Engineering & Robotics
For Ambitious Scholars Aged 14–18
2-15 August
2026
£6,499 OSP Experience Fee
100 Exceptional Global Scholars
Key Features
- Project-based learning
- Small class sizes
- Project report and presentations
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Academic mentorship
Join the Leading Engineering Summer School in Oxford
Are you ready to immerse yourself in one of the most innovative engineering summer schools in Oxford? In this course, Scholars gain hands-on experience across key branches of engineering, from assembling and operating drones to exploring cutting-edge advancements in aviation, propulsion, and beyond.
- Explore the science of flight and the anatomy of drones, understanding how each component works in harmony.
- Scholars build, program, and fly their own drones.
- The course covers all major disciplines of engineering, including aerospace, electrical, computer, civil, manufacturing, and biomedical engineering.
- Scholars discuss drone applications and ethics while developing creativity and teamwork through design challenges and flight challenges.
- Watch videos and review quick reading materials to get the basics before class.
- Discuss, ask questions, and dive deeper into engineering and mechanics core concepts, in daily lectures.
- Put theory into practice by building and flying your own drone!
- Candidates will be judged on their contributions towards group projects and presentations alongside their performance on individual reports.
- Gain hands-on experience by assembling, programming, and flying drones, applying real engineering and scientific principles.
- Explore diverse fields including aerospace, electrical, computer, civil, manufacturing, and biomedical engineering through lectures and workshops.
- Build technical and design skills using CAD software, technical drawing, and team-based engineering challenges.
- Understand real-world and ethical applications of drone technology through case studies and project-based learning.
Week 1
Day 1: Introduction to Drones
Day 2: Drone Anatomy
Day 3: Sensors in Drones
Day 4: Mechanics of Drones
Day 5: Drone Applications and Ethical Considerations
Week 2
Day 6: Drone Path Planning
Day 7-9: Project Completion and Report Writing
Day 10: Group Reflection
Note: This course plan may be adjusted at the discretion of the Instructor.
The OSP Challenge
Learning at the Oxford Scholars Programme goes beyond the classroom. In this STEM Summer Course, you’ll engage in an intensive academic challenge where you apply theory to real-world problems through collaboration and innovation. This hands-on experience helps you think creatively, work strategically, and bring your learning to life.
Drone Design & Flight Challenge
Explore the hands-on learning opportunities at our Engineering Summer School in Oxford, where you’ll gain practical experience in drone design and flight testing.
Build, program, and fly your own drones from scratch.
Assemble hardware, configure flight controllers, and perform real flight tests.
Apply core engineering principles in aerodynamics, electronics, and control systems.
Bridge Build Challenge
Take part in a hands-on team project where you’ll apply engineering principles to design and construct model bridges.
Design and build model bridges using engineering concepts of structure, materials, and load-bearing.
Encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration through practical teamwork.
Sarah Taneja
India
Lulu Alhokair
Saudi Arabia
Yamil Durruty
USA
What Our Scholars Say
Tutors
Our Scholars are mentored by an outstanding team of accomplished professionals who bring real-world expertise, insight, and a passion for teaching. Their mentorship inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, creating a truly transformative Oxford summer school experience. Meet some of the distinguished educators leading this journey below.
Dr. Cristiana Tisca
AI & Programming
Post-Doctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford
Dr. Waqas Kamal
Engineering
Research Fellow at University of Oxford
DPhil in Engineering Science
Dr. Nick Dickinson
Politics
Bingham Fellow in Constitutional Studies, University of Oxford
Juliana Choi
Medicine
DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
University of Oxford
Dr. Daryna Dvornichenko
Law
British Academy Researcher At Risk and Visiting Research Fellow at Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford
Abbey Palmer
English
MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, University of Oxford
Beyond The Classroom
Each summer, a select group of exceptional students from around the world come together in Oxford to learn, grow, and discover who they can become.
