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Every year we run a series of Summer Schools in partnership with the Sutton Trust. We have a wide range of subjects to choose from, designed to give you a taste of studying at University.
General Information
The Summer Schools are a fully immersive experience, you'll live as a student staying in accommodation overnight and meet other students from across the UK. Throughout the week you'll attend lectures, seminars, and trips across London to get a taste of what it's like to study at UCL. But it's not all academic work! We have an exciting programme of social activities planned including tours, the chance to explore London and lots of other exciting activities. There's something for everyone on our Summer School.
In 2025, our Summer Schools will be fully residential at the UCL Campus. We will also host an online welcome session ahead of the Summer School so you can meet the Summer School team and your academic leads, who can answer any last-minute questions.
The Summer Schools, give you the chance to gain vital skills such as time management, organisation, and teamwork. Our friendly Student Leaders (current UCL students) will be on hand to answer any questions about your work, living in London, studying at UCL, or university life in general.
*S5 in Scotland or Year 13 in Northern Ireland
What can I study on the Summer School?
Week 1: Monday 21 to Friday 25 July 2025
- Psychology with Education
Why do we procrastinate and how can we stop it? How can we reduce bullying in schools? Does music impact our language and wellbeing? These are examples of some of the research projects being conducted by the staff who teach on the UCL Psychology and Education undergraduate degree.
The Summer School will involve interactive sessions that will give you a taster of our areas of research and how it can be applied to real-life settings (e.g., in Education). You will take part in real psychology experiments and gain hand-on experience of different research tools.
You'll discuss the validity and reliability of different psychological measures; then debate the strengths and weaknesses of different tools available to help us measure human thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
By the end of the Summer School, you will have a clear understanding of:
- what psychology is;
- the different areas of study on the Psychology with Education degree;
- the skills required to pursue a career in psychology.
Overall, the Summer School aims to provide an experience of studying at University and we will provide you with advice around the application process and future career pathways in Psychology and Education.
- Laws
The UCL Laws Summer School will introduce you to the study of Law at university, through introductory sessions on admissions processes, the legal profession, as well as sessions on substantive law in areas such as Criminal, Contract, Family, Public and Employment Law.
You’ll experience Law in London by, for example, exploring the Supreme Court and/or gaining an understanding of the UCL Intergrated Legal Advice Clinic.
Teaching and learning will be via a combination of lectures, small group teaching and interactive workshops. By the end of the Summer School, you will have a greater understanding of what studying law at university entails and a greater understanding the legal profession and of the paths to becoming a lawyer.
- Languages and Cultures
Do you speak more than one language? Are you already studying a language or even two? Do you like exploring literature, films, art, music, food and all sorts of other cultural aspects of other countries? Are you curious about what studying languages and cultures at university would be like? Then come to the UCL Languages and Cultures Summer School!
The School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) teaches no fewer than 11 different languages, and alongside these languages we also have a vast range of courses in everything cultural: French cinema, Italian Renaissance study, Latin American poetry, German medieval comic tales, material ‘stuff’ in the Viking age, Dutch sociolinguistics, and so much more.
The Summer School will draw on as much of these languages and cultures as we can fit in one week through a combination of seminars and workshops. There will be lessons in French, Spanish, and German for those of you who study these languages, as well as some sessions with new and lesser-taught languages (like the Scandinavian ones). We will introduce you to our collections at UCL showing you how we use these in our teaching.
To set it all up, we will start with considering what how and why we learn foreign languages. The weeklong project task will be based on this session, while allowing you to use examples from all the other classes to explore the connections between language and culture even further.
- Architecture & Built Enviornment
The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment, is excited to invite you to the UCL Architecture and Built Environment Summer School.
Through a series of lectures, workshops and hands-on design and creation activities, you will have the opportunity to see what makes The Bartlett ranked number 1 in the world in the Architecture and Built Environment field (in 2023 according to the QS World University Subject Rankings) and remain #1 in the UK for Architecture and the Built Environment for the ninth year running.
You will learn new ways of recording your observations and ideas through sketching, drawing, photography, collage, film, model-making, and writing. You will receive a holistic overview of the different subject areas within the Built Environment and be taught by academics from different departments who are specialists in their field.
There will also be an emphasis on providing university application information, advice and guidance, specifically covering portfolios. All work produced in the Summer School can be used in your portfolios when applying to university.
What more could you ask for? Come and join us and find out what makes us so great yourself.
- Crime & Forensic Sciences
Are you interested in understanding how crime is studied? Have you ever wondered how evidence is collected at a crime scene? Do you want to know about investigating serious crime? Are you thinking a future career in criminal justice? Then this is the summer school for you.
The Department of Security and Crime Science are offering a 4-day summer school, where students will be introduced into the world of studying crime and forensic science at one of the country’s top Universities.
The course will introduce students to concepts of prevention, detection, and disruption of crime, from a policing, security, and forensic science perspective.
