Year 12 Sutton Trust Summer School

Description of the course

Building better prosthetics, inventing new medical sensors or understanding how to reverse-engineer technology from animals are just some of the ways biomedical engineers use their understanding of maths and physics to improve human health. If you are looking for a broad degree that develops your mechanical, electrical and computational engineering skills and gives you the tools to apply these to medical and biological problems then Biomedical Engineering could be for you.

You’ll have taster lectures each day and a variety of practical experiences to introduce you to the breadth of options in our course.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Physics

Description of the course

Discover the fascinating world of Earth Science and unravel the mysteries of our planet and beyond. Earth Science is the dynamic fusion of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other sciences that help us to explore our planet’s interconnected systems and its turbulent geological past. From the Earth’s core to its atmosphere, and beyond, to the planets of our solar system, join us on this remarkable journey, as we delve into the science and engineering that holds the key to securing our future while unlocking the secrets of the universe.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Physics.

Description of the course

The Imperial College Business School's Sutton Trust Summer School for the Economics, Finance, and Data Science undergraduate programme immerses students in a unique exploration of the dynamic intersection between economics, finance and cutting-edge data science methodologies. You'll engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and real-world case studies, gaining practical insights into the intersection of economics, finance and data-driven decision-making. The summer school aims to showcase the programme's emphasis on equipping students with the analytical tools to navigate complex financial landscapes and contribute to data-informed policy solutions. By fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere, this summer school offers a taste of the vibrant academic community at Imperial College, where aspiring economists and data scientists can explore their passions and chart a course towards a future in the forefront of global economic challenges.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
•  Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be Mathematics. Further Mathematics and/or Economics are useful but not required.

Description of the course

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) is more than just power generation. It is about addressing the challenges of the future: producing clean energy, devices to monitor people’s health, robotic assistants to assist with daily tasks, interconnecting transport, cities and people by the use of 5G and smart technologies. It is about understanding mathematics and physics and being able to apply them to real world solutions.

The course will reflect the typical life of our undergraduate students with a combination of lectures giving a flavour of both our first year modules, and a view of some of our research. You will also spend some time in our laboratories, where we will introduce you to some of the practical skills and put theory into practice.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Physics. Recommended (but not required) third subjects include Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing, Design and Technology, Electronics.

Description of the course

Materials are all around us, and understanding how physics, chemistry and engineering come together to create our environment is what materials scientists do best. We explore properties, observe materials at the smallest scale and carefully manipulate the structure to mould any molecule into the desired perfect material. In this summer school you will be exploring this incredible world, observing how smart materials can independently change their shape or self-heal and sense; understanding how materials innovation can help us contain nuclear radiation; gaining deeper insights on how materials can survive high temperature combustion in plane engines and you will discover how materials can also be placed within your body and actively help it heal. During your time with us, you will have the chance to discuss and design your “ultimate” material, supported by our academics and explore materials and their properties in detail in our undergraduate laboratories.

Applicants to this summer school are encouraged to engage with some of the super-curricular activities mentioned on our study pages under "Making a strong application, super curricular".

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must be Mathematics. You must also be studying Chemistry or Physics.

Description of the course

Building DNA probes for cancer diagnosis, creating tissue scaffolds to support wound healing and even creating synthetic life, Molecular Bioengineers use their understanding of Biology and Chemistry to engineer solutions to medical and biological problems. This is a truly interdisciplinary course – as well as biology and chemistry, you will use skills from maths, physics and computing to understand and improve biological systems. You’ll have a series of taster lectures exploring how engineers are at the forefront of medicine and work in our labs, putting your practical skills to the test.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Chemistry.

Description of the course

Curious about aeronautics? Interested in engineering but not sure which area you'd like to specialise in?

The Aeronautics with Mechanical Engineering stream allows you to experience a taster of both specialism during your time on the summer school (with an emphasis on aeronautics).

The aeronautics outreach engineering activity will focus on rebuilding and testing a real engineering device, in this case, a small scale radio-controlled electric vehicle. This will give students hands-on experience with engineering tools and devices and build familiarity with the form and function of standard engineering parts, including screw fasteners and bearings and common engineering assemblies such as gearboxes and shock absorbers.

You can learn more about the Aeronautical Engineering degree courses and the Mechanical Engineering degree courses at Imperial on the relevant web pages.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Physics.

