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Rolling admissions
The 2026 cycle allocated places on a first-come, first-served basis.
In-person Program
Chemistry Summer School
by Imperial Global Summer School
Chemistry summer study at Imperial combines molecular synthesis, spectroscopy and computational modeling with an interdisciplinary innovation challenge.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Chemistry Summer School at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
UK and international students
Age range / Year group
Ages 16-17
Location / Region
London, United Kingdom
Cost
£7,695
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Application deadline
Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Save programScienceComputer Science
Accommodation: Twin en-suite rooms
Campus experience: Synthesis lab; Chemical Kitchen
Tutors / faculty: Four named chemistry academics
Group project: Week two Innovation Challenge
Teaching cadence: 09:30-12:30; 13:30-16:30
Masterclasses: Three 1-hour sessions
Chemistry Summer School summary
Imperial's Chemistry Summer School combines molecular science with laboratory work, programming and simulations.
Students synthesize molecules, build spectrometers and explore medicinal chemistry before collaborating on an interdisciplinary Innovation Challenge.
It suits students who want to test their interest in chemistry through practical work and shared problem-solving.
What is Chemistry Summer School?
Chemistry Summer School is Imperial College London's residential chemistry track within Global Summer School. It explores molecular structure, synthesis, spectroscopy and computational chemistry through interactive teaching and practical activities.
Students make and analyze molecules, construct a spectrometer and use simulations to investigate chemical systems. An interdisciplinary Innovation Challenge then brings students from different academic subjects together to tackle a real-world problem.
Why Succeed highlights Chemistry Summer School
Molecular synthesis and spectrometer construction give students concrete experience of how chemists produce and interpret results.
Programming and simulations connect practical chemistry with computational approaches.
Medicinal chemistry and the Chemical Kitchen show how molecular science reaches beyond a conventional classroom.
The Enterprise Lab challenge adds interdisciplinary teamwork and presentation practice.
Named Imperial chemistry academics give families a clear view of the teaching team.
Who is Chemistry Summer School for?
Best for
Students who enjoy chemistry and want to combine laboratory experiments, computational work and collaborative problem-solving.
Not ideal if
You want a flexible day course or time to visit family, because campus residence and participation in the shared schedule are required.
Is Chemistry Summer School worth it?
This is a strong option for exploring whether you enjoy doing chemistry as well as studying it. Synthesis, instrumentation and computational work offer useful points of comparison when considering further study.
The value depends on how much you want the full residential experience and can justify the fee. The shared schedule limits flexibility, and Imperial offers no financial assistance for this program.
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Cost and what is included
£7,695; includes Interactive chemistry teaching and practical activities., Computational chemistry and simulation sessions., Molecular synthesis and spectrometer-building activities., Chemical Kitchen and medicinal chemistry activities., Innovation Challenge project work and presentation..
Accommodation
Twin en-suite rooms
Provider details
Review the Imperial Global Summer School provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; London, 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 Chemistry Summer School need?
Effort level
High, with practical teaching, project work and a full residential schedule.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application window to gather records and arrange references; allow longer for international travel planning.
Main challenge
Coordinating the application, references, supporting documents and residential commitment.
Typical preparation
Gather recent grades, qualification details and any required English language information.
Ask your teacher and parent or guardian to prepare their references.
Draft a focused personal statement within the 150-word limit.
Review travel permissions, insurance and the cancellation terms with your family.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in laboratory and computational chemistry.
What do students do on Chemistry Summer School?
You explore chemistry through computational sessions, laboratory experiments and applied activities. You then contribute your subject knowledge to a collaborative Innovation Challenge.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Complete orientation and begin simulation, coding, computation and automation activities.
- 2
Study synthetic chemistry and synthesize a molecular target.
- 3
Explore light-matter interactions and build a Lego spectrometer.
- 4
Rotate between medicinal chemistry activities and the Chemical Kitchen.
- 5
Work with students from other subjects on an Innovation Challenge.
- 6
Prepare and deliver a group presentation.
Chemistry Summer School dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications | Rolling admissions | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Be 16 or 17 before the session begins.
Do not turn 18 before or during the session.
UK-based and international students may apply.
Demonstrate academic excellence, STEM enthusiasm and clear motivation.
Provide at least eight Key Stage 4 subjects or international equivalents.
Meet Standard Level English requirements or a stated exemption.
Provide teacher and parent or guardian references.
How much does Chemistry Summer School cost?
Program fee
£7,695 — 2026 program fee.
Funding or discounts
- Financial assistance: None — Imperial offers no scholarships, bursaries, discounts or financial assistance for this program.
- Payment plan: By agreement — An installment arrangement may be possible; full payment is required to confirm a place.
What's included
Interactive chemistry teaching and practical activities., Computational chemistry and simulation sessions., Molecular synthesis and spectrometer-building activities., Chemical Kitchen and medicinal chemistry activities., Innovation Challenge project work and presentation.
How to apply to Chemistry Summer School
- 1
Create and verify an account in Imperial's Aspire portal.
- 2
Select Global Summer School, your session and Chemistry, then indicate a second subject preference.
