Engineering, Design & Sustainability Summer Program at Univeristy of Bath

Course Description: Engineering, Design & Sustainability Summer Program at Univeristy of Bath

Engineering, Design & Sustainability introduces students to the principles of engineering through the lens of design, innovation, and sustainable thinking. Engineering plays a central role in shaping how people live, work, and interact with the world, and this course invites students to explore how thoughtful design can contribute to positive, long-term change 🌍.

The programme is practical, fast-paced, and project-driven. Students are encouraged to test ideas, build prototypes, and tackle real-world challenges using a designer’s mindset. While mathematical reasoning supports certain engineering decisions, the focus of the course lies firmly on problem-solving, communication, prototyping, and design thinking — making it accessible to students with no prior engineering experience.

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Learning Approach

Learning is grounded in hands-on exploration and collaboration. Each session begins with short, focused teaching inputs that introduce key ideas before students move into group-based activities, prototyping tasks, and basic computer modelling.

Students work on authentic engineering challenges inspired by real-world contexts. Collaboration plays a central role, reflecting how engineers work in practice. Students learn not only from specialist guidance, but also from exchanging ideas, testing solutions together, and refining concepts as a team 🤝.

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Core Themes & Academic Focus

Engineering & Sustainability 🌱

Students explore how engineering responds to global challenges, including environmental impact, resource use, and sustainable development.

Design Thinking 💡

They learn how to frame meaningful questions, generate a wide range of ideas, evaluate options, and improve designs through iteration and testing.

Team Collaboration

Students experience how engineers work together, combining strengths, sharing responsibility, and making collective decisions.

Prototyping Skills 🛠️

Using CAD tools and physical materials, students model ideas and explore how designs behave in practical settings.

Communication for Engineers

Students practise sketching, explaining, and presenting ideas clearly and confidently, regardless of their starting point or prior experience.

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Practical & Applied Learning

Throughout the programme, students work on a sustained design challenge rooted in a real-world problem. They explore the issue from multiple perspectives, sketch early concepts, and test ideas using simple physical builds and basic digital tools.

Some solutions are explored through hands-on construction, while others are tested using computer-based modelling. This allows students to evaluate what works, identify limitations, and refine their ideas thoughtfully. The project-based structure ensures that decisions feel purposeful and connected to a clear design goal, rather than isolated exercises.

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Skills Development

Problem-Solving 🧠

Students tackle open-ended challenges where multiple solutions are possible, learning how to assess options and make informed decisions.

Teamwork & Collaboration 🤝

They develop the ability to work effectively in groups, sharing responsibility and contributing constructively.

Design Thinking

Students practise shaping ideas through planning, modelling, testing, and refinement.

Communication Skills 🎤

They gain confidence explaining their thinking to peers and staff, culminating in a short project presentation.

Sketching for Engineers ✏️

Guided workshops introduce sketching as a practical thinking and design tool, supporting both beginners and more confident drawers.

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Programme Outcomes

By the end of the course, students complete a design project they can confidently discuss in interviews, applications, or future academic settings. They gain first-hand experience tackling complex challenges, collaborating with others, and applying design skills in a meaningful context.

Students also leave with a clearer understanding of how engineering can be used to create positive impact — not only through technical solutions, but through thoughtful, responsible design choices that benefit people and the planet 🌎.

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Certification

At the conclusion of the programme, students receive a University of Bath Certificate of Achievement, recognising their participation, contribution, and successful completion of the course 🏅.

A Day in the Life at the University of Bath

Each day at the University of Bath is thoughtfully structured to balance academic challenge, hands-on learning, and time to socialise and recharge. Students experience a supportive routine that encourages curiosity, confidence, and personal growth — all within a modern university environment 🎓.

A Typical Weekday

Morning After breakfast, students begin the day with an engaging academic session, such as a masterclass or interactive seminar in their chosen subject. These sessions focus on discussion, problem-solving, and applied learning, allowing students to actively explore new ideas rather than passively listen.

Afternoon Following lunch, students may take part in a second academic session or a practical workshop designed to bring learning to life. Afternoons can also include guest talks, collaborative projects, or applied activities that connect classroom concepts to real-world contexts 🧠🛠️.

Evening After dinner, students have time to reflect on the day and unwind. Evenings are relaxed and social, featuring activities such as quizzes, games, film nights, creative challenges, or cultural events. These sessions help students build friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of community 🤝.

Dedicated pastoral staff are present throughout the day, offering guidance during academic sessions and providing support outside the classroom.

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Weekends & Excursions

Weekends offer a change of pace. Students may head off campus to explore historic and vibrant UK cities such as London or Cambridge, or take part in optional cultural and leisure excursions. These trips allow students to relax, experience British culture, and bond with peers while still feeling fully supported 🌍.

