Industry-Led Future Computer Scientist Programme for High School Students at Imperial College London Campus

Course Description: Industry-Led Future Computer Scientist Programme for High School Students at Imperial College London Campus

Future Computer Science Summer Camp

Step into the world of computer science this summer. Over two weeks, you'll master programming fundamentals, explore artificial intelligence and machine learning, and build real projects using industry-standard tools. This isn't theory-based learning—it's practical, hands-on computer science where you write code, solve problems, and create solutions that work.

The camp balances structured lectures on computer science foundations with intensive practical coding in Python, machine learning, robotics, and game development. You'll spend a full day at a leading tech company experiencing real-world software development, gaining rare exposure to professional computing environments. By the end of two weeks, you'll have built working applications, understood AI and machine learning, worked with robotics platforms, and confirmed whether computer science is your path.

Cultural exploration includes guided tours of London's highlights and a day trip to Cambridge to experience university life firsthand.

Outcomes: Certificate of completion, detailed tutor report highlighting your technical skills, and a recommendation letter from the camp director for university applications.

Student Feedback: 100% of participants found tutors knowledgeable and classes engaging; 100% would recommend the camp to others.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

The camp takes place at Imperial College London in South Kensington—one of the world's leading computing science institutions.

Your Base:

• Undergraduate accommodation at Prince's Gardens, Watts Way, South Kensington, London, SW7 1BA

• Modern student halls with ensuite rooms

• Walking distance from all computing labs and facilities

• 20 miles from London Heathrow Airport with excellent transport links

• Close to world-class museums, cultural institutions, and London's iconic landmarks

Why This Location Matters: You won't just study computer science—you'll live and work at one of Europe's top computing universities. The South Kensington campus is home to state-of-the-art computer labs, development environments, and research facilities. You'll experience what it feels like to be a first-year computing student, accessing professional-grade equipment, attending lectures in world-leading institutions, and exploring a vibrant international student community.

💻 The Future Computer Scientist Experience

This is a work experience simulation camp, not a classroom course. You'll work alongside industry professionals and academics in a blend of lectures, practical workshops, coding challenges, and hands-on development that gives you genuine insight into computing careers and computer science education.

What Makes This Different:

• Learn from academics and industry professionals across key computer science disciplines

• Write real code in Python, machine learning frameworks, and game engines

• Build working applications from concept to completion

• Experience a full day at a leading tech company observing real software development

• Work with robotics platforms and embedded systems

• Network with working software engineers and data scientists

• Confirm your commitment to computer science through practical, hands-on problem-solving

🎓 Computer Science Curriculum & Learning Outcomes

Core Computing Disciplines Covered:

• Introduction to Computer Science – Fundamentals of computing, problem-solving approaches, computational thinking

• Python Programming – Introduction to Python, syntax, programming concepts, practical coding workshops

• Mathematics for Computer Science – Discrete mathematics, logic, algorithms, mathematical foundations for computing

• Data Science – Data analysis, visualization, statistical computing, real-world data applications

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Introduction to AI, machine learning algorithms, supervised and unsupervised learning, practical ML workshops

• Robotics & Embedded Systems – Arduino programming, robotics platforms, sensor integration, real-time control systems

• Game Development – Game design principles, game engines, interactive development, creating playable games

• Professional Software Development – Industry practices, version control, code quality, real-world development workflows

Practical Skills Development:

• Python programming from beginner to intermediate level

• Writing, testing, and debugging code

• Machine learning model development and training

• Robotics programming and hardware integration

• Game development using professional game engines

• Problem-solving through coding challenges

• Data analysis and visualization

• Working with industry-standard development tools

• Technical communication and code documentation

• Team-based project delivery

Learning Outcomes:

By camp conclusion, you will:

• Understand fundamental computer science principles and computational thinking

• Write functional Python code to solve real problems

• Understand mathematical concepts underlying computer science

• Have practical experience with AI and machine learning

• Build and train machine learning models

• Program robotics platforms and embedded systems

• Create playable games using game development tools

• Analyze and visualize real data

• Understand professional software development practices

• Have concrete coding projects to discuss in university interviews

• Demonstrate technical problem-solving through multiple completed projects

• Confirm your commitment to computer science through practical experience

• Build professional networks with software engineers and data scientists

🗓️ Your Two-Week Camp Timetable (Summer 2026)

Camp Dates: 20 July – 1 August 2026 (2-week residential)

This is a sample timetable based on last year's camp. The 2026 schedule will follow a similar structure, with confirmed instructors and room allocations provided at check-in.

