The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) at Queen's University Belfast supports STEM Learning's Research Placements and Experiences, a summer programme that gives Year 12 students hands-on laboratory experience alongside WWIEM researchers. The scheme runs over July and/or August and offers either a two-week Research Placement or a five-day Research Experience, allowing students to apply classroom learning to real research projects and to learn about research career pathways. The programme is aimed at talented, enthusiastic Year 12 students and is described as supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Projects hosted by WWIEM provide supervised, practical experience in laboratory settings and exposure to research and industry professionals. Students should have at least five GCSEs at Level 5 or above and be studying one or more A-levels in relevant subjects such as science, technology, engineering, computing, statistics, or maths. Students apply via the STEM Learning online application portal. WWIEM researchers who wish to host students can register as providers through the linked provider portal. Further details and guidance are available on the STEM Learning placements webpage linked from the WWIEM page.

Film of the Month is an ongoing monthly competition run by Into Film to celebrate young filmmaking talent across the UK. It is open to all young people aged 5–19. Each month one winning film is selected to receive a £100 gift voucher, certificate(s), a feature interview on the Into Film website, and placement on the Into Film YouTube Shorts channel. Runner-up films are also showcased.

The competition accepts any film genre or theme (fiction, non-fiction, live action, or animated). Films must be a maximum of 10 minutes in length, and entrants must ensure any third-party music, images or footage are cleared for use. If you are aged 17 or under, a parent or guardian must provide consent and complete the entrant details when submitting. Educators may submit curricular films on behalf of their students; curricular entries are judged with slightly different criteria to ensure a level playing field.

Entrants must disclose any use of AI tools in the film's creation. Judges assess films on idea, story, sound and look rather than technical kit, and emphasis is placed on originality and creative decisions. There is a new round every month and entries are accepted on an ongoing basis via the Into Film website.

Avove offers structured work experience placements across its utilities and water infrastructure business to help young people and adult returners learn about careers in the industry. Placements include a structured induction, a Work Experience Lead for mentoring, opportunities to meet colleagues across teams, and support with CV and interview skills. The placements are unpaid but designed to be informative and help participants build employability skills.

Placements can expose participants to a range of teams including Water, Wastewater, Vegetation Management, Design & Build, and Enabling Functions (Marketing, Finance, etc.). Site-based placements allow learners to observe engineers and operatives on infrastructure projects, while office-based placements provide insight into supporting business functions. Avove will assess each request on a case-by-case basis and aim to accommodate as many placements as possible.

Applications are accepted year-round and the company encourages applicants linked to school placements to give at least six weeks' notice. Successful completion of a placement may lead to information about apprenticeship or entry-level opportunities within Avove, forming a pipeline from work experience into further training or employment.

Surrey County Archaeological Unit offers a range of volunteering opportunities across fieldwork and post-excavation activities. Summer community projects include excavations, surveys and field walking; no previous experience is needed and training is provided. Volunteers can join digs during the warmer months to gain hands-on experience in archaeological field techniques.

Year-round Wednesday sessions are held at the Surrey History Centre in Woking, focused on processing finds and samples; these sessions run 11:00-16:00 and require booking. The unit also provides limited work experience placements targeted at students in Year 11, sixth form and college, and publishes career resources online for those considering heritage and archaeological careers.

To get involved or for further details about placements, sessions and summer projects, contact the Surrey County Archaeological Unit directly. Note that placement availability can be limited, so early enquiries are recommended.

General Physics is a beginner-level Coursera course offered by Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. It builds a foundation in core physics concepts through a structured sequence of modules on classical mechanics, thermodynamics, wave motion, optics, interference, diffraction, polarization, and related problem-solving approaches. The course combines video lessons, readings, and assignments, with flexible self-paced learning over about five weeks at roughly ten hours per week. Learners study Newton’s laws, conservation of energy and momentum, harmonic motion, thermodynamics, wave propagation, and the wave nature of light, and can earn a shareable certificate on completion. It is taught in English and is designed for learners building toward further study in engineering, physical sciences, or other analytical fields.

Oxford Summer Courses' International Relations summer school is an intensive academic programme hosted in Cambridge university colleges for 16-17 year olds. Teaching follows an Oxford-style tutorial approach with small group seminars (maximum eight students) and interactive masterclasses. Students explore the origins of nationalism, the role of states in international politics, theories of diplomacy and conflict, and analyse contemporary global issues through case studies. Classes are tailored to the group’s interests and include two pieces of independent work which are assessed in 1:1 or 2:1 tutorial feedback sessions. The course aims to develop critical thinking, academic writing and persuasive argumentation; on completion students receive a certificate of achievement and a personalised letter of recommendation from their tutor. The programme combines academic study with cultural activities and organised trips in Cambridge. Accommodation and catering options vary by tier (single/twin rooms, ensuite options, and different meal plans). Some premium tiers include airport transfer and enhanced insurance cover; non-residential options are also offered.

