University applications support to top UK universities
A comprehensive consultation to support your Oxbridge application
Everything you need to know to gain admission to an Oxbridge university
An exclusive service for those applying to Oxford and Cambridge
Personal statement writing support and resources
Admissions test practice, support and resources
Interview practice, support and resources
Application support for international applicants
Tuition support to aid your application to Oxbridge universities
Postgrad applications support
University applications support to top US & Ivy League universities
Ivy League & US university application consultation
Admissions expert led, one-day Common Application Essay workshop
Everything you need to know to gain admission to an Ivy League university
Admissions test practice, support and resources for the SAT & ACT
Free SAT preparation course, designed to cover all aspects of the SAT to maximise your SAT score
Learn the complexities of US higher education. For students aged 14-18 and their educators.
Master the SAT with over 900 practice problems
Master the ACT with over 900 practice problems
Support for students struggling to begin and maintain their study process
Guidance for athletes looking to apply to US universities
Tutoring for those applying to Ivy League universities
Free medicine e-learning course guiding you through every step of applying to medical school.
Application support for those looking to study medicine
UCAT preparation trusted by students and schools
Medicine interview and MMI preparation
2-hour personal statement crafting masterclass
Doctor-created practice questions, giving you everything you need to conquer the UCAT
Maximise your UCAT score and increase your chances of medical school admission
Secure your place at medical school with Doctor-crafted strategies
Exclusive 7-session cancer research programme
Support and guidance for law applications and careers
LNAT admissions test preparation
Supercharge your LNAT score and astound your law school admissions tutors.
Insights and strategies you need to get into law school
Everything you need to know to become a solicitor
Everything you need to know to become a barrister
Expert guidance for your drama school application
Generate the perfect audition piece
A guide to Drama Schools in the UK
Get the latest on the audition process
Learn the secrets of the Drama School audition
Learn about the top Drama schools in the UK
Free SAT preparation course covering all aspects of the SAT
Free personalised university and career pathway report
Tutoring services for all ages and levels
Book a Free Tuition Consultation
Entrance exam prep for 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+ from experienced tutors
100% success rate tutoring GCSE students
Exceptional tuition services for A-Level students
Experienced and qualified online tutors for students around the world
Tutors specialised in teaching children with special educational needs, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD
Tutors to help challenge and accelerate the learning of gifted students
Immersive career experiences for students aged 12-18
Ages 15-18
Ages 12-14
Careers events for parents
Careers support for teachers and schools
Empower students in yrs 10-12 to become career-ready
Learn in the iconic locations of Oxford & Cambridge
Inspirational learning experiences for ages 15-17
Blogs from SBC
Summer boarding experiences for students aged 6-17
Hosted on award winning campuses. For ages 6-17
A range of subjects in iconic locations for ages 6-17
Ofsted-registered activity day camps. Childcare for children aged 4-14 during the holidays
Pick from a range of locations across the UK
Programmes at Ultimate Activity Camps
FAQs for Parents
Get a free report with your own personalised university and career pathway in under 60 seconds
Test-drive life in the world of finance. Make deals, value companies and trade the markets.
Discover the wonders of engineering, at the UK’s no1 multi-campus summer school
Learn from top forensic scientists and experience their real-life work.
Free guides on university admission to ensure you ace your application
Free guides to help you navigate the Oxbridge admissions process
Navigate the Ivy League admissions process with our comprehensive free guides
Get a free report on which university and career pathway is right for you
Examine jobs likely to emerge or decline over the next few decades
Explore the crucial role of Grade Point Average (GPA) in academic and professional success
Introducing the new ESAT and what it could mean for you
The UCAS Personal Statement is changing
Products and services to support your university application
World class tuition for students at any level
Life changing career experiences
Summer schools and pre-university experiences
Ultimate holiday activity camps
University applications and careers programmes, events, and resources for students, teachers and schools
A multitude of services to help you get your students career-ready
An innovative curriculum to empower students in years 10-12 to become career ready before they leave school
Admissions test days, courses and mentoring with evaluations and mock papers
Our team serves as in-house university advisors at your school
Everything your students need to get started on their path to med school
Flexible simulated mock interview sessions that can take place at your school
A programme to empower students and teachers to make successful applications to top universities
A host of services to enable you to get your students ready for their university applications
Help your students shine in their interviews and maximise their chances of success
A talk covering all aspects of the application process, ending with a Q&A session
One-on-one tutoring and SAT/ACT courses for group preparation for Ivy League applications
Cost-free careers resources, programme discounts, employability skills workshops, teacher events and bursary places.
