admissions process
Dates: June 29th – July 10th; August 3rd – August 14th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spaces fill
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-17 worldwide, including international students

As one of the more hands-on engineering programs in the UK for high school students, this program gives you a close look at engineering beyond textbooks and how the subject is taught at a top STEM-focused university. You’ll rotate through areas like aeronautical, chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering while taking part in workshops, experiments, and design challenges.

You’ll spend time building prototypes, testing ideas, and solving practical problems in teams. The second week shifts toward an innovation challenge where you collaborate with students from other STEM disciplines to tackle real-world issues. You’ll live on campus, attend social events, and experience student life in central London. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore multiple engineering disciplines while working on hands-on design challenges at one of the world’s leading STEM universities.

4. University of St Andrews Physical Science, Mathematics and Computer Science 

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, SCT, UK
Cost/Stipend: £6,850 all-inclusive residential fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-18 from around the world, including international students

If you want to explore engineering and physical sciences through practical experimentation, this summer program offers a strong balance of theory and application. You’ll study topics connected to physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science while participating in laboratory sessions and collaborative projects.

The course includes hands-on activities such as building circuits with Arduino, studying renewable energy systems, and exploring fluid dynamics. You’ll also experience residential university life in one of the UK’s most historic academic settings while meeting students from different countries. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience several STEM disciplines at once through lab-based learning in a fully residential Scottish university setting.

5. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School: A Taste of Science and Engineering 

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 plus a £50 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14th – July 24th
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-17 from around the world, including international students

If you want to explore engineering without limiting yourself to one narrow speciality, this program offers a broad introduction to several STEM disciplines. You’ll study engineering alongside computer science, artificial intelligence, physics, chemistry, and mathematics through lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions.

The course places strong emphasis on practical learning, so you might build digital systems, experiment with materials, or explore the basics of embedded technologies and renewable energy concepts. Here’s the application form.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore engineering through a multidisciplinary STEM curriculum while experiencing full residential student life at a leading UK university.

6. Imperial College London Year 10 Insights Summer School 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free for selected students, including accommodation, meals, and course materials
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; program is highly oversubscribed
Dates: July 29th – August 1st
Application Deadline: March 11th
Eligibility: Open to Year 10 students studying in UK state schools who meet outreach and academic criteria

If you want to explore engineering before choosing your future academic path, this residential summer school offers an engaging introduction to STEM. You’ll join the engineering stream and participate in practical workshops, taster sessions, and collaborative activities that introduce you to different engineering disciplines.

The program focuses heavily on hands-on learning, so you can expect experiments, design tasks, and exposure to emerging technologies being developed in Imperial’s research labs. You’ll stay in university accommodation, interact with undergraduate mentors, and experience student life in central London. 

Why it stands out: You’ll experience residential university life while exploring several branches of engineering through hands-on STEM activities at Imperial.

7. King’s College London Pre-University Science, Technology & Engineering (Session 3) 

Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £3,195 tuition; residential upgrade available at additional cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 20th – July 24th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16 and above, including international students currently enrolled in high school or equivalent secondary education; English proficiency requirements apply

If you enjoy tackling scientific problems from different angles, this course gives you the chance to explore engineering through a broader interdisciplinary lens. You’ll study how technology, physics, coding, and engineering intersect to address real-world challenges such as sustainability and water quality.

You’ll attend workshops, collaborative activities, and practical experiments that encourage active learning. You’ll also sharpen your computational thinking skills while discussing the ethical side of scientific innovation. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore engineering through a mix of science, coding, ethics, and hands-on experimentation rather than a single narrow discipline.

8. National Physical Laboratory Work Experience Programme 

Location: National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; places are limited
Dates: Week-long placements offered throughout the year, including summer sessions
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to UK students aged 14-18 interested in STEM subjects

If you are interested in how engineering and scientific research connect to real industries, this program offers an inside look at one of the UK’s leading measurement science institutions. You’ll work alongside researchers and technical teams while exploring areas such as materials science, data analysis, electronics, and applied physics.

The experience focuses on practical exposure to laboratory environments and ongoing scientific projects. You may also gain insight into how precision engineering supports sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. 

Why it stands out: You’ll observe how engineering and measurement science shape real-world industries inside the UK’s national metrology institute.

9. Imperial College London Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free for selected students; includes course materials and lunch
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; program is typically oversubscribed
Dates: August 4th – August 7th
Application Deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Open to Year 9 girls studying at UK state schools who meet Imperial’s outreach criteria; international students are not eligible

If you are curious about engineering but not yet sure which branch interests you most, this summer school gives you room to explore. You’ll take part in practical workshops, engineering taster sessions, and group challenges designed to show how science and maths connect to real-world innovation.

You’ll also learn about fields such as bioengineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science while working with other students who share similar interests. The final poster exhibition allows you to present your ideas in a supportive academic setting. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore multiple engineering disciplines in a supportive environment created specifically to encourage more girls to pursue STEM fields.

