"I think that if everyone were to participate in a Headstart course, the world would be full of engineers. You just can't help getting excited about technology when you're getting hands-on experience."

Oana, Headstart attendee & winner of UKESF Award for Female Undergraduates

HEADSTART SUMMER SCHOOL

Since 2011, the UKESF has sponsored an annual Electronics-focused Summer School, as part of the Engineering Development Trust’s (EDT) range of Headstart courses.

The Summer School is a 5-day residential course held at one of our partner universities each summer, aimed at 16–17 year olds who are studying STEM subjects and intending to go to university.

So far, 10 participants in the UKESF-Headstart Summer School have subsequently been awarded a UKESF scholarship.

The course includes lectures and practical sessions with academics from leading universities, hands-on design challenges, speakers from major companies in the Electronics sector and networking with industry professionals, as well as the chance to socialise with other people on the course.

Students get a first taste of university life during the Summer School, and have the opportunity to find out about degree study and careers in Electronics ahead of making their UCAS applications.

“The Headstart course gave me valuable experience of studying Electronics and allowed me to make a much more informed decision when choosing my degree. As well as being informative and rewarding it was a lot of fun to meet like-minded people and was a great thing to talk about when applying for university.” Past attendee Catherine, who went on to study for a degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Nottingham.

ELIGIBILITY

To apply for our Headstart Summer School, you must be aged 16–17 and in Year 12 at school/college (Scottish Year 5).

You must be studying Maths and any of the following: Physics, Electronics, Engineering, IT.

HOW TO APPLY

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the planned UKESF-Headstart Summer Schools at the University of Sheffield and the University of Glasgow will not be running in 2020.

This page will be updated once the new dates are set for 2021 and applications can re-open.