Artificial Intelligence Summer School for Older Teens in Preston, Lancashire

Course Description: Artificial Intelligence Summer School for Older Teens in Preston, Lancashire

This programme offers an exceptional opportunity for international students to experience university-style study in the UK while developing essential, future-focused skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Designed by subject specialists, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to how AI is shaping industries and how students can apply these tools in their future academic and professional careers.

Through a combination of interactive workshops, practical coding sessions, and real-world applications, students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools in modern learning environments.

The programme is structured over three weeks, with a strong focus on progressive skill development, ensuring students build confidence step by step. Each week builds on the previous one, with recap sessions and clearly defined learning objectives to support understanding and progression.

Academic Structure 📚

The curriculum follows a carefully designed progression:

• Week 1: Foundations of AI

• Week 2: Advanced Techniques and Applications

• Week 3: Real-World Applications and Future Trends

Students begin by developing a solid understanding of core concepts, before advancing into applied techniques and ultimately exploring real-world use cases and career pathways.

Week 1: Foundations of AI and Machine Learning 🧠

Focus: Core concepts, ethical awareness, and foundational technical skills

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• History and future trends in AI

• Python programming fundamentals for AI

• Introduction to tools such as Jupyter Notebooks, Google Colab, and VS Code

• Data fundamentals: collection, cleaning, and preparation

• Supervised and unsupervised learning

• Ethics and bias in AI

Learning Experience:

Students begin building practical skills through guided coding sessions and interactive labs. Abstract concepts are brought to life through demonstrations using tools such as Teachable Machine and TensorFlow Playground.

Activities:

• Hands-on coding workshops

• Interactive AI model demonstrations

• AI ethics debate and discussion

• Mini Hackathon (Challenge #1): A collaborative group project at the end of the week to apply newly learned concepts

Week 2: Advanced AI Techniques and Applications ⚙️

Focus: Deep learning, neural networks, and applied AI

Key Topics:

• Applied machine learning (e.g. predictive modelling using real datasets such as Titanic)

• Neural networks and deep learning

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Computer vision and image recognition

Learning Experience:

Students deepen their technical understanding through hands-on lab sessions using frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, while also learning how to fine-tune existing AI models—an essential real-world skill.

Activities:

• Practical lab sessions using deep learning tools

• Model training and optimisation exercises

• Ethics check-in: exploring real-world issues such as bias in facial recognition

• Mini Hackathon (Challenge #2): A second collaborative challenge to reinforce and expand learning

Week 3: Real-World Applications and Future Trends 🌐

Focus: Application, innovation, and career development

Key Topics:

• AI in healthcare, finance, and smart cities

• AI in robotics and autonomous systems

• AI for social good and sustainability

• Emerging trends such as generative AI and autonomous technologies

• Career pathways in AI, including portfolio building and networking

• Data privacy and cybersecurity

Learning Experience:

Students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, while also gaining insight into the future of AI and its impact across industries.

Activities:

• Guest lectures from industry professionals and academics

• Group project development and final presentations

• Networking sessions with experts in AI and technology

Assessment & Certification 🎓

At the end of the programme, students will receive:

• Certificate of Completion

• Personalised feedback on their final project

• Continuous assessment aligned with academic standards

The final week culminates in project presentations, allowing students to showcase their work and reflect on their progress.

University Experience 🏫

Students will study at a leading UK university with a long-standing academic tradition and a strong global reputation.

Founded in 1828, the university has evolved into a modern, international institution, welcoming students from over 100 countries worldwide. With partnerships across more than 120 global institutions, it offers a truly diverse and globally connected learning environment.

The university is ranked within the top 7% of universities worldwide, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Students will benefit from studying in a real university setting, using professional facilities and experiencing independent, higher-level learning.

Accommodation & Meals 🏡🍽️

Students are accommodated in modern university residences:

• En-suite single rooms

• 5–10 minute walk to campus

• Shared kitchens (4–6 students per flat)

• Safe and supervised environment

Meals:

• University canteen available for breakfast and lunch

• Students often prepare meals together in shared kitchens

• Wide range of affordable cafés and restaurants near campus

This setup encourages independence, social interaction, and cultural exchange.

What’s Included ✔️

The programme fee includes:

• Full academic tuition and study materials

• Accommodation on or near campus

• Access to university facilities and learning resources

• Guest lectures and industry engagement sessions

• All academic activities, workshops, and project work

• End-of-programme certificate

Location & Transport 🚆

The campus is conveniently located approximately 40 minutes from Manchester Airport, making it easily accessible for international students.

• Direct train connections from the airport

• Taxi transfers available

The Experience 🌟

This programme goes beyond traditional classroom learning. Students will:

• Develop in-demand technical and analytical skills

• Gain hands-on experience with real AI tools and technologies

• Explore future career pathways in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields

• Experience life at a UK university

• Build confidence, independence, and global connections

By the end of the programme, students will not only understand Artificial Intelligence — they will be able to apply it, discuss it, and use it as a foundation for future academic and career success.