Classes run from 10:00 AM to 4:50 PM daily, with breakfast, lunch breaks, and free time built in. Evening activities and cultural excursions are scheduled most nights and weekends.

Week 1 Overview:

Day 1 (Arrival): Course orientation and welcome

• Course orientation

• Introduction to computer science

• Tour of facilities

• Local area tour

• Evening sign-in

Days 2–3: Programming fundamentals and computer science foundations

• Introduction to Computer Science

• Introduction to Python

• Python programming workshops

• Mathematics for Computer Science

• Data Science overview

• Quiz night and evening activities

Day 4: AI and Machine Learning

• Introduction to AI and Machine Learning

• Advancements in ML

• Machine learning workshops

• ML speaker session

• Southbank tour (London cultural exploration)

Day 5: Full-day industry experience

• Day in Industry: Real-world tech company visit

• Observing professional software development

• Working with industry software engineers

• Guest speaker and networking

Day 6: London museums and cultural exploration

• Science Museum

• V&A Museum

Day 7 (Weekend): Cambridge University tour

• Walking tour of historic college buildings

• Punting on the River Cam

Week 2 Overview:

Days 8–9: Robotics and hands-on development

• Intensive robotics and Arduino workshops (full-day immersion)

• Programming embedded systems

• Building and programming robots

• Final project preparation

Day 10: Game development and competitions

• Introduction to Game Development

• Game development workshops

• Machine learning workshops or Game development (student choice)

• Launch of Global Space Design Competition

• Company team formations

Day 11: Final projects and presentations

• Global Space Design Competition company work sessions

• Team presentations and competition

• Career exploration sessions (Medicine, Engineering, Social Science, or University Prep)

• Preparation for gala dinner

Day 12 (Departure): Celebration and departure

• Gala Dinner and Graduation Ceremony

• Certificate, tutor report, and recommendation letter presentation

• Checkout and airport transfers

Sample Daily Structure:

• 09:00 – Breakfast

• 10:00–16:50 – Lectures, workshops, coding work, and practical projects (with lunch break 12:50–14:00)

• 16:50–18:30 – Free time

• 18:30–19:00 – Dinner

• 19:00–21:30 – Evening activities (quiz nights, guest speakers, cultural tours, company work)

• 21:45–22:30 – Evening sign-in

Key Camp Content:

• Introduction to Computer Science and computational thinking

• Python programming: syntax, functions, data structures, and applications

• Mathematics for computer science and algorithmic thinking

• Data science: analysis, visualization, and real-world applications

• AI and machine learning: algorithms, model training, practical applications

• Robotics and Arduino: programming embedded systems and robots

• Game development: designing and building interactive games

• Industry day at leading tech company

• Quiz nights, guest speakers, and networking

• London museums (Science Museum, V&A)

• Cambridge University tour

• Final coding projects and Global Space Design Competition

This isn't a holiday. This is real computer science education with authentic learning outcomes.

🏠 Accommodation & Residential Experience

Location: Prince's Gardens halls of residence, Imperial College London, South Kensington

You'll stay in modern undergraduate student accommodation at the heart of Imperial College, giving you authentic university living experience.

Room Details:

• Ensuite bedrooms with toilet, shower, and wash basin

• Twin rooms by default (sharing with another student of same gender and age group)

• Single room option available: £780 additional charge for guaranteed single occupancy (per 2-week camp)

• Bed, work desk, chair, and wardrobe with hangers

• Desk fan (note: rooms are not air-conditioned)

• Complimentary toiletries provided

• Towels and bed linen provided (changed approximately every 3 days)

• Free Wi-Fi throughout accommodation

• Laundry facilities available (laundry credits purchased via mobile app)

Room Security:

• Personal belongings are at your own risk

• No safety deposit boxes available

• Keep windows securely closed and rooms locked

• Residential team available 24/7 for support

On-Campus Facilities:

• Multiple study areas and libraries

• Computing labs with professional development environments

• Robotics lab and embedded systems equipment

• Sports facilities

• Cafes and dining options

• Direct access to South Kensington's cultural institutions

🍽️ Meals & Dining

What's Included:

• Breakfast – Daily, served in accommodation or nearby campus venues

• Dinner – Daily, served in accommodation or campus dining facilities

• Multiple dietary options including vegetarian meals

Lunch:

• Not included in camp fee

• Optional lunch vouchers available for purchase

• On-campus cafes and restaurants available (card payments only—cash not accepted)

• Recommended spending: £15–20 per day for meals, snacks, and activities

Dietary Requirements:

Please inform us of any dietary preferences, allergies, or restrictions when you book. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free meals.

🚍 Getting to Prince's Gardens

From London Airports:

Heathrow Airport (Recommended)

• Heathrow Express to Paddington (every 15 minutes) → Underground Circle line to South Kensington

• OR Piccadilly line direct from Heathrow to South Kensington

• Journey time: 50 minutes

Gatwick Airport

• Gatwick Express to Victoria (every 15 minutes) → Underground District or Circle line to South Kensington

• Journey time: 50 minutes

London City Airport

• DLR to Canning Town → Jubilee line → Change to Piccadilly line to South Kensington

• Journey time: 40 minutes

Stansted Airport

• Stansted Express to Liverpool Street (every 15 minutes) → Underground Circle line to South Kensington

• Journey time: 90 minutes

From Campus:

• Nearest Underground stations: South Kensington and Gloucester Road (both <10 minutes walk)

• Lines: District, Circle, and Piccadilly

• Access to anywhere in London via Underground network

Airport Transfer Service:

• Professional airport transfer available

• Cost: £175 each way

• Must be pre-booked in advance

• Only provided to students who have made prior reservations

By Car:

• Street parking is pay-and-display for limited periods

• Postcode for sat-nav: SW7 2BX

📦 What to Bring

Essential Documents:

• Passport and visa documents

• Travel insurance documents (required)

• Copies of any prescription medications

Technology (Essential):

• Laptop – essential for coding work and coursework

• Laptop charger

• Smartphone – required for emergency contact and Microsoft Teams updates

• UK power adapter (if needed)

Academic Materials:

• Stationery (pens, paper, notebook for lectures)

• USB drive or external hard drive (optional, for backing up code projects)

Medical & Personal:

• Any prescribed medications (bring enough for 2+ weeks)

• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen)

• Water bottle

• Any required medical devices or equipment

Clothing (British Summer is Unpredictable):

• T-shirts and shorts for warm days

• Light sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings

• Jeans, shorts, or skirts

• Comfortable walking shoes for campus and local exploration

• Athletic clothes for sports activities

• Raincoat or umbrella

• Hat or cap for sun protection

• Pyjamas/sleepwear

• Undergarments and socks

• Casual outfit for social events

• Formal attire for graduation ceremony

Optional:

• Portable umbrella

• Backpack or bag for carrying items around campus

• Spending money: £15–20 per day recommended for lunch, snacks, activities, and personal items

💻 Computing Safety & Medical Requirements

Important Information for Your Safety:

Please inform us before arrival of:

• Any medical conditions

• Allergies (food, environmental, medication)

• Mental health conditions

• Any prescription medications

Medication Protocol:

• You must bring your own medications

• Bring a copy of your prescription

• We cannot provide any medication, including over-the-counter drugs

• You must bring sufficient medication for the entire 2-week period

• Parental consent required for purchasing over-the-counter medication

• Inform residential team at check-in if you need assistance with medication administration or storage

Lab & Equipment Safety:

• All practical work is supervised by trained professionals

• Safety induction mandatory for all participants

• Professional protocols followed for all equipment use

• Proper care of computing equipment and facilities required

All medical information is treated with strict confidentiality and only shared with authorised personnel.