The summer school will include lectures from world experts in the fields of policing, intelligence, and forensic science, and will include workshops where students are introduced to criminal justice practice.
The subjects covered in the summer school include organised crime, terrorism, crime scene investigation, and policing. Students will be asked to work on individual or groups projects throughout the week, where they will have an opportunity to show case their newly learnt knowledge and skills in crime and forensic science.
Week 2: Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August 2025
- Natural Sciences
At the UCL Natural Sciences Summer School, you’ll discover aspects of life as an undergraduate student enjoying lectures, participating in labs, meeting current students and exploring many parts of UCL.
You might learn about the visualisation of proteins in the Life Sciences, coding to solve Physics problems and maybe the range of spectroscopic techniques used in Chemistry. You will get to try out several of our most popular subjects which may include ones you have not thought of studying.
You may be working in small groups or independently, researching a topic you find exciting, to create a presentation to share what you find interesting. Or you may be creating something entirely different! We have Student Leaders on board who will help to guide your research and refine your presentation and communication skills.
Our current UCL students will talk about the Natural Sciences degree programmes and life at UCL, and you’ll hear about the range of careers a degree in Natural Sciences can lead to after university. We will also discuss applying to this degree programme, including what we look for in applicants and their personal statements.
The UCL Natural Sciences BSc and MSci degrees enable students who want to maintain a breadth of science subjects to shape a unique degree suited to their personal interests. They also allow science subjects to be combined in a structured and coherent programme.
The Natural Sciences programmes are flexible degrees drawing together two elements of physics, astrophysics, mathematics and statistics, chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, and science and technology studies, equipping the next generation of scientists with skills to move comfortably between different environments.
- Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is all about changing raw materials into useful products you use everyday in a safe and cost-effective way. Chemical Engineers understand how to alter the chemical and/or physical state of a substance to create anything from face creams to fuels.
Through our Summer School, you will learn more about what it is to be a chemical engineer, by becoming familiar with some basic chemical engineering concepts and their relevance to a wide range of sectors through several exciting activities.
You will be involved in experimental laboratory sessions to introduce you to the fundamentals of how chemical processes and chemical reactors operate. You will also be engaged in some computational workshops to understand how process simulation can be used to design, analyse and optimise chemical processes.
To finish off the week, you will put your new skills to the test and compete in groups to complete a Chemical Engineering design challenge! You will also learn more about careers in Chemical Engineering through a series of talks with speakers from the department and from the industry.
Are you a creative problem solver? Would you like to learn how to think like an engineer? Do you want to use Maths, Physics and Chemistry to make a positive impact in the world? Then the UCL Chemical Engineering Summer School would suit you – we hope to meet you this summer!
- Pharmacy
Are you a Scientist at heart? Do you want to be a clinician in practice and a professional at the forefront of healthcare? Do you have an interest in science and want to learn how this can help make a difference to people’s lives? If so, pharmacy could be an area for you to explore further.
This Summer School is the perfect introduction to the discipline of Pharmacy and the MPharm degree at UCL.
You will gain an insight into the journey and life of a Pharmacy student at UCL. The programme covers a diverse range of themes, from fundamental chemical science through biology and pharmacology, as well as finding out more about the different pharmacist roles and how this health profession can help improve outcomes for patients.
You will get hands-on experience which include a variety of laboratory classes, practical sessions and practising clinical skills. You will also meet academic staff and students who will be there to support you and discuss their experiences into their pharmaceutical careers.
- Social & Historical Sciences
The faculty of Social and Historical Sciences’ interests span the globe, as we seek to understand the social, political, economic, cultural and environmental processes that have shaped the world over time and will continue to do so. We consist of 8 academic departments: Anthropology, the Institute of Archaeology, the Institute of the Americas, Economics, Geography, History, History of Art and Political Science. Despite each department being quite distinct they are also very interconnected and hold world leading research and teaching expertise that are celebrated for researching societal issues for example: the formation of knowledge, climate change, civilization, inequality and political organisations.
Based at the world-leading Gower St Campus our summer school draws on all 8 academic disciplines to introduce you to subjects that you may not have had any experience of and provide you with an understanding of how to reflect on issues within society, past and present as well as ways to become future researchers, educational practitioners, policy makers and leaders of social and political change. You will get an understanding of how the subjects can be combined, be introduced to a broad set of our social science subjects and skills, gain an insight into a variety of theoretical viewpoints, and learn how to think about, write about and analyse the ways in which humans and societies develop.
During the four days we will visit UCL’s museums and galleries and participate in on and off-site practical activities, laboratory work, research and object-handling. We will visit and tour each department to help you to explore what it is like to study in London and how Social and Historical Sciences relates to potential career destinations. Each department will have student representatives in their sessions who will share their experiences of student life at UCL and the opportunities that are available to you.
- Global Humanitarian Studies
Are you interested in working in the humanitarian sector, in a career that makes a real difference to people and communities worldwide affected by humanitarian and disaster-related events? Are you thinking about studying something different at university? Join our Global Humanitarian Studies summer school to learn more about what humanitarians do, what it is like to study the subject at university and the careers it will prepare you for.
Our flagship Global Humanitarian Studies undergraduate programme aims to educate and train future generations of humanitarian leaders in the theory and practice of humanitarian action. This multidisciplinary programme will equip you with the knowledge, critical, analytical and research skills, and core competencies grounded in practice to anticipate evolving and emerging humanitarian threats and manage widening vulnerability and crisis response.
Over the course of the week, we will explore core concepts including what humanitarianism is, the fundamental principles and practice behind humanitarian work and interventions, and humanitarian and ethical principles and practice. We will also cover other foundational topics in a 'bitesize' format, such as the impact of climate change, migration, conflict and international relations, health and wellbeing, the role of humanitarian technology and digital innovation and how we respond to humanitarian crises.
You will study important aspects and dimensions such as the legal, social, political, economic, gender, historical, and contemporary contexts of humanitarian and disaster-related events and policy approaches and introductory research methods. You will work together on developing a group research project proposal and will be guided through the process to present your ideas at the end of the week.
Throughout the summer school, you will hear from experts from a wide range of backgrounds and get the chance to talk to them about their specialist areas. You will also meet some of our current students, who will share their top tips about student life, like how to write a compelling personal statement.
By the end of the week you will have gained valuable insight into the subject, honed your practical research skills and met lots of people who are passionate about humanitarianism! We hope to see you there!
Application Information
- To attend our programmes, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Applications are not selected on a first-come-first-served basis, so applying earlier or later will not affect your application outcomes.
- All applications will go through the Sutton Trust so if you have any problems with the application form, please contact the Sutton Trust.
- Please note the Summer School will provide a taste of studying at UCL and we therefore advise you check the UCL Admissions grade requirements and speak to your teacher about your academic suitability.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost?
This Summer School is free. We will pay for your travel to and from the Summer School, as well as your accommodation and meals whilst you stay with us.
- Can my friend/family member take part too?
Only applicants who applied through our system and have been notified that they have a place on the Summer School can attend and take part in the Summer School.
- When will I hear if I have a place?
This varies for each subject. If the application deadline gets extended for any reason, we will email existing applicants to let them know the new deadline date. We aim to have students notified of their outcome in early May. We usually shortlist around 7000 applications for our various activities, so it can take some time. Please be patient, and rest assured that you will be notified whatever your outcome. Please do not email to ask about the status of your application, as this significantly slows down the shortlisting process.
- Do I have to stay overnight?
Staying in Halls of Residence overnight is a vital part of the Summer School and therefore compulsory. We know it can be intimidating to stay in a new place with lots of new people, but we have friendly Student Leaders and dedicated wellbeing staff staying in Halls of Residence overnight to make sure you're supported. However, if you have caring responsibilities or other concerns about staying overnight please email wp.taster@ucl.ac.uk so we can discuss different options with you.
- Do I have to share a room?
No. All participants will be given a single en-suite room, so will not need to share a room or bathroom with anyone else.
If you require an accessible room, please send an email to wp.taster@ucl.ac.uk so we can ensure that this is arranged for you.
- What if I have a disability or have food allergies?
Our Summer School has been designed to be fully accessible and to cater to with allergies, intolerances and those that cannot eat certain foods for religious and/or cultural reasons.
When we send out information to successful applicants, we will ask you for more information about yourself so please include this information at this stage of your application.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please email wp.taster@ucl.ac.uk and we can discuss options with you.
- I've already applied to another Summer School, can I apply to yours as well?
You can apply to only one subject and to one Sutton Trust Summer School - if you apply for Pharmacy at UCL, for example, you couldn't also apply for Natural Sciences at UCL or another Pharmacy Sutton Trust Summer School.
If you have applied to another Summer School, but which is not in partnership with the Sutton Trust, you can still apply to UCL. We just ask that you make sure the dates do not overlap as you cannot attend more than one Summer School at the same time.
- Will this help me get into university?
Our Summer Schools are designed to give you an experience of what university life is like, especially the academic side in your chosen subject. Participants, therefore, also talk about their experience on the Summer School in their personal statements to apply to university as this is a good way of showing how you have gone above and beyond the curriculum to engage with your subject.
Attending a Sutton Trust Summer School is not one of the ways that an applicant can meet the eligibility criteria for UCL's contextual admissions scheme, Access UCL. However, there is crossover between the eligibility criteria for Access UCL and the summer schools and some students who apply for our summer schools may also be eligible for Access UCL. You can find further information on Access UCL and the current eligibility requirements on the Access UCL webpage.
- My question hasn't been answered here. What do I do?
Email wp.taster@ucl.ac.uk with your query, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.