Description of the course

Biological Sciences is the study of living organisms and covers areas such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, physiology and zoology. This stream is aimed at students who are considering studying any of the biological sciences at university and will cover a variety of topics in this field. You will spend much of your time in the lab doing experiments as well as taking part in group discussions and debates which is representative of a degree in Biological Sciences at Imperial.

The content of this course will not be directly relevant for students primarily interested in studying Medicine.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), one of which must include Biology. You must also be studying at least one of the following: Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics.

Description of the course

What do we imagine when we hear ‘Chemical Engineering’? On the whole, the subject is about the design of processes for making different chemicals, and how to make improvements to these processes so that they use fewer toxic materials, less energy and generate minimal polluting waste. But there is a vast world of research that drives the subject forward, with ever increasing focus on sustainability and the development of new experimental and computation tools to help accelerate new discoveries. You will be introduced to different disciplines that are studied in the department – from research on pharmaceuticals, bio-sensors and devices for improving blood flow through the body, to carbon capture and conversion and making fuels from sunlight.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Chemistry and Mathematics. 

Description of the course

Chemistry is an interdisciplinary science, underpinning and providing vital links between all the sciences. Developing new drugs and medical diagnostics, quicker to charge and lighter batteries for cars, more efficient solar cells, and imaging down to the atomic scale, Chemistry truly allows you to explore across the field, from the macroscale to the nanoscale. Our Chemistry courses cover topics in inorganic, organic, physical, theoretical and analytical chemistry, now taught through a series of modules spanning across these areas. As practical experience is a major part of all Chemistry undergraduate courses at Imperial, you will spend the academic sessions during the Summer School in our undergraduate laboratories undertaking practical work. You can expect to be challenged and to gain practical and analytical skills, as well as develop your communication, team-working and problem-solving skills too.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Preferred (but not required) third subjects include Biology, Economics, Further Mathematics and Physics.

Description of the course

Maths finds its way into all corners of our teaching and research here at Imperial—but what can you expect from a degree course in the subject? Our students get better and better at doing calculations, and learn to apply the subject to a wider and wider class of problems; they also learn to think more and more carefully and rigorously about what we can really say we know. That’s what the Maths Strand will give you a taste of. You’ll divide your time among our base room, our state-of-the-art computing labs and our improvised rocket launchpad. You’ll apply calculus to space flight, and knowledge about prime numbers to the problem of secret communication. You’ll look hard at the concept of infinity, and discover it’s subtler than you may think. And you’ll see beautiful complexity emerge from simple mathematical processes.

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
• Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
  
  • We are able to make special cases for students who are from schools/colleges that do not offer Further Mathematics A-level.
  • If your school/college offers Further Mathematics AS but not A level, then we expect that you should be taking it.

Description of the course

Physics is a vast subject, and the best tool we have to understand our Universe and our place within it. During the week we will look at a variety of physics topics including finding exoplanets in astrophysics, building communications devices in electronics, creating particle detectors to investigate relativity and finding out about some of the weirder materials that make up our world such as superconductors and nanotubes. Through a series of lectures, practical investigations and research, we will explore the laws of our Universe!

Academic requirements

• Have achieved a minimum of eight GCSEs with at least five in grades 7-9, including maths and sciences.
• Have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
•  Be studying at least three A-levels (or equivalent), including Mathematics and Physics. 

To apply for the Y12 Sutton Trust Summer School, you must:

• be in Year 12 in England or Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland, or S5 in Scotland (or equivalent) at the time of application
• be under 18 years old at the time of the summer school
• Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK

This outreach programme is funded by Imperial College London in partnership with the Sutton Trust and aims to support state school students from backgrounds under-represented at university and Imperial. We use the criteria below to assess who is eligible to participate. The more criteria you meet, the more likely your application will be successful.

 We will prioritise your application if:

• You have been in care

 We will also assess whether:

• You are eligible for free school meals and/or pupil premium
• Your parents/guardians did not attend university
• You live in a neighbourhood with low overall progression rates to higher education (POLAR4 Quintile 1 or 2 areas) or high levels of deprivation (IMD Quintile 1 areas)
• Your school has a high percentage of students receiving free school meals
• Your school has below average attainment

The Sutton Trust manage the application forms for this summer school. This web page will be updated for 2025 summer schools in late December 2024.

Decisions

Your application will be sent to us by the Sutton Trust after the deadline. You may be contacted if there is any missing or unclear information in your application. We will let you know the outcome of your application by the end of the day on Friday 3 May 2024.

If you are offered a place on the programme, or on the waitlist, you will have a limited amount of time to accept this offer and send back your conditional documents. Successful applicants will receive details on the next steps.