Are you a budding architect with big dreams? Join our 2025 Architecture Summer School in London, specially crafted for students aged 15-18.
In this immersive programme, you’ll step into the world of London’s architecture scene through hands-on career simulations and exclusive site visits. Make a visit to leading architecture firms, design an innovative sustainable structure, and present your vision to a panel of experts at a prestigious London venue. Plus, earn a qualification to enhance your university applications!
Secure your place today for an unforgettable experience that will inspire your journey to becoming a successful architect.
The Young Architect Summer Experience is an exciting two-week programme in London designed for ambitious students aged 15-18 who aspire to a career in architecture.
Over the course, participants will step into the world of professional architecture through immersive career simulations and exclusive site visits to leading firms.
They will design and present sustainable structures to a panel of industry experts at prestigious venues, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills.
This programme offers networking opportunities, mentorship, and a qualification to enhance university applications, paving the way for future success in architecture.
Visit leading architecture and urban design firms such as Foster + Partners.
Design your own sustainable structure and architectural interventions in the heart of London.
Work on studio-based projects using architectural sketching tools and design techniques under the guidance of senior architects.
Pitch your final designs to a panel of architects and receive feedback.
Curate and host an exhibition of your work in an iconic London venue, with architects in attendance.
Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points
Gain practical experience to strengthen your university application and demonstrate your dedication to architecture.
Complete assessments to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
Finish the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter.
Meet Senior Architects
Learn from architects working in world-renowned firms across residential, commercial and urban design sectors.
Take part in private networking sessions with professionals who may become valuable career connections.
Career Coaching
Receive expert advice on how to secure competitive roles in architecture.
Guidance on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.
World-Class Universities and World-Class People
Experience life at University College London (UCL), one of the leading universities in the world.
Meet ambitious students from around the world and build an international network.
Design Your Own Summer Experience
Choose from the following programme options:
First Week Only (taster experience)
Two-Week Experience (full programme)
Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
Accommodation can be residential or non-residential.
Residential students stay in UCL student halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend activities included.
Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.
Week 1
The Architecture Studio
Explore the architectural design process: research, concept, developed design and presentation
Learn plan, section and axonometric drawings in an interactive workshop with an architect
Create miniature 3D physical models using professional modelling techniques
Become the Architect
Receive a design brief, research a real site and sketch initial concepts
Combine research, sketches and collages to develop your architectural concept
Build physical structures and participate in studio critiques to refine your ideas
Firm Visit
Visit a professional architecture firm and observe how design briefs are handled
Take part in a live Q&A with architects and industry professionals
Network and gain insight into daily architectural practice
Pitch to the Client
Curate presentation boards and deliver your design pitch at a landmark London venue
Practise short-form pitching and explain your design choices clearly
Receive professional feedback using industry-standard critique guidelines
Week 2
Designing a Sustainable Structure
Meet urban planning experts and explore sustainable architecture solutions
Design an eco-friendly urban space, researching materials and environmental systems
Learn essential 3D modelling skills and present your design to industry professionals
Site Research and Development
Visit a regenerated London site and analyse its history and community use
Use your research to redesign the site and present proposals to experts
The Exhibition
Curate a final exhibition showcasing your architectural projects
Write a design statement and display your work professionally in a studio setting
Network with architects and receive portfolio feedback
Graduation & Certification
Celebrate the completion of the programme
Receive a signed industry reference letter outlining your achievements
2-Week Premium
Overview
Includes all core programme activities plus 15 extra hours with industry professionals
Develop a professional portfolio and gain a Level 3 Work Experience Award with UCAS points
Enjoy a private Gala dinner on the penultimate evening
Highlights
Attend masterclasses in CV writing, LinkedIn branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
Complete psychometric testing to understand strengths and development areas
Take part in a strategy challenge and network at an exclusive Gala dinner in London
Dates
27th July 2026
Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London
Accommodation location
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.
All rooms are single and en-suite.
“Absolutely brilliant! I really enjoyed the course. It helped me become a better architect overall and solidify my goal of wanting to become an architect.”