10. University of Southampton ECS Summer Taster Course 

Location: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Cost/Stipend: £349 residential fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 27th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the spring; the exact date varies annually
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16+ currently in Year 12 in the UK or British citizens studying abroad

If you want to explore engineering through practical experimentation, this residential course offers a strong introduction to electronics, computer science, and biomedical engineering. You’ll spend the week working in university laboratories, trying hands-on experiments, and learning from Southampton researchers and lecturers.

You’ll collaborate on projects, attend workshops, and explore how engineering ideas are applied in modern technology and healthcare. You’ll also meet current university students and industry professionals during networking sessions and the program’s STEM careers fair. 

Why it stands out: You’ll combine laboratory-based engineering learning with a fully residential university experience and direct exposure to STEM careers.

11. University of Glasgow Sutton Trust Summer School

Location: University of Glasgow, Glasgow, SCT, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; competitive admissions process
Dates: July 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Open to Year 12 students attending UK state schools who meet Sutton Trust eligibility criteria

If you want to explore engineering in a university setting before applying to college, this residential summer school offers a strong introduction to STEM study in Scotland. You’ll take part in academic workshops, laboratory sessions, and subject-specific activities that show how engineering concepts are applied in research and industry.

The program also includes guidance on university applications, student finance, and campus life, helping you understand what studying at a UK university actually involves. Since you stay in student accommodation for the week, you get a realistic taste of independent university living.

Why it stands out: You’ll combine hands-on STEM learning with a fully funded residential experience at one of Scotland’s leading research universities.

12. Imperial College London Sutton Trust Summer School 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free, including accommodation, meals, and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; highly competitive selection process
Dates: July 21st – July 25th
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Open to Year 12 students attending UK state schools who meet Sutton Trust widening participation criteria; international students are not eligible

If you want to understand what studying engineering at a leading UK university actually feels like, this summer school offers a realistic introduction. You’ll attend academic sessions led by Imperial faculty, explore engineering concepts through practical workshops, and take part in collaborative projects with other motivated students.

The program also includes guidance on university applications, student life, and future STEM careers, making it useful if you are beginning to think seriously about higher education. You experience residential university life while building confidence in an academic environment. 

Why it stands out: You’ll experience university-level engineering while receiving mentorship and college preparation support through a fully funded residential program.

Source: Oxford Said

13. Oxford AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School 

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: ~ £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; spaces are limited, and admissions are selective
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spaces fill
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-18 from all countries, including international students

If you are curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping industries and society, this Oxford summer school gives you a chance to study the field through both technical and ethical perspectives. You’ll explore topics such as machine learning, neural networks, econometrics, and big data while working on collaborative coding projects and workshops.

The program encourages you to apply AI concepts to real-world challenges connected to healthcare, sustainability, and business innovation. 

Why it stands out: You’ll combine hands-on AI learning with interdisciplinary discussions on ethics, innovation, and leadership at the University of Oxford.

14. Imperial College London Work Experience Programme 

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; places are limited and competitive
Dates: July 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 5th
Eligibility: Open to Year 12 students studying at UK state schools who meet Imperial’s widening participation criteria; international students are not eligible

If you want to see how engineering research and innovation happen behind the scenes, this program offers a closer look at real academic and laboratory work. You’ll spend the week working with Imperial researchers while exploring topics connected to engineering, technology, and applied science.

You’ll take part in practical activities, discussions, and project-based sessions that mirror real university research environments. You’ll also develop communication and teamwork skills while learning how engineers approach complex scientific problems. 

Why it stands out: You’ll gain direct exposure to university research culture while working alongside Imperial staff in a hands-on STEM environment.

15. Nuffield Research Placements 

Location: Various universities, laboratories, and research institutions across the UK
Cost/Stipend: Free; bursaries available for travel and other expenses in some cases
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 1,000 students placed annually across the UK
Dates: Placements typically run for 2-6 weeks during June-August
Application Deadline: Usually February deadlines, depending on the region
Eligibility: Open to UK students aged 16-17 studying at state schools or colleges who meet widening participation criteria

Among the more research-focused engineering programs in the UK for high school students, this program gives you the chance to experience engineering in a professional setting while working directly with scientists, engineers, and researchers across the UK. You’ll join an active research project connected to areas such as robotics, renewable energy, data science, electronics, or materials engineering, depending on your placement.

You’ll contribute to ongoing investigations while learning how research teams solve real scientific and engineering problems. The experience also helps you build technical, communication, and independent thinking skills through practical work and mentorship. 

Why it stands out: You’ll work on genuine STEM research projects while receiving mentorship from professional researchers and engineers across the UK.

From Practical Projects to Stronger Applications

Hands-on engineering experiences can reveal how well you respond to challenge, collaboration, and creative problem-solving beyond the usual school environment.

The 15 engineering programs in the UK for high school students featured here include robotics projects, AI workshops, laboratory sessions, research placements, and design-based learning.

These experiences can help you explain your interests with more depth, connect your skills to future study, and approach university applications with stronger examples.

Want to turn those experiences into stronger applications? Explore our University Preparation blogs for guidance on personal statements, interviews, academic writing, entry requirements, and supercurriculars.