If you’re a high school student in the UK interested in medicine, it can seem like a vast, intimidating field. You might excel in your classes, but you still may not know whether medicine is the right path. After all, medicine is far more than theoretical, whether you end up working in a lab or performing first aid procedures. One of the best ways to explore the subject is through medical summer programs for high school students in the UK.

At medical summer programs in the UK, you can combine theory with practice and deep subject knowledge with an enriching life experience. Picture yourself learning medical procedures in the halls of historic, renowned universities under expert instructors. Or exploring culturally significant landmarks with peers from across the globe after a day spent learning anatomy. By spending your summer studying medicine in the UK, you could get a taste of medical school before enrolling.

Whether you’re from the UK or visiting for a summer program, these programs reveal the country’s medical landscape uniquely.

How to pick medical summer programs in the UK for high school students?

There are many medical summer programs in the UK for high school students, and at first, some may seem less useful. They cost a lot, might not offer particularly advanced education, or are simply disconnected from actual medical work. But the key is to sort through these to recognize the programs that have a lot to offer.

Throughout the UK, you can find several renowned universities and educational organizations offering rigorous, well-grounded medical programs. You will learn about different medical fields, from anatomy to physiology, and participate in hands-on workshops. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll learn clinical techniques and participate in medical simulations.

But what if you’re just stepping into the field? Worry not, because there are a wide range of programs offered, from beginner-friendly to advanced. To help you choose, I’ve created a list of 15 medical summer programs in the UK for high school students, picked for their academic rigor, worldwide repute, and mentorship possibilities.

15 Medical Summer Programs in the UK for High School Students

1. Imperial Year 12 Work Experience Program

Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: 29 June – 3 July 2026
Application Deadline: 6 March 2026
Eligibility: Applicants must be in Year 12 and attending a state school in the UK; refer here for more detailed eligibility criteria

Imperial’s work experience program will provide you with insight into life as a researcher and careers in higher education. For medicine, you can choose a program in infectious disease, immunology, brain science, metabolism, digestion, or reproduction.

You will be able to access the University’s research and teaching laboratories, workshops, and specialist training suites. Additionally, you will be guided on university admissions, writing a personal statement, and interviews. At the end, you will work in groups to present a poster at an academic-style conference.

Why it stands out: You’ll be placed in existing labs, work with research groups, and present at a conference, so you’ll get a taste of how academia operates.

2. Immerse Education’s Medicine Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, London, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme.
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Medicine Academic Insights programme is designed for students who want to understand what studying medicine at university really involves. Rooted in the Oxford–Cambridge tutorial tradition, the program uses small discussion groups that encourage questioning, debate, and real-world application. Expert tutors, including medical researchers and clinicians from Cambridge and Oxford, guide each session and strengthen essential analytical skills.

Across two weeks, you build confidence in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the scientific foundations that shape modern clinical practice. You’ll take part in age-appropriate practical activities, then work closely with your tutor to shape a personal project: an essay, presentation, or investigative report that captures your curiosity and developing academic voice. Afterwards, you’ll receive written evaluation outlining strengths and next steps, giving you clarity about how to keep improving. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You learn through around 40 hours of structured academic time in small cohorts of roughly seven students, giving you the space to think deeply and participate fully. Expert academic tutors with university-level experience, including researchers from Cambridge and Oxford, deliver the teaching and model the study skills and scientific mindset used in leading medical schools.

3. University of Nottingham Pathways to Medicine

Location: University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: Five days in July
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: For students in Year 12 and at a non-paying school; check here for more details

Pathways to Medicine is a summer school program offered by the University of Nottingham in collaboration with the Sutton Trust. You will be taught by clinicians who work in diverse medical fields and use the latest medical technology.

You will stay on the Nottingham campus, attend Medical College lectures, and experience university life as a medical student. Additionally, the program provides application support, guidance on applying to medical colleges, and work experience placements.

Why it stands out: It’s backed by the Sutton Trust and Russell Group, giving you access to clinicians and admissions typically not available to high school students.

4. Rosetta Institute Molecular Medicine Workshops

Location: University College London, UK
Cost: $1,690 and $4,180
Dates: 2 weeks during summer and winter
Application Deadline: Candidates are accepted on a rolling basis (Apply Here)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students aged 12-18

The Molecular Medicine Workshops provide motivated middle and high school students with an introduction to medical and biological sciences. Participants can explore career paths in medicine, biomedical research, drug development, and related health sciences. The curriculum covers Molecular Neuroscience, Cancer Molecular Biology, Ageing Molecular Biology, Molecular Immunology, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, along with several bioinformatics pathways.

PhD-level instructors lead sessions that blend lectures with hands-on laboratory work. Principles of experimental design and drug discovery are introduced through a small independent research project. Beyond academics, the workshops offer a diverse learning environment that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and strong preparation for future study.

Why it stands out: Its instructors are picked from major research universities, so you could gain early entry into professional scientific circles and access to useful mentors.

