DIS Summer School Programme – UCL Black Heritage Students
UCL East Campus. Led by Dr Daniel Onah.
The UCL Department of Information Studies (DIS) are excited to announce a new Summer School for UCL students of Black heritage backgrounds running this July 2025 at UCL East Campus (Marshgate). The aim of the Summer School is to introduce and develop a broad range of digital skills, ensuring that all participants feel represented in the curriculum. By fostering confidence and competence in digital tools, the Summer School will support students in pursuing future aspirations within the digital and technology sectors.
Participants will have the opportunity to study technical modules from STEM disciplines and will work on task-driven based projects and activities in the following subject areas:
- Academic Writing and Study Skills – Dr Elaine Pang, Brunel University of London
- Python Programming - Dr Danny Onah, University College London
- Cyber Security – Dr Jason Nurse, University of Kent
- Data Science – Dr Maad Al Owaifeer, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
- Database Systems – Dr Karen Stepanyan, University College London
The UCL DIS Summer School workshops are designed to provide participants with hands-on opportunities to develop practical computing and professional skills in areas such as academic writing, cyber security, and applied computing.
Participants will:
Engage in project-based workshops that involve designing computing applications using innovative technologies.
Complete individual or group projects aimed at developing logical reasoning, communication, and analytical thinking skills.
Explore topics such as:
- Computational thinking
- Cyber/program abstraction
- Python scripting Databases and data science
- Data mining and text analysis
- Model creation and data visualisation
- Malware detection and cyber threat prevention
Participants will receive timely support and constructive feedback from workshop facilitators during both in-person sessions and online collaboration. The lectures and workshop activities will be delivered by expert academics and researchers with expertise in computer science and education studies.
Creative computing is centred around using critical thinking and structured methodologies to solve real-world problems through software development.
The workshops will introduce students to essential transferable skills in computational thinking, including:
Algorithms: Understanding step-by-step procedures to solve tasks efficiently
Decomposition: Breaking down complex problems into manageable parts
Problem-solving techniques: Applying methods to solve recurring challenges
Managing computing complexities: Handling the scope and scale of digital problems
Generalisation: Identifying patterns and creating scalable solutions
Effective academic writing: Communicating ideas clearly in professional and academic contexts
The overarching impact of the UCL DIS Summer School is to introduce students, particularly those of Black heritage backgrounds, to a range of technical disciplines, helping to bridge the digital skills gap and promote diversity in technology-related fields.
Participants will gain hands-on exposure to:
- Programming (including Python and other relevant languages)
- Databases (including SQL, MySQL)
- Cyber Security (including CIA, Malware attacks)
- Data Science (including Data Mining, Data Analysis, Data Visualisation)
- Academic Writing (including Academic and Professional Writing)
Additionally, the programme will introduce specialised and emerging research areas, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Algorithmic thinking and practical development.
Through these experiences, students will:
- Acquire technical and analytical skills that align with current industry and academic demands.
- Be empowered to pursue further study or careers in fields like Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Data Science, and Scientific Research.
- Build confidence in their capabilities, expanding their career prospects in areas where individuals from these backgrounds are currently underrepresented.
- Be inspired to explore modern digital disciplines, ultimately increasing inclusion and representation in tech and research sectors.
This initiative is not only a pathway for skill development, but also a catalyst for confidence, aspiration, and long-term academic and professional growth.
Spaces are limited to the first 50 UCL Black heritage student applications we receive. Please submit your application using your full name avoiding using initials or nick names, as this will appear on your certificate of attendance following completion of the Summer School. Please also submit a single page personal statement, saying why you would like to be part of the Summer School.
Please apply early and submit your application via this form: Submit Application
The closing date for submission of an application form is Monday, 30 June 2025 at 11:59PM GMT.
Please note: Should we reach the required capacity for the number of participants (50 participants) before this deadline, we may close applications early.
Additional Information: Transportation (travel card or payment to and from the venue), breakfast and lunch will be covered for the duration of the Summer School. The programme will also include a visit to the London Science Museum.
For more information about the Summer School, please contact the Coordinator: Dr Daniel Onah (d.onah@ucl.ac.uk).
Further information
Ticketing
Pre-booking essential
Cost
Free
Open to
All
Availability
Yes