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Accommodation at the University of Bath

All students stay in modern, private en-suite accommodation within a secure, university-style residence on or near campus. Rooms are comfortable and designed to give students a taste of independent living, while still benefiting from structured supervision.

Pastoral staff are available 24/7, ensuring students feel safe, supported, and at home throughout their stay 🏠.

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Supervision & Student Welfare

Student safety and wellbeing are a top priority. The programme maintains a high staff-to-student ratio, with trained pastoral staff living on site and supervising activities throughout the day and evening.

Support is always available — whether students need academic guidance, help settling in, or simply someone to talk to ❤️.

Meals & Dining at the University of Bath 🍽️

All meals are enjoyed on site, helping students settle into a comfortable daily routine and build a strong sense of community around the dining table. Meal times are an important part of the student experience — offering structure to the day, a chance to relax, and plenty of opportunities to socialise with friends from around the world 🌍.

Students receive full-board catering, which typically includes:

• Breakfast – a nourishing start to the day before morning classes

• Lunch – a balanced midday meal between academic sessions and activities

• Dinner – an evening meal served after the day’s learning and workshops

• Snacks / light refreshments may also be available depending on the schedule

Menus are designed to support active, busy days and usually include a mix of familiar favourites and international options, with vegetarian choices available daily. Dietary needs can be accommodated where notified in advance, including common requirements such as allergies, halal/vegetarian preferences, and other medical dietary considerations ✅.

On excursion days, students are provided with meals and/or packed lunches as required, ensuring they remain well-fed and energised while off campus 🚌.

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Mobile Phones & Digital Use

Students are welcome to keep and use their phones. However, during academic sessions such as seminars, workshops, and talks, phones are expected to be put away to ensure full engagement and focus. This helps students gain maximum value from the learning experience while still staying connected during free time 📵➡️📱.

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Arrival Day Experience

On arrival day, students are warmly welcomed by the on-site team and guided through a smooth check-in process. Ice-breaker activities and group introductions help students settle quickly, make friends, and feel part of the community from the very first day.

Families receive confirmation once students have arrived safely and are settled on campus ✅.

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Visa Support

If a student is applying through an educational agent, the agent typically assists with the visa process. For independent applicants, guidance and support are available to help families understand requirements and access the correct documentation.

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Travel & Airport Transfers

Travel is usually arranged by families or agents. However, an optional meet-and-greet airport transfer service can be arranged upon request. This includes collection from major UK airports and transfer to the University of Bath.

Transfer Options (Optional, Additional Cost)

Airports Covered

• London Heathrow (LHR)

• Transfers from Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton available on request (private quote)

Transfer Type

• Shared transfers for Sunday arrivals and Saturday departures (within set time windows)

• Students travel with peers, accompanied by staff, making this a cost-effective and social option 🚌

Transfer Window

• Arrival: Sunday 09:00–17:00

• Departure: Saturday 09:00–17:00

• Maximum 2-hour wait time with staff at arrivals

Private Transfers (Heathrow)

• One way: £230

• Return: £430

Unaccompanied Minor Support

• £75 per journey (full escort support through arrivals)

Out-of-Window Transfers

• Private or shared options may be available depending on arrival times (additional cost)

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About the University of Bath

Accredited Courses, Modern Campus, Vibrant Student Life

The University of Bath combines academic excellence with a modern, student-focused campus and an active, welcoming city environment. Known for its strong emphasis on practical learning and innovation, Bath offers students the opportunity to study in a leading UK university while enjoying a high quality of life 🌿.

Why Study at Bath?

• Leading UK university with strong academic reputation

• Modern, well-equipped campus

• Hands-on learning spaces and applied teaching

• Accredited academic content

• Vibrant student city with excellent transport links

Campus Features

• Modern private en-suite accommodation

• Lecture theatres, labs, and breakout rooms

• Select access to sports and leisure facilities

• Courses delivered in collaboration with Bath academics

• 24/7 campus security and on-site pastoral staff 🔒

Local Highlights & Cultural Exploration 🌿🏛️

Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to explore the rich character of Bath and its surrounding landmarks. From the ancient Roman Baths to the sweeping Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent, the city offers a living classroom filled with history, design, and culture.

Guided city walking tours help students understand how Bath has evolved over centuries, while optional university comparison visits give insight into different academic environments across the UK 🎓. These experiences create space for reflection, discovery, and meaningful cultural connection — all within one of the UK’s most beautiful and walkable cities.

Excursions are carefully balanced with academic commitments, ensuring students return to campus inspired, refreshed, and more connected to their surroundings ✨.