5. Imperial Global Summer School at Imperial College London

Location: London, UK
Cost: £7,695
Dates: June 29–July 10; August 3–August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions till seats are filled
Eligibility: The program is open to UK and international students aged 16 and 17.

The Global Summer School is a two-week academic program designed to combine medical learning with collaborative project work. During the first week, you will study at St. Mary’s Hospital, where medical professionals teach clinical skills such as ABCDE assessment, CPR, blood pressure and glucose measurement, and urine analysis. You will also explore key topics in life sciences and genetics while learning how to diagnose common disorders.

In the second week, you will collaborate with students from other fields in the Innovation Challenge to solve problems. Guided by industry experts, you will strengthen teamwork, communication, and presentation skills. By the end of the program, you will gain both medical insight and practical experience working on multidisciplinary challenges.

Why it stands out: You will have the opportunity to combine medical knowledge with teamwork and gain exposure to clinicians, entrepreneurs, and STEM innovators combined.

6. Immerse Education’s Medicine Career Insights (London)

Location: University College London, London, UK
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme.
Dates: 28 Jun – 11 Jul, 12 Jul – 25 Jul, and 26 Jul – 8 Aug
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 15–18

Immerse Education’s Medicine Career Insights lets you step into real medicine in one of the most exciting cities to study it. Across two weeks, you learn in small groups with university-level tutors, exploring anatomy, histology, physiology, pharmacology and medical research. You’ll get hands-on with dissections, microscopy, DNA extraction and cardio-respiratory experiments.

London becomes your classroom. Visits to the Old Operating Theatre, the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre and the Science Museum show how medicine has evolved and how AI, telemedicine, 3D printing and wearables are shaping its future.

You’ll tackle real medical problems in project-based challenges and receive weekly coaching to understand strengths and explore medical pathways. With practicals, industry visits and life in a global medical hub, the program provides strong preview of medical study.

Why it stands out: You’ll experience medicine as future doctors do through real experiments, London medical sites and new technologies. Expert teaching and personalised coaching help you understand university study and your next steps in medicine.

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

Location: King’s College London, London, England
Cost: Varies, depending upon the package. For more information, check here.
Dates: July 13 – July 17 (Session 2 Medical Science)
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Must be 16 or 17 years old for the duration of the course; open to both UK and international students.

On this course, you learn from experienced King’s College faculty, reflecting standards found in UK medical summer programs.

You will examine how anatomy and physiology interact to influence health and medical conditions. You will study the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and musculoskeletal networks, and analyze how the body adapts to environments like high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and even space.

The curriculum also introduces research methods focused on monitoring and improving human performance and well-being. Upon completing all course assignments and meeting attendance requirements, you will earn the King’s Certificate of Completion.

Why it stands out: It has close ties to the NHS, hospitals, and researchers, giving you an entry into, and better understanding of, London’s healthcare network.

8. Medical Schools Council (MSC)

Location: Various UK cities, including London: Brunel University with Imperial College London; University of Lancashire 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; Newcastle University
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies by location
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: For Year 11 and 12 students in England from underrepresented backgrounds who meet specific eligibility criteria

The Medical Schools Council (MSC) program offers a simulated experience to help you understand what studying medicine involves. You will explore university-style teaching methods and prepare for the transition from sixth form to higher education. The sessions provide insight into the professional values and behaviors expected of medical students, as well as practicing healthcare professionals.

You will learn about different career paths within medicine, including both clinical and non-patient-facing roles. These activities build confidence, strengthen teamwork, and connect you with peers and academic staff. Mentors guide you on university applications, interviews, and admissions tests, while social opportunities help you build a supportive community.

Why it stands out: It allows interactions with healthcare professionals and focuses heavily on mentorship, so you’ll have ample guidance on applying to medical schools.

9. University of Edinburgh Insights into Life Sciences

Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Cost: £5,250
Dates: June 29 – July 10
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 16-18

The Insights into Life Sciences program aims to highlight the importance of life sciences in solving problems and the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research. You will study Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology, and Biodiversity. Mini-lectures, tutorial discussions, lab sessions, and workshops structure the course.

Additionally, you’ll explore historic city spots, take part in social activities with peers, and live in a university setting. You will also be provided with UK admissions guidance by the university’s admissions department.

Why it stands out: It blends lab-work with cultural excursions, giving you the chance to combine academic knowledge with context-rich learning.

10. University of Southampton The LifeLab Summer School

Location: University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Cost: £180
Dates: July 23 – July 24
Application Deadline: Yet to be announced
Eligibility: UK students in years 9, 10 and 11

The LifeLab Summer School aims to introduce medical techniques and give a realistic picture of medical professionals at work. Students gain an understanding of what training and working as a doctor involves. The sessions cover clinical practices like suturing, procedural skills on models, and key anatomy and pathology areas.

Opportunities to observe healthcare professionals offer insight into the realities of the profession, including the work of emergency-response teams. Interaction with current medicine students adds another layer of perspective, and guidance is provided on medical school applications and admissions.

Why it stands out: You will interact with various healthcare professionals in different healthcare fields, giving you an idea of what working in different branches of medicine looks like.