Dukes Plus is a family of specialised consultancy services and educational experience providers.
A family of schools and educators, brought together by a common purpose: to give children the foundations for an extraordinary life, through education.
Dukes Club, an extraordinary community of parents, pupils, staff and alumni.
An annual initiative that celebrates the joy and benefits of learning poetry by heart and reciting it, across generations.
We look for people who put their heart into what they do, and then help them to lead.
Guide
• 5 min read
Learn how to secure and maximise science work experience to boost your university applications and gain practical skills.
Contents
For students interested in science, securing work experience is an essential step in exploring career options, developing practical skills, and improving university applications. Particularly for Year 12 students, hands-on exposure to fields such as computer science, biomedical science, or forensic science can provide a competitive edge when applying for science degrees.
In this guide, we’ll explore the types of science work experience available, how to secure placements, and how to reflect on them for your personal statement or future applications.
Gaining experience in science isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about applying your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Below are some of the most sought-after types of work experience in science-related fields.
For students interested in technology, placements with software companies, IT departments, or tech start-ups are ideal. These experiences often involve coding, software development, and data analysis. Whether you’re working on app or website development, you’ll get to use popularprogramming languages like Python or Java.
Year 12 students can benefit from summer internships or shadowing opportunities in tech companies. These placements often provide early exposure to software engineering, web development, and artificial intelligence, helping you build your portfolio before applying to university.
Students aspiring to work in healthcare or research can seek placements in hospitals, research centres, or pharmaceutical companies. You’ll have the chance to assist with lab work, learn about medical testing, and observe how biomedical research improves patient care.
Forensic science placements with police departments or forensic labs provide insights into crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and the scientific methods used in criminal investigations. You’ll gain exposure to areas like DNA analysis, toxicology, and ballistics, learning how science helps solve real-world crimes.
Finding work experience in science can be competitive, but there are several ways to secure valuable placements. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Reach out to local research institutions, tech companies, or forensic labs. Send professional inquiries or emails explaining your interest in gaining work experience. Many institutions are open to mentoring keen students!
Your school network, particularly teachers in science subjects, can often provide contacts for shadowing opportunities or internships. For Year 12 students, this is a great way to access early work experience.
Organisations such as Nuffield Research Placements and STEM Learning offer national programmes designed to help students gain practical experience in various scientific fields.
If in-person placements are difficult to secure, virtual work experience is a great alternative. Platforms like Forage offer remote placements in computer science and forensic science, giving you real-world exposure from home.
Once you’ve secured a placement, it’s important to make the most of the experience. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your time:
Keep a journal or log of your daily tasks, the skills you’ve learned, and any key insights from your placement. This will not only help with personal reflection but also provide evidence for future applications.
Focus on both technical and soft skills. For example, in computer science, you might improve your programming abilities, while in biomedical science, you could improve lab techniques. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are also crucial for future success.
Consider how each task or responsibility during your work experience aligns with your long-term career goals. Use this reflection when writing your personal statement or preparing for interviews.
Reflecting on your work experience is essential for articulating your skills and experiences in university applications or personal statements. Here’s how to effectively reflect on your science work experience:
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework is a great way to structure your reflections. Describe a specific situation, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the outcome or skills gained from the experience.
Emphasise the technical and soft skills you developed during your placement. Whether it’s coding, data analysis, or teamwork, make sure to explain how these skills will benefit you in your future studies or career.
Different science fields require different competencies. For example, in computer science, you could focus on programming and problem-solving, while in biomedical science, you could highlight lab techniques and scientific inquiry. Tailor your reflections to the specific degree or job you are applying for.
Securing science work experience is an essential step for students aspiring to work in fields like computer science, biomedical science, or forensic science. At Dukes Plus, we offer a range of services to help students secure and reflect on science work experience:
Book a free consultation today to take the next step towards a successful career in science.
Lab placements or tech internships provide hands-on experience, but virtual work experience in fields like computer science can also be valuable.
Reach out to local universities, research centres, or explore virtual platforms and national programmes like Nuffield Research Placements.
It’s best to start in Year 12 to secure placements before university applications.
Yes, virtual work experience in fields like computer science, forensic science, and data science is becoming more widely accepted.
Focus on the skills you developed (e.g., coding, lab techniques) and how your experience reinforced your interest in the field.
You can develop key technical skills such as coding, lab techniques, and data analysis, as well as soft skills like communication and teamwork.
Share: