Programme dates
21-25 June 2027
In-person Program
Materials Science at University of Oxford
by Engineering Development Trust
A residential materials science course combining Oxford lectures, undergraduate-style lab work, research-center visits and a commercial group project.
Last verified: 1 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Materials Science at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
UK Year 12 or S5-S6 students
Age range / Year group
Ages 16-18
Location / Region
Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost
£595
Duration
5 days (4 nights residential)
Format
In-person
EngineeringScience
Class size: 32 students
Accommodation: University college residence
Meals: Included
Certificate / Outcome: Industrial Cadets Silver Award
Materials Science summary
This is a focused residential introduction to materials science, combining university-style academic study with a taste of student life.
Students attend lectures, solve undergraduate-style problems, complete practical laboratory work, visit a major research center and tackle a commercial research project in a group.
It best suits academically strong students already studying Mathematics and Physics who want to test whether materials science is a good degree choice.
What is Materials Science at University of Oxford?
Materials Science at University of Oxford is an EDT residential course hosted with the University of Oxford's Department of Materials. It introduces an interdisciplinary field that connects physics, chemistry and engineering with applications spanning aerospace, biomaterials, ceramics, nanotechnology and polymers.
Students experience university-style learning through lectures, undergraduate-level problems, laboratory experiments and a visit to a major research center. They also explore the commercial side of scientific discovery through a competitive group project and experience residential life in an Oxford college setting.
Why Succeed highlights Materials Science
The course combines lectures with undergraduate-style problems and laboratory experiments rather than relying on classroom observation alone.
Its research-center visit connects school science with internationally significant experimental facilities and techniques.
The commercial group project adds entrepreneurship and teamwork to the scientific experience.
Residential college life gives students a realistic, supervised taste of studying away from home.
Successful completion leads to an Industrial Cadets Silver Level certificate and badge.
Who is Materials Science for?
Best for
Students who enjoy both Mathematics and Physics and want hands-on evidence of what a materials science degree involves.
Not ideal if
You want a broad, low-intensity university taster or cannot commit to the complete supervised residential experience.
Is Materials Science worth it?
For a student seriously considering materials science or a closely related STEM degree, the mix of lectures, practical work, research exposure and residential university life offers meaningful subject testing. It can help turn a general interest in physics or engineering into a more informed degree decision.
The main limitation is its narrow academic focus and selective application process. Students should value the experience for exploration and reflection rather than treating attendance as a substitute for grades or sustained subject engagement.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
£595; includes University accommodation, Food during the residential course, Academic activities and laboratory work, Social and evening activities, Program administration, Industrial Cadets Silver Award.
Accommodation
University college residence
Meals
Included
Provider details
Review the Engineering Development Trust provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
5 days (4 nights residential); Oxford, United Kingdom.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Materials Science need?
Effort level
Medium-high.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before the future application window so you can research materials science, refine your statement and check school release and travel plans.
Main challenge
Explaining specific motivation for materials science while demonstrating readiness for undergraduate-style work.
Typical preparation
Review how materials science draws on physics, chemistry and engineering, then identify two applications that genuinely interest you.
Draft the personal statement around what you want to investigate, not simply the prestige of the setting.
Collect accurate subject and predicted-grade information before completing the application.
Confirm full attendance, school permission and travel arrangements before accepting a place.
Useful if
You can connect your Mathematics and Physics studies to a genuine materials-science question or application.
What do students do on Materials Science?
The course moves from university-style teaching into practical scientific work, research exposure and a team challenge that models the commercial side of research.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Stay in an Oxford University college or university residence for the residential experience.
- 2
Attend lectures covering a range of materials science topics.
- 3
Solve problems similar to those given to Oxford undergraduates.
- 4
Conduct laboratory experiments modeled on undergraduate practical work.
- 5
Visit a major UK research center using facilities such as neutron beams or synchrotron light.
- 6
Work in a group on a competitive project simulating the commercialization of scientific research.
- 7
Take part in the program's academic and evening social activities.