🛡️ Supervision & Safeguarding

24/7 Residential Team:

• Available at all times for support and supervision

• Professional staff trained in safeguarding and pastoral care

• Immediate response to any concerns or emergencies

• Regular check-ins on wellbeing

Exeat Procedures (Time Away from Campus):

If parents/guardians wish to take students out after classes or in the evening:

• Exeat form must be completed 24 hours in advance

• Request submitted to residential team

• Supervision and safety protocols maintained

Rules & Conduct:

We run friendly, relaxed camps with clear expectations. Rules exist to ensure safety and a positive learning environment. Breaking rules may result in dismissal from the residential camp (though continuation on a non-residential basis may be possible). More details provided at check-in.

🌍 Visa & Immigration Requirements

Do You Need a Visa?

If you are not a British or Irish national and don't hold immigration status permitting study, you'll need:

• Standard Visitor Visa, OR

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (depending on your nationality)

Check the UK Government website to confirm which applies to you.

We Can Help:

• We'll issue an official acceptance letter for your visa application

• Present this letter at the border if required

Important:

• We're not responsible if your visa application is rejected

• We're not responsible if applications arrive late

• Standard cancellation policy applies to visa-related delays

• All students must comply with UK immigration requirements

📋 Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation

Q: Can I have a single room?

A: Yes. Twin rooms are provided by default, but you can request a single ensuite room. There's an additional charge of £780 for guaranteed single occupancy per 2-week camp.

Q: What if I arrive before check-in time?

A: Check-in begins at 3:00 PM on arrival day. If you arrive earlier, please contact us in advance to arrange early access if possible.

Q: Can I store luggage after checkout?

A: Yes. On departure day, you must vacate your room by 10:00 AM, but you can store luggage for the day if needed.

Q: Are rooms air-conditioned?

A: No, but each room has a desk fan available. British summers are generally mild.

Q: Is there laundry service?

A: There's a laundry room available for self-service. Laundry credits are purchased via a mobile app, and our residential team will help you set this up.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Q: What about vegetarian, vegan, or allergen-free meals?

A: We can accommodate all dietary preferences and requirements. Inform us when booking or at check-in.

Q: Can I use cash to buy lunch on campus?

A: No. On-campus cafes and restaurants accept card payments only. Bring a debit/credit card. Alternatively, purchase optional lunch vouchers in advance.

Q: How much spending money should I bring?

A: We recommend £15–20 per day for lunch (if not purchasing vouchers), snacks, shopping, and activities.

Academic Camp

Q: Is this a work experience or internship?

A: We're an immersive simulation provider. We blend workshops with industry professionals, lectures, and practical training that simulates real work experience. You'll work with professionals in realistic scenarios but in a controlled, educational setting. It's not paid employment, but it's authentic professional insight.

Q: Will I get hands-on with real coding?

A: Yes! You'll write actual Python code, develop machine learning models, program robotics platforms, and build games using professional development tools and frameworks.

Q: What if I'm not sure computer science is for me?

A: That's exactly why you should do this camp! Many students confirm their passion—but some discover computer science isn't their path, or prefer a different computing specialism. Both outcomes are valuable. This camp helps you make an informed decision before committing to a 3-4 year computer science degree.

Q: Can I get university credit for this?

A: No, this camp carries no UCAS points. However, read the section below on why that's actually better for your university applications.

Safety & Supervision

Q: Who supervises students?

A: Our 24/7 residential team supervises all activities. Academic sessions are led by academics and industry professionals with appropriate student-to-staff ratios for safety and learning.

Q: What if I need to leave during the camp?

A: Contact the residential team immediately. Dismissal for rule-breaking may result in camp termination without refund (though non-residential continuation may be available).

Q: What if I have a medical emergency?

A: Our residential team is trained in first aid. For serious emergencies, we'll contact emergency services immediately and notify parents/guardians. Ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

Travel & Transport

Q: Which airport should I fly into?

A: London Heathrow is recommended. Journey time: 50 minutes. Gatwick also works well (50 minutes). Stansted is possible but takes longer (90 minutes).

Q: Do you provide airport transfers?

A: Yes, but only if pre-booked. Cost: £175 each way. You can also use public transport (cheaper, direct Underground access). Book transfers in advance if you want this service.

Q: Can my parents stay near campus?