Join Falmouth University for an informal virtual Q&A session where current students answer your questions about undergraduate study. The event is designed to give prospective applicants honest, first-hand insight into student life and what it is like to study at Falmouth. You can ask about topics such as living in Cornwall, accommodation, the application process, course workload, student support, clubs, societies, and the wider student community. The session is relaxed and interactive, with no formal presentation, so it is a chance to hear directly from students and get a real sense of the university experience. The event takes place online through Microsoft Teams. Cameras and microphones will be switched off for participants, and questions can be submitted through the chat function. Attendees are encouraged to download the Teams app in advance for the best experience.

Cotswold Archaeology offers a hands-on work experience programme giving students the chance to see behind the scenes of a large commercial archaeology company. Placements are designed for beginners and include workshop sessions and interactive activities across specialist teams. A typical week involves working with the finds team to clean, identify and sort artefacts, attending workshops with the geomatics team and heritage consultants, and learning about illustration, photography and reconstruction techniques. Each participant is paired with a staff mentor and receives timetable information before the placement. Most activities take place in office-based workshops, but there may also be opportunities to visit active excavation sites or community digs. Lunch breaks are typically 45 minutes and students are asked to bring their own food; offices provide kitchen facilities. Applications are managed through Cotswold Archaeology's Volunteer Portal. The scheme is open to students aged 14 and over, no prior experience is required, and Cotswold Archaeology supports reasonable adjustments for disabled or neurodivergent applicants. Parental/carer permission is required for applicants under 18.

This is a virtual charity-focused work experience programme that introduces participants to careers within registered charities and the skills required to work in the sector. Through interactive content, quizzes, projects and webinars, learners explore areas such as volunteer management, fundraising and policy development. The programme includes recorded webinars featuring charity professionals and culminates in a project and self-assessments to consolidate learning.

The programme is available on demand, with live webinar sessions delivered during weekday working hours (recordings provided). It is open to anyone aged 13+ and awards a downloadable certificate on completion. Students can complete material at their own pace within the course timeframe; assignments are reviewed and marked, and live sessions are accessible as recordings if participants cannot attend.

Join Oxford Summer Courses' Art History summer school designed for 16 317-year-olds, hosted in Oxford University colleges. The programme offers small-group, tutorial-style teaching (maximum 8 students) covering techniques, symbolism and cultural contexts across painting, sculpture and modern art. Students engage in interactive seminars, tutorial Q&A sessions, and an academic skills masterclass to develop independent critical thinking and analytical writing.

Throughout the course participants complete two pieces of independent work which are assessed in 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials and receive detailed written tutor feedback. The programme also includes enrichment activities: visits to Oxford colleges and world-class museums, expert speaker sessions on career pathways, a university fair, and full-day trips. On completion students receive a certificate of achievement and a personalised letter of recommendation to support further academic applications.

Join the University of Sunderland for an interactive event celebrating National Bone and Joint Week. The session is designed for students interested in physiotherapy and sport and rehabilitation therapy, and offers a chance to explore how bones, joints, muscles, and movement work together in the body. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, educational demonstrations, and collaborative exercises. The event includes time in the Anatomy Centre, where students will look at the structure of the lower limbs and learn how physiotherapists and rehabilitation therapists use anatomical knowledge in practice. There is also a practical movement analysis section where students apply what they have learned in real time. Activewear is required for this part of the session, and school bookings are limited to five places per school.

Dukes Plus runs a programme of free online events and webinars aimed at students, parents, and educators to support university and admissions preparation. Topics cover test preparation (UCAT, TMUA, ESAT, TARA), subject- and sector-specific guidance (medicine, law, drama), how to find work experience, US college admissions and athletic recruitment, and general application strategy for domestic and international universities. Each webinar is delivered online in the evening (listed at 6pm UK time) and is suitable for school-age students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels/IB, and university applications, as well as for parents and teachers seeking guidance on supporting applicants. Past webinars are available as recordings in the archive sections for specific topics (Medicine, Oxbridge, US applications, Drama, tutoring and revision). Sign-up is managed via the Dukes Plus website events page. The series aims to provide practical, actionable advice for students at different stages of the pre-university journey and to demystify admissions tests and application choices.

The Practical Ethics and Responsibility Competition invites school students to explore a real ethical issue and think critically about the role responsibility plays in addressing it. Entrants take part by creating a video that explains an ethical problem and presents their ideas on how responsibility is involved. The competition is designed to encourage discussion, reflection and careful argument, while giving young people a chance to develop communication and analysis skills. It is open across the UK to teams of school students in the relevant year groups. Entries are judged, and the top five teams are invited to the final in Oxford. The organisers provide travel costs for all participants, and accommodation costs for teams travelling more than two hours from Oxford. Finalist schools receive a cash prize, making the competition both an academic challenge and a recognised opportunity for students interested in ethics and public debate.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) Skills Academy runs a range of in-person and occasional virtual work experience and insight activities for school students. Offerings include Year 10 and 11 Career Insight Weeks (three-day programmes of talks, tours and interactive, non-clinical sessions), ad-hoc observational placements, subject-specific days (for example pharmacy and pathology), and sector-specific weeks such as Access Accountancy. Placements are observational only and do not include clinical duties or doctor shadowing through Skills Academy.

Key programmes described include Year 10 and 11 Career Insight Weeks (multiple dates in 2025 and 2026), a Year 12 Pathology Summer School (four days, with lab practicals and UEA lab sessions), a Year 12 Pharmacy Work Experience Day (one day), regular Pharmacy tours and careers talks (Wednesday afternoons 15:30-16:15 on listed dates), and a one-week Access Accountancy placement (~30+ hours). The page also links to PGME-run medical education insight programmes for Year 12 and 13 students and a Year 10/11 Medicine Insight Day.

Applications and application forms are circulated to schools and colleges and advertised on NNUH Skills Academy social channels; when live the application link is posted on this page. For programme-specific queries applicants are directed to the Skills Academy email (skillsacademy@nnuh.nhs.uk) or the individual programme contact emails provided on the page.

Dukes Plus Engineering Summer School is a London-based summer programme designed for students who want to explore a future in engineering. Hosted at University College London, it gives participants a taste of university life while introducing them to a range of engineering pathways and career possibilities.

Across the programme, students work alongside professional engineers and take part in practical projects that cover aeronautical, material, civil, biomedical, automotive and other engineering disciplines. Activities include design challenges, coding a robot buggy with Arduino, live teardowns, flight-simulator style tasks and guided site visits to specialist facilities.

The summer school also includes career coaching to help students think about university choices and routes into engineering. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, expert teaching and immersive site visits, it is aimed at ambitious young people who want to deepen their understanding of the industry and strengthen future university applications.

The Faculty of Psychology is a two-week pre-university summer school in Cambridge for students aged 14-17. Through interactive lectures, practical workshops and live experiments you will study cognitive, developmental and social psychology, learning how psychological theories apply to real behaviour.

Students take part in group research projects and lab activities (for example memory and social influence experiments), present findings at the end-of-week Time to Shine ceremony, and receive dedicated academic coaching to support progression towards university study. The programme also includes English language development to build confidence in discussing psychological concepts.

Fieldwork sessions and supervised excursions in Cambridge (and London) connect classroom learning with real-world settings. By the end of the course participants gain research and analytical skills, improved critical thinking, and a certificate of completion to support university applications.

This online webinar is for prospective undergraduate students who are considering applying to Imperial College London. It is designed to help applicants understand what the university looks for and how to prepare a strong application. The Student Recruitment team will guide attendees through the admissions process from start to finish. Topics include why students may choose Imperial, how UCAS works, an overview of entry requirements and admissions tests, advice on personal statements, and how the selection process works. The session also includes a live Q&A, giving participants the chance to ask questions directly to the speakers. If you are unable to attend live, you can register to receive the recording after the event. The event is hosted on Teams Webinar and is aimed at people interested in undergraduate study at Imperial.

The University of the West of Scotland’s Undergraduate Autumn Open Day at its Lanarkshire Campus gives prospective students the chance to explore what studying there could be like. It is designed for anyone considering an undergraduate course and offers an introduction to the campus, its facilities, and the range of degree programmes available. Visitors can attend presentations and demonstrations focused on their subject of interest, speak with staff and academics, and find out more about study options in areas such as Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Science, Sport, Computing, Education and Social Sciences. The event also includes information on funding, admissions, and application support, alongside details about opportunities to study abroad and gain work placement experience. The open day also highlights UWS’s research environment and campus facilities, including labs, lecture halls, sports science spaces, and simulated healthcare teaching environments. Free parking is available on campus, making it easier for visitors to attend and explore the Lanarkshire Campus in person.

The Christ's Medicine Taster Day is an annual event hosted by Christ's College, Cambridge that gives prospective applicants an insight into what it is like to study Medicine at the College and the University of Cambridge. The programme includes talks and question-and-answer sessions with Medicine academics and current students, as well as sample academic sessions designed to showcase the subject content and learning style.

Sessions are offered both on campus and via live-stream, allowing participants from across the UK to join. The event is aimed at sixth-form students considering studying Medicine, particularly those in Years 12 and 13, and is intended to help attendees understand academic expectations and student life.

This event has eligibility criteria and places are limited. Prospective participants should register their interest on the event webpage to be notified when applications open and to access full details about eligibility and how to apply.

Oxford Royale’s Explore Business Cambridge Summer School is a two-week programme for young people aged 12–15 who want to discover how modern business works. It is designed to build confidence, creativity and commercial thinking through an engaging introduction to entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and emerging business technologies.

Students learn through hands-on workshops, fast-paced challenges, seminars, debates and collaborative group projects. They are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs, develop ideas, and build and pitch a microenterprise, while also strengthening teamwork, leadership and communication skills. The course aims to give participants practical insight into what it takes to innovate, lead and succeed in business.

The programme is based in Cambridge and offers an inspiring university setting, with students living and studying on campus in Cambridge colleges. The experience also includes social activities, excursions, guest speakers and a graduation celebration, giving participants both academic enrichment and a memorable summer school experience.