Materials Science dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Application outcome
By end of February 2026
Outcome timing for the verified 2025/26 application cycle.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme dates | 21-25 June 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Application outcome | By end of February 2026 | Local | Date not confirmed |
Eligibility and requirements
Year 12, Scottish S5-S6 or Northern Ireland Year 13
Attend a UK school or college, or be home-educated
Study Mathematics and Physics at the required advanced level
Show a very strong academic track record
Commit to the complete residential course
How much does Materials Science cost?
Residential program fee
£595 — Subsidized four-night residential rate.
Funding or discounts
- Bursary support: Limited bursaries — For eligible students facing financial barriers.
What's included
University accommodation, Food during the residential course, Academic activities and laboratory work, Social and evening activities, Program administration, Industrial Cadets Silver Award
How to apply to Materials Science
- 1
Register interest for the 2026/27 residential experience through EDT's official form.
- 2
For a full application, submit only one application form.
- 3
Select up to three courses in order of preference.
- 4
Provide your personal details, school details, current subjects and predicted grades.
- 5
Write a personal statement of about 200-250 words explaining your motivation.
- 6
Indicate on the form if you want bursary consideration.
- 7
Check that you can attend the complete residential course before applying.
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What does Materials Science cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Materials foundations
Explore how physics, chemistry and engineering combine to create and improve materials.
Biomedical materials
Consider materials for implants, bone analogues and future medical applications.
Microscopy and nanotechnology
Examine techniques for understanding materials at microscopic and atomic scales.
Structural and functional materials
Investigate aerospace, ceramic, polymer and energy-related material applications.
Scientific entrepreneurship
Practice connecting scientific discoveries with commercial decision-making through group work.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
Who teaches on Materials Science?
Academics lead the university-style learning, with support from student mentors, university staff and university ambassadors. The course includes lectures, practical work and group projects connected to Oxford's Department of Materials.
The published information does not name individual instructors or state a student-to-teacher ratio.
Where do students stay on Materials Science?
Residential plan
- University residence: Students stay in university halls or an Oxford college.
- Food: Food is included in the residential course fee.
- Overnight supervision: Insight into University supervisors stay with students in residence.
- Evening activities: Students participate in organized social activities during the evenings.
Students must remain with the residential course and cannot attend as day students.
What happens after Materials Science?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use the experience to test interest in materials science or engineering degrees.
Reflect on lectures and practicals when making future subject choices.
Apply undergraduate-style problem solving in further STEM study.
Earn an Industrial Cadets Silver Level certificate and badge.
Use the residential experience to make a more informed university application decision.
Participation does not imply admission to the University of Oxford.
Where does Materials Science take place?
Academic activities take place with the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford on Parks Road. Students stay in an Oxford University college or university residence and visit college and research settings during the residential experience.
Students and families are responsible for arranging and paying for travel to and from the university.
Materials Science FAQs
It is designed for UK Year 12, Scottish S5-S6 or Northern Ireland Year 13 students, including home-educated applicants.
Yes. Applicants must be studying Mathematics and Physics at A-level, Higher, Advanced Higher or an equivalent level.
Students attend lectures, solve undergraduate-style problems, conduct laboratory experiments, visit a major research center and complete a group project about commercial scientific research.
Students stay in an Oxford University college or university halls of residence, with overnight Insight into University supervisors.
Yes. The residential fee includes accommodation, food, academic and social activities, administration and the Industrial Cadets Award.
Limited bursaries are available for eligible students facing financial barriers. Applicants indicate on the application form that they want to be considered.
Applicants provide personal and school details, current subjects, predicted grades and a personal statement of about 200-250 words.
Students who successfully complete the course receive an Industrial Cadets Silver Level certificate and badge.
Alternatives to Materials Science
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Students leaning toward engineering rather than materials science specifically.
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Form
- Insight into University | Department of Materials
- Bursaries
- Insight into University FAQs
- Programmes - Insights Into University
- Materials Science University of Oxford
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 1 Oct 2026)
Course details checked
Dates and fee verified
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Bursary criteria reviewed
Residential inclusions checked
Oxford overview cross-checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Materials Science at University of Oxford
by Engineering Development Trust
Upcoming
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