Top Up With Career Exploration
Step into the shoes of a future engineer and discover what a career in innovation truly looks like. Through hands-on industry exposure, real-world problem-solving, and guided visits to leading engineering institutions, you’ll explore how ideas evolve into technology that shapes the future, gaining insight, inspiration, and clarity for your own path in engineering.
- Royal Society London
- BMW Group Mini Plant
- Science Museum
- Institute of Mechanical Engineers
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Oxford Engineering Summer School at the Oxford Scholars Programme?
The Oxford Engineering Summer School at the Oxford Scholars Programme is a two-week immersive course for high school students aged 14–18, focused on exploring the field of engineering. Scholars will engage in hands-on workshops, interactive lectures, and site visits, covering various engineering disciplines like mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering. This course offers an in-depth look at engineering principles and provides students with practical problem-solving skills that will serve them in their academic and professional futures.
2. Who can attend the Oxford Engineering Summer School at OSP?
The Engineering Summer School in Oxford is open to high school students aged 14–18 with an interest in engineering, technology, and innovation. Whether you are considering a career in engineering or are simply curious to explore the field, this STEM summer course provides a comprehensive introduction to engineering principles, techniques, and real-world applications.
3. What will I learn during the Oxford Engineering Summer School?
During the Engineering Summer School in Oxford, Scholars will study fundamental engineering topics such as materials science, mechanics, and design principles. Hands-on workshops allow students to build prototypes, solve engineering challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of engineering applications in mechanical, civil, and aerospace industries. The focus is on developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in engineering contexts.
4. How can the Oxford Engineering Summer School help with university applications?
The Oxford Engineering Summer School provides a competitive advantage for university applications, especially for those interested in studying engineering or technology. Scholars gain practical skills through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and expert guest lectures, demonstrating their readiness for top engineering and technology programmes.
Additionally, Scholars can request letters of recommendation from Oxford tutors, further strengthening their application. The course also includes a career exploration add-on that helps clarify academic and professional aspirations, through career mentorship, professional networking and industry visits, making it easier to stand out in applications for engineering-related degrees.
5. Do I need prior knowledge of engineering to attend the Oxford Engineering School Programme?
No prior knowledge of engineering is required to attend this STEM summer course. The course is designed to cater to Scholars with varying levels of experience, from beginners to those with a basic understanding of engineering. The curriculum provides a supportive environment, with all the necessary resources to help our Scholars succeed and grow in the field of engineering.
6. How can the Oxford Engineering Summer School benefit my future career?
The Oxford Engineering Summer School equips students with crucial skills such as critical thinking, design, and problem-solving—skills that are highly sought after in the engineering industry. Whether you aim to become a civil engineer, aerospace engineer, or product designer, the course provides you with practical, real-world experience. Additionally, the course includes an engineering career exploration top up, giving Scholars insights into various career paths within the engineering sector. Through this course, Scholars can gain valuable guidance for their future career in engineering, through career mentorship, professional networking and industry visits. These skills and experiences will give you an edge in future career opportunities and set the foundation for a successful career in engineering.
7. How is the Oxford Engineering Summer School structured?
The Oxford Engineering Summer Programme is structured around a mix of academic lectures, hands-on workshops, and industry visits. Each day consists of morning lectures covering key engineering concepts, followed by afternoon workshops where students tackle real-world engineering problems. Scholars will also participate in site visits, as a part of the career exploration add on, to leading engineering facilities, gaining practical insights into the profession. The course concludes with evening cultural outings, offering a well-rounded experience of both academic learning and personal development.
8. How do I apply for the Oxford Engineering Summer School at OSP?
To apply for the Oxford Engineering Summer Programme, visit our application page and complete the online form. Be sure to submit all required documents, including your academic transcripts and personal statement. After reviewing applications, successful candidates will be contacted with further details on their acceptance and next steps.
9. What is the cost of attending the Oxford Engineering Summer School?
The total cost of the Oxford Engineering Summer Programme includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and all excursions and activities. Scholarships and financial aid options are available to ensure accessibility for students from various financial backgrounds. Please check our fee page for detailed pricing information and funding options.
