Engineering and Science at University College London

Course Description: Engineering and Science at University College London

The Engineering & Science Summer Programme is a hands-on, university-led academic experience designed for students interested in engineering, applied sciences, sustainability, and technological innovation. Delivered on UCL’s prestigious Bloomsbury Campus, the programme introduces students to the principles that underpin modern engineering—combining theory, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving.

Through academic instruction, design challenges, laboratory-style workshops, and industry exposure, students gain insight into how engineers design systems, develop technologies, and address global challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development, and automation. The programme nurtures creativity, collaboration, and analytical thinking while providing a strong foundation for future university study in engineering and related disciplines.

***

📍 Campus & Location

Teaching takes place in UCL academic buildings on the Bloomsbury Campus, located in the heart of central London. Student accommodation is provided at Garden Halls, approximately a 10-minute walk from classrooms.

This prime Zone 1 location places students close to research institutions, museums, and engineering landmarks, offering an immersive university experience in one of the world’s leading academic cities. Class Size: 12 students per class

***

🍽️ Meals (Fully Included)

All meals are fully included for both residential and day students:

• Breakfast & Dinner: Served daily at Garden Halls

• Lunch: Provided at the UCL refectory

• Excursion Days: Packed lunches provided

All dietary requirements are supported, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and food allergies.

***

🗓️ A Day in the Life (Weekdays)

Morning (09:00–12:00)

Faculty-specific academic classes delivered by university lecturers. Sessions combine lectures, technical workshops, design thinking activities, and guided problem-solving.

Lunch

Students dine together at the UCL refectory, encouraging collaboration and informal academic discussion.

Afternoon

Afternoons focus on applied and experiential learning, which may include:

• Industry and company visits

• University and research facility visits

• Museum-based scientific enrichment

• Engineering labs, simulations, and project workshops

Evening

Evenings include:

• Guest lectures from engineers and scientists

• Career and university preparation masterclasses

• Capstone project development

• Supervised social and cultural activities

Typical Day: 08:30 – 21:30

***

🗓️ Weekends & Full-Day Excursions (Included)

Weekend excursions are fully included and form a key part of the programme:

• Oxford University Day Trip

  Guided college tour with academic insight into engineering and science pathways

• Cambridge University Day Trip

  Guided college tour and exploration of academic traditions

• London Cultural Day

  Visits to major landmarks, museums, and science institutions

• Brighton Coastal Excursion

  Full-day seaside visit including Brighton Pier and The Lanes

All excursions are fully supervised, with organised transport and pastoral staff present throughout.

***

👩‍🏫 Teaching Staff

All teaching is delivered by university lecturers and subject specialists from leading UK universities, ensuring academic depth and real-world relevance.

Sample Lecturers Include:

• Dr. Sanaa Hamid Mohamed – King’s College London

• Professor Anna Chechel – University of Cambridge

• Dr. Nadine Randel – University of Cambridge

• Ms. Christiane Cladrow – University of Edinburgh

• Dr. Anita Karsa – University of Cambridge

***

📚 Faculty of Engineering & Science

Programme Overview

This programme introduces students to the core disciplines of engineering and applied science, exploring how theory translates into practical solutions. Students learn how engineers design, test, and improve systems while considering efficiency, safety, sustainability, and ethics.

Key focus areas include:

• Engineering design and innovation

• Mechanics, materials, and structures

• Energy systems and environmental engineering

• Robotics, automation, and intelligent systems

• Ethical and sustainable engineering practice

***

🧠 Detailed Sample Curriculum

Core Module 1: Introduction to Engineering & Design

Students explore the engineering design process, from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refinement. The module emphasises creativity, analytical thinking, and the impact of constraints such as cost, materials, and environmental considerations on engineering solutions.

***

Core Module 2: Mechanics & Materials Science

This module examines how materials respond to forces such as tension, compression, and shear. Students study stress, strain, elasticity, and material selection, analysing real-world examples such as bridges, vehicles, and consumer products.

***

Core Module 3: Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics

Students are introduced to energy transfer, heat exchange, fluid behaviour, and pressure systems. Applications are explored across energy production, aviation, environmental systems, and mechanical engineering.

***

Core Module 4: Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

This module introduces electricity, circuits, and power systems. Students explore current, resistance, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines.

***

Core Module 5: Robotics & Automation

Students explore intelligent machines and industrial automation, learning about sensors, actuators, control systems, and software tools such as robot operating systems and programmable logic controllers. Through simulations and hands-on projects, students program robots to solve real-world challenges and explore concepts such as digital twins and AI-enhanced autonomy.

***

Core Module 6: Environmental Engineering & Sustainability

This module focuses on sustainable engineering solutions to global challenges, including climate change, pollution, and resource management. Students examine how engineers design systems that balance performance with environmental responsibility.

***

Core Module 7: Ethics & Sustainability in Engineering

Students explore ethical decision-making in engineering, including safety, social responsibility, and the long-term impacts of technological development.

***

Capstone Project: Engineering Challenge

Students work in teams to design, prototype, and present a solution to an engineering challenge. The project integrates technical knowledge, creativity, sustainability considerations, and teamwork, culminating in a formal presentation.

***

🏢 Sample Industry & Academic Visits

AgriBot – AI & Robotics in Agriculture

Students explore how robotics, sensors, and automation are transforming agriculture through precision irrigation, crop monitoring, and sustainable food production.

Mixed Reality – Engineering in Immersive Environments

Students experience how immersive technologies are used to design, test, and optimise engineering solutions across industries, from product development to structural design.

***

🏠 Accommodation – Garden Halls (UCL)

Residential students stay in single ensuite rooms at Garden Halls.

Features Include:

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Private ensuite rooms with desk and storage

• Cinema room, music and games rooms, landscaped gardens

• Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and social spaces

• 24-hour onsite security and staffed reception

***

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• 24/7 accommodation security and medical resources

• Supervised movement to all activities and excursions

• Curfews, room checks, and clear conduct policies

• Dedicated on-site pastoral and academic staff

***

✈️ Airport Transfer Assistance

Optional airport transfers are available to all London airports at an additional cost of £300 return (£150 each way).

***

📜 Certification & Academic Outcomes

Students receive:

• Certificate of Completion

• Academic Report Card

• Letter of Recommendation from a university lecturer

• 12-month access to an academic resource database

***

🎒 Day Students

Day students receive all programme elements except accommodation:

• All meals included

• Full weekday and weekend programme

• Academic teaching, activities, and excursions included

***

🧳 What to Bring

• Laptop (essential)

• Weather-appropriate clothing (UK climate can be variable)

• Smart or formal attire for presentations and graduation

***

📱 Mobile Phone Policy

Students are encouraged to use mobile phones constructively for research, project work, and academic activities. Usage is supervised and guided.