Destination Engineer
Please note that we are not currently offering pre-undergraduate summer schools for under-18 students in Summer 2024. We hope to return with our pre-undergraduate programmes in Summer 2025, and will publish details of these in due course.
Research, design, build and test in our engineering labs and workshops.
| Programme dates | TBC |
| Programme fee | TBC What's included |
| Benefits | Successfully completing the Summer School guarantees you an offer for onward applications to University of Bristol Engineering undergraduate courses, providing that you meet the full entry requirements of the course applied for. |
About this programme
Engineers create an enormous range of life-enhancing and valuable products, from silicon chips to aeroplanes to skyscrapers. Based in our laboratories and workshops, you will work in small teams with our staff to research, design, build and test a variety of objects. The emphasis will be on creativity and hands-on practical skills. You will present your work to a panel of experts who will assess it and give you feedback.
What you'll learn
What engineers do
We will explain the wide variety of engineers – aerospace, civil, electrical, electronic and mechanical – and the types of jobs that they carry out. This additional insight will help you to choose your degree with confidence.
Projects
We will describe some projects for you to carry out in our laboratories and workshops. These will combine any of aerospace, civil, electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering. For example, you may be creating and testing models of a building to withstand earthquakes, a wind turbine to generate electricity, a self-guiding vehicle, or an intelligent machine to play a game. All projects will include these elements:
- Design
Collaborating with other students and teaching staff, design an object that will fulfill the project description. - Build
Using our workshop facilities, and with assistance from our staff, build your design. - Test
Try our your design, and look for ways to improve its performance. - Present
Describe your design and the results from your tests, and show what you have learned. Our staff will give you feedback on your work, plus prizes for the best projects.
Transferable skills
- Group work and problem-solving skills
Learn how to work with other students to develop and exchange ideas, and turn project descriptions into working designs. - Practical skills
Learn to use a range of manufacturing methods and equipment. - Communication and presentation skills
Learn to describe your achievements to our staff.
Where you'll learn
Teaching is delivered in laboratories and workshops in the Faculty of Engineering.
Programme timetable
Find out more about your summer experience by viewing our Destination Engineer Programme Outline 2022 (PDF, 135kB). Note that this programme outline is from 2022; the 2023 provision may vary.
If you need to view the programme outline in another format, email bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk.
More information
Learn more about the Faculty of Engineering, where you will be based.
Entry requirements
You must meet all of the below requirements to be eligible for this summer school.
| Application deadline | TBC |
| Study level |
Pre-undergraduate. Currently in 6th form college / high school / Y12-Y13 (16–18 further education). |
| Subject requirements |
You must be studying mathematics and physics at A-level, International Baccalaureate Higher Level or international equivalents. |
| Academic requirements |
You must be a strong student maintaining a good academic record. You should be on track to meet typical entry requirements for our undergraduate engineering degree programmes. |
| English language requirements |
If English is not your first language, you need to meet (or be due to meet by the time you apply to University) our English language Profile E. You can view the tests and levels we accept by visiting our Profile E language requirements page and selecting the 'English Language Proficiency Tests' tab. |
| Age |
16 or over at the time of the summer school. This summer school is for high school students who are not yet studying at university level. |
Why choose a Bristol Summer?
Study at a top-10 UK university and explore one of the UK’s most exciting cities. Programme fee includes accommodation and social programme.
Contact us
You can email or phone us if you have any questions about the course or your eligibility.
- Email: bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 455 3950