- 3
Enter school details, academic grades and English language information.
- 4
Write a personal statement of no more than 150 words.
- 5
Provide accurate teacher and parent or guardian contact details for references.
- 6
After a conditional offer, upload the requested passport, academic and English language documents.
- 7
Accept the formal unconditional offer and pay the full fee according to its instructions.
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What does Chemistry Summer School cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Computational chemistry
Use simulation, coding, computation and automation to investigate chemical systems.
Molecular synthesis
Study synthetic chemistry and synthesize and analyze a molecular target.
Spectroscopy
Explore light-matter interactions and build a Lego spectrometer for practical measurement.
Medicine and gastronomy
Apply chemical understanding through medicinal chemistry activities and the Chemical Kitchen.
Innovation Challenge
Collaborate across academic subjects on a real-world problem and prepare a presentation.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Chemistry Summer School?
A typical day during the program.
Chemistry teaching
Week one Tuesday-Friday: 09:30-12:30 for computational chemistry, synthesis, spectroscopy and applied chemistry.
Chemistry practicals
Week one teaching starts at 13:30 and ends at 16:30, except Tuesday at 16:00; Tuesday and Thursday add 16:45-17:45 masterclasses.
Innovation Challenge
Week two Monday-Thursday: 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30, with a Tuesday 16:45-17:45 masterclass.
Social activities
The sample plan includes 18:00-20:00 sports sessions, theater outings and a Saturday 09:00-19:00 Brighton trip.
Who teaches on Chemistry Summer School?
The chemistry teaching team includes Dr Julie Kalmoni, Dr Norman Chan, Professor Nick Brooks and Dr Simon Gerrard from Imperial's Department of Chemistry. Imperial Enterprise Lab leads the interdisciplinary Innovation Challenge.
Where do students stay on Chemistry Summer School?
Residential plan
- Prince's Gardens rooms: Students share twin en-suite bedrooms in the on-campus hall of residence.
- Room essentials: Rooms provide linen, towels, two desks with lamps, a wardrobe and tea-and-coffee-making facilities.
- Laundry facilities: A basement laundry room is available, with laundry credit purchased through a mobile app.
- Shared campus experience: The sample social schedule includes sports, sightseeing, theater, bowling and a Brighton day trip.
Students must remain in the residential program; accommodation before or after the session is not provided.
What happens after Chemistry Summer School?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop a stronger understanding of molecular structure and analysis.
Gain practical experience in synthesis and spectroscopic measurement.
Explore computational approaches to chemical systems.
Practice communicating scientific ideas through a group presentation.
Build teamwork skills through interdisciplinary project work.
Where does Chemistry Summer School take place?
The program takes place at Imperial College London, with on-campus residence at Prince's Gardens in South Kensington. The sample social plan includes exploring South Kensington and a day trip to Brighton.
Chemistry Summer School FAQs
You study computational chemistry, molecular synthesis, spectroscopy and medicinal chemistry, including practical work in the Chemical Kitchen. The second week brings students from different subjects together for an Innovation Challenge.
Students stay in twin en-suite rooms in Prince's Gardens hall of residence on campus. Living on campus is required throughout the program.
Imperial does not permit students to leave and return during the program. Families should avoid arranging visits because students follow a full academic and social schedule.
Imperial does not offer scholarships, bursaries, discounts or financial assistance for Global Summer School. Its separate free outreach programs are different opportunities.
Teachers verify grades and English ability and provide a supporting reference. Parents or guardians confirm their support and can share accessibility needs or severe dietary requirements.
Requirements depend on the student's circumstances; Imperial directs applicants to UK visitor guidance and ETA information. An invitation letter can be arranged after a place is confirmed.
Travel, contents and healthcare insurance are excluded from the fee. Imperial recommends full travel insurance, including comprehensive medical cover for students arriving from outside the UK.
A confirmed place can be canceled within 14 days. After that period, the program fee is non-refundable.
Alternatives to Chemistry Summer School
Compare these options if you prefer online biochemistry or a broader science focus.
Alternatives to Chemistry Summer School
Online study focused on biochemistry
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
14-17
Online
Online
Best for
Students interested in chemistry's biological applications
Canford Future Scientists (STEM)
Upcoming
Introduces the methods and questions of modern science
Science
29 Jun 2026
From £4795
12-16
Oxford
In-person
Best for
Students exploring several areas of science
In-person summer study centered on biology
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From $3500
14-18
Winston-Salem
In-person
Best for
Students whose scientific interests lean toward biology
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
- How to apply | Imperial Lifelong Learning | Imperial College London
- Frequently asked questions | Imperial Lifelong Learning | Imperial College London
- Apply | Study | Imperial College London
- The Global Summer Schools Chemistry 2026 Sample Timetable contains the full academic programme and social activities. This timetable is subject to change.
- Chemistry Summer School | Imperial Lifelong Learning | Imperial College London
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
Official course page reviewed
Age requirements verified
Application process reviewed
Program fee verified
Housing requirements verified
Sample teaching schedule reviewed
Funding policy verified
Travel guidance reviewed
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.
Chemistry Summer School
by Imperial Global Summer School
Applications open
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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