A: Yes, South Kensington has many hotels and accommodation options nearby. Your parents can explore London while you're in the camp.

Technology

Q: Do I need a laptop?

A: Yes, essential. Bring a laptop with charger. You'll need it for coding work and coursework integral to the camp.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?

A: Yes, free Wi-Fi throughout accommodation and campus.

Q: How do I get camp updates?

A: We use Microsoft Teams for notifications and updates. Install it before arrival. You'll also receive information via SMS and email.

Q: Should I bring a smartphone?

A: Yes, required for emergency contact. Bring a phone with a UK or international plan, or purchase a local SIM card. We can advise on this.

💰 Pricing & What's Included

What's Included in the Camp Fee:

• Accommodation at Prince's Gardens, Imperial College (twin ensuite room)

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• All lectures, workshops, and hands-on coding sessions

• Full-day industry visit to leading tech company

• All academic materials and resources

• Access to professional development tools, Python IDEs, machine learning frameworks, game engines, robotics platforms

• Certificate of completion

• Detailed tutor report

• Recommendation letter from camp director

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Residential supervision and pastoral care (24/7)

• Welcome and farewell events

• Evening activities and weekend excursions (London tour, Cambridge visit, quiz night, guest speakers, sports)

What's NOT Included:

• International flights (book separately)

• Lunch (unless optional vouchers purchased)

• Personal spending money

• Airport transfers (£175 each way, available on request)

• Single room upgrade (£780 additional, if requested)

• Over-the-counter medications

• Items of a personal nature

2-Week Camp Fee: [Pricing to be confirmed]

Single Room Upgrade: £780 (for guaranteed single occupancy)

Airport Transfers: £175 each way (pre-booking required)

Optional Lunch Vouchers: Available for purchase upon arrival (pricing on request)

🏠 Day Student Camp Option

Flexibility for Local Students

If you live within commuting distance of South Kensington, you can attend as a day student instead of residential. This allows local students to benefit from the core computer science camp while managing their own accommodation and meals.

What's Included for Day Students:

• All lectures and workshops

• All practical coding sessions and lab work

• Access to the industry day visit

• Course materials and resources

• Certificate of completion

• Tutor report

• Recommendation letter

What's Optional for Day Students:

• Evening activities (quiz nights, guest speakers, competitions)

• Weekend excursions (Cambridge, museums, London tours)

• Accommodation (obviously—you'll stay at home)

• Meals (except optional lunch vouchers)

Meals for Day Students:

• Breakfast: Not included (eat at home before arriving)

• Lunch: NOT included in day student package, but optional lunch vouchers available for £120 (provides access to campus cafes and restaurants for the full 2-week period)

• Dinner: Not included (eat at home after departing campus)

Daily Schedule for Day Students:

• Arrive by 10:00 AM for morning sessions

• Participate in all academic content (lectures, workshops, coding work)

• Depart by 5:00 PM or after evening activities (if attending)

• No mandatory evening participation (but welcome to attend optional activities)

Cost Difference:

Day student fees will be significantly lower than residential fees (no accommodation, meals not included).

Important Notes:

• Day students must arrange their own travel to/from South Kensington

• Day students have the option to attend evening activities and weekend excursions at additional cost

• Day students are welcome to participate in social events and networking (optional)

• The full-day industry visit is included for day students

• Final projects and graduation ceremony are included for day students

Is Day Student Option Right for You?

Day student option works best if you:

• Live within 1 hour of South Kensington

• Prefer to maintain your normal living arrangements

• Want the core computer science training and hands-on coding without the residential experience

• Have family or personal commitments that make residential attendance difficult

For the full immersive experience—living as a university student, 24/7 peer community, evening activities, cultural excursions—the residential camp is recommended.

🎯 Beyond UCAS Points: Why This Camp Matters for Your University Application

This camp carries no UCAS points. And that's exactly why it's valuable for top university applications.

Russell Group universities—Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE—don't base offers on total UCAS point counts. They prioritise specific A-Level grades in subjects relevant to your course. Small UCAS point qualifications (8-16 points) are "generally not significant for top-tier university admissions," according to official UCAS guidance.

What top universities actually value:

• Depth of technical understanding – Engagement with complex computing concepts

• Genuine passion – Evidence you've explored computer science beyond the classroom

• Practical experience – Understanding what software development actually involves

• Concrete examples for your personal statement and interviews

• Confirmed commitment – Clarity that this is the right path for you

• Technical skills – Demonstrating real capability with programming and computing tools

Rather than chasing generic UCAS points, this camp gives you:

• Two weeks of immersive practical experience working with academics and industry professionals

• Authentic computing skills (Python, machine learning, robotics, game development)

• Real-world tech environments – visiting industry companies and learning professional practices

• Tangible achievements to discuss in interviews: "I built a machine learning model that," "I programmed a robot to," "I created a playable game that"

• Clarity and confidence that computer science is genuinely your calling

• Professional networks with software engineers and data scientists you can reference in applications

Top universities look for students who are truly passionate about their subject and have explored it deeply. This camp demonstrates that commitment far more effectively than extra UCAS points ever could.

As official UCAS guidance states:

"Choosing a course that is intellectually challenging and relevant to your ambitions will have a much greater impact than one that simply adds a few extra UCAS points. Top universities look for students who are truly passionate about their subject. Exploring it beyond the classroom will not only strengthen your application but also help you confirm that it's the right path for you."

This camp does exactly that.

🌟 Programme Highlights

• Learn from academics and industry professionals across key computing disciplines

• Write real code in Python, machine learning frameworks, and game engines

• Develop and train machine learning models on real data

• Program robotics platforms and embedded systems

• Create playable games using professional game development tools

• Industry day at leading tech company observing real software development

• Full-day immersion in robotics and embedded systems programming

• Explore world-class museums in London (Science Museum, V&A)

• Experience university life with Cambridge University tour

• Work on collaborative coding projects from concept to completion

• Attend formal graduation ceremony with gala dinner

• Receive certificate of completion, detailed tutor report, and recommendation letter

• Build friendships with ambitious international students interested in computing

• 24/7 pastoral support and supervision

• Stay in Imperial College halls like a real university student

💡 Why Choose This Camp

For Serious Computer Science Applicants

If you're applying to computer science at top universities, you need more than grades. You need to demonstrate commitment, practical coding experience, and clarity that computing is your calling. This two-week intensive does that.

For Students Considering Computer Science But Not Certain

Worried you might not actually like coding once you're doing it? This camp helps you find out. Many students confirm their passion—others discover a different computing speciality is their fit—and others find that computer science isn't their path. All outcomes are valuable. Better to know now than after a £30,000+ computer science degree.

For Students Who Want to Stand Out in Interviews

Computing universities interview hundreds of students with A* grades. What differentiates you? Concrete coding experience. Being able to say "I built a machine learning model that," "I created a game with," "I programmed a robot to" immediately sets you apart.

For Students Who Want Real Professional Insight

You'll learn from academics and engineers who actually work in software development, AI, and data science, not from teachers reciting textbooks. You'll understand the reality of computing careers—both the rewarding and challenging aspects.

For Students Looking for Authentic University Experience

Living in Imperial College halls, attending lectures at a world-leading computing university, using professional development tools, exploring London—this gives you a genuine first taste of university life before you apply.

🏆 Overall Experience

The Future Computer Science camp is transformative. You'll arrive as an ambitious student with good grades wondering if computer science is genuinely for you. You'll leave with:

• Confirmed passion for computer science (or clarity that a different path is right)

• Tangible technical skills and practical coding experience

• Concrete projects to discuss in university interviews

• A detailed letter from an academic supporting your application

• Friendships with fellow ambitious computing students from around the world

• Confidence in your next steps

Two weeks. Multiple computing specialties. Real coding on industry-standard tools. Working with AI and machine learning. Programming robots. Building games. This isn't a summer holiday or a generic enrichment camp. It's the closest you'll get to computer science education before actually starting a computer science degree.

By the end of this camp, you won't just be applying to computing universities—you'll be ready for them.

📞 Get Started

Camp Dates: 20 July – 1 August 2026

Location: Prince's Gardens, Imperial College London

Age Range: 13–18 years old

Duration: 2 weeks residential (or flexible day student option)

Ready to launch your computing future?