11. Premed Projects – London Hospital Work Experience

Location: London, UK
Cost: £3,535
Dates: 2 weeks across various sessions from July to August
Application Deadline: Rolling (with a maximum of 40 seats per session)
Eligibility: For aspiring doctors aged 14–18, open to both UK and international students.

Premed Projects’ 2-week London Hospital Work Experience program aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience for prospective medical school applicants. You will visit several world-class hospitals, gaining valuable work experience that helps prepare you for a future medical career.

With additional excursions to London’s parks, shops, and neighbourhoods, this residential program also provides a comprehensive guided tour of London. Apart from meeting medical school admissions tutors, you will receive a work experience certificate and a detailed recommendation letter.

Why it stands out: You will have access to top London hospitals and admissions tutors, helping you build a useful network and improve college applications simultaneously.

12. NHS Lothian – Step Into Healthcare

Location: Edinburgh and the Lothians, UK
Cost: Varies depending on the package and session. Details here.
Dates: Varies depending on the package and session. Details here.
Application Deadline: Rolling. Details here.
Eligibility: Senior school students living or studying within Edinburgh and the Lothians

The NHS Lothian’s Step Into Healthcare program is a work experience program for students interested in exploring a healthcare career. The program itself is divided into several fields, providing an in-depth introduction to careers like Medicine, Dentistry, Midwifery, Nursing, Clinical & Rehabilitation Engineering, and Laboratory Sciences.

Through hands-on activities, workshops, and NHS sessions, students gain experience that prepares them well for future healthcare careers.

Why it stands out: It connects you with healthcare professionals within the NHS, so you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable mentorship.

13. University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience - Medicine

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Cost: £6,850
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (deadline not specified yet)
Eligibility: For students between the ages of 16–18.

Over three weeks, you will be working with students from around the world to experience Scotland’s rich academic heritage while exploring the field of medicine. You will attend lectures at the School of Medicine, take part in academic seminars, and conduct experiments in university laboratories. The curriculum covers key areas such as anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, diagnostics, and research design with a focus on practical application.

Through sessions with general practitioners and simulated patients, you develop medical communication and diagnostic reasoning skills. The program also guides you through the UK medical school application process, including UCAT preparation and practice for Multiple Mini Interviews. Additionally, you will visit the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh for an in-depth understanding of the medical profession’s history and practice.

Why it stands out: University faculty teach the course and lead visits to the Royal College of Surgeons to help you understand medicine study and practice.

14. BioGrad Clinical Skills and Medical Research

Location: BioGrad Liverpool
Cost: £999 (course only)
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions till seats are filled
Eligibility: This course is for students aged 16-19

The BioGrad Clinical Skills and Medical Research course immerses you in clinical and biomedical practice over five days, working alongside physicians and research scientists in authentic medical environments. You’ll develop competency in cardiopulmonary assessment, conduct advanced patient histories, and master cardiovascular and pulmonary diagnostics using electrocardiography and spirometry. As you advance, you’ll interpret vital metrics using NEWS charts, synthesise molecular solutions, and perform blood typing for emergency transfusion scenarios.

Your laboratory acumen grows through pipetting, ELISA for pathogen detection, and microbiological analysis with Gram staining. Case-based learning improves your understanding of diagnostic algorithms and the underlying pathophysiology seen in diseases. The course culminates with a presentation of empirical research and a career development session, connecting you with networked clinicians and scientists to strategise your medical trajectory.

Why it stands out: The program trains you in intensive, advanced techniques such as ECG, giving you deeper medical knowledge and greater exposure.

15. BioGrad Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine

Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine course immerses you in the pulse of critical care, putting advanced emergency protocols directly in your hands. You’ll explore lifesaving interventions such as defibrillation, airway and spinal stabilization, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation using professional-grade equipment alongside clinicians. You’ll harness ultrasound for vein identification and refine arterial blood gas analysis to interpret physiological crises with precision.

Your skillset grows as you practice IV and intraosseous cannulation, navigate trauma imaging, and implement structured ABCDE patient assessment in simulated high-acuity scenarios. You’ll confront acute medical presentations common in the emergency department, perform surgical-grade suturing on synthetic and animal tissue, and engineer stabilization techniques for complex fractures using plaster casting. The course culminates in presenting your critical assessment and management strategies, solidifying your command of emergency medicine’s dynamic landscape.

Why it stands out: It has partnerships with emergency workers and frontline medical teams, so you will have an insight into their operations and the opportunity to understand what emergency medical work looks like.

Start Building Your Medical Future Today

Exploring different academic pathways helps you understand what studying healthcare involves and whether it suits your interests. It also gives you space to build confidence as you try new ways of learning.

As you consider the medical summer programs for high school students in the UK listed here, you’ll see how many opportunities the country offers. With world-renowned hospitals, historic medical schools and leading research centres, the UK is an inspiring place to explore medicine.

These programs also let you meet new people, explore vibrant university cities, and experience how science and healthcare shape life.

To know more about studying in London and the wider student experience, read more in our Student Life and Cultural Immersion blogs.