The Bartlett Summer Schools 2025

About

The Bartlett's range of Summer Schools offer students who are 18 and under an introduction to architecture and design from UCL’s campus in the heart of London. The courses offer a chance to experience life as a student within a world-leading institution, with different options for multiple age streams.  

These have been designed specifically for students who are thinking about studying architecture and are looking for an introduction to The Bartlett. Through individual and group exercises, we aim to promote architecture as a fundamentally collaborative practice, introducing students to the wider societal forces that affect our built environment.  

The Bartlett Summer School 2025 – On Campus, 14-16-year-olds 

This introductory Summer School has been designed for younger students who are curious about careers in the built environment and would like to know more about what it is like to study architecture at university. The course will provide 14-16-year-olds with important information about this route to assist with their GCSE and A-level decisions. 

This newly extended 4-day format offers an introduction into different making and drawing used by architects as well as helping students develop their collaboration and presentation skills. 

The Bartlett Summer School 2025 – On Campus, 16-18-year-olds 

This Summer School has been designed for students who are interested in studying architecture and looking for an introduction to The Bartlett School of Architecture. Students may visit architectural exhibitions, professional offices, local landmarks, and sites of interest before working on collaborative drawings or models, and on their own portfolio informed by their experiences throughout the course. They will be encouraged to engage with their urban surroundings in new and creative ways. 

The 5-day and 15-day formats offer both introductory and in-depth opportunities to engage with the study of architecture, helping with key preparations for entry into university. 

Key information 

Who should apply?

The Summer Schools are open to all students who are passionate about architecture and design, with an interest in studying at The Bartlett. There are no required academic skills or subjects, we welcome anyone who is curious about participating in this creative experience. 

We can only accept students who are 14 years old (The Bartlett Summer School 2025 – On Campus, 14–16-year-olds) or 16 years old (The Bartlett Summer School 2025 – On Campus, 16-18-year-olds) at the start of the course, in accordance with DBS checks. 

Please note that participants travelling from abroad should check if they need to apply for a visa and are responsible for securing any visas that may be required. For these students, where parent/s are not resident within the Greater London area, it will be necessary to appoint a UK guardian for the student if the student is under 18.  

How I will be taught?

Students from different backgrounds will join together to explore their creativity through a shared learning experience, much like an architectural design studio or practice. Through this, students will learn valuable communication techniques to inspire the final creative outputs they produce at school, in the lead up to university. 

The Summer Schools are led by tutors who offer unique expertise, clear guidelines, and professional insight to support each student and their individual needs. Through group presentations, personalised support, and peer review, students will experience different ways of designing and learning about architecture.  

These Summer Schools are based on-campus at The Bartlett School of Architecture's Bloomsbury campus at 22 Gordon Street, making full use of the school’s resources and facilities.  

What will I gain?

Students will receive a Certificate of Participation if they attend a minimum of 75% of the course. The course will culminate in a mini-exhibition which will allow the students to celebrate their achievements together.

Students will also be guided in how to document and format the design work produced throughout the Summer School into a portfolio, which forms a valuable component of their university applications.  

What do I need?

Materials will be provided and shared amongst the students. Personal Studio Kits with essential tools and keepsakes will be available to purchase when registering. Students must bring or purchase their own sustenance, and an Oyster Card with credit for local travel on public transport. 

Please note that the fee and registration onto this course does not include accommodation. All participants must arrange their own accommodation. Individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to stay in UCL Summer Residences, but those who are, may book via this link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/residences/ucl-summer-residences. 

What have past Summer School students said?

Attendees of these courses have gone on apply for and obtain places in a range of Architecture Undergraduate courses, including those at The Bartlett.  

The following testimonials are from Summer School 2024 attendees: