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    Physics Summer School
    In-person Program

    Physics Summer School

    by Imperial Global Summer School

    Imperial’s Physics Summer School combines oscillation experiments, calculus and Python simulations with a collaborative Innovation Challenge.

    Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Physics Summer School at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Academic and English criteria; STEM interest

    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 program
    Space & physicsMathematicsComputer Science
    Accommodation: Prince’s Gardens twin en-suite rooms
    Campus experience: Undergraduate laboratories and computing suite
    Teaching time: More than 50 hours
    Tutors / faculty: Professor David Colling; Dr Alexander Richards
    Student support: Academic and pastoral student mentors
    Main output: Group experiment and project presentations

    Physics Summer School summary

    Imperial’s physics track explores one central phenomenon—oscillations—through mathematics, experiments and computer simulations.

    Students learn Python from the basics, analyze laboratory data and explain their findings in a group presentation.

    The Innovation Challenge adds collaborative problem-solving across subjects, making this a strong fit for students who enjoy connecting theory with practical work.

    What is Physics Summer School?

    The Physics Summer School is an academic track within Imperial College London’s Global Summer School. It examines oscillations using calculus, laboratory experiments and computer simulations, with teaching led by Imperial’s Department of Physics.

    Students move between lectures, undergraduate laboratories and the computing suite, learning Python and analyzing their own experimental data. Group presentations bring that work together, while the second-week Innovation Challenge connects students from different subjects to tackle a real-world problem.

    Why Succeed highlights Physics Summer School

    • Studying oscillations through mathematics, experiments and simulations helps students connect three ways of investigating the same physical problem.

    • Python teaching assumes no prior knowledge and progresses to scientific libraries and experimental data analysis.

    • Undergraduate laboratory and computing facilities give the academic work a concrete university setting.

    • Named Imperial physics academics lead the subject, with student mentors supporting participants.

    • The Innovation Challenge extends subject learning into communication and collaboration across disciplines.

    Who is Physics Summer School for?

    Best for

    Students who want to test their interest in university physics through mathematical reasoning, laboratory work and scientific programming.

    Not ideal if

    You want exam-board revision, a broad survey of physics topics or a day-only experience with evenings at home.

    Is Physics Summer School worth it?

    The strongest reason to choose this program is the chance to connect physical theory with experiments and code. Students who enjoy investigating a question from several angles can use the laboratory work and presentations to judge whether university-style physics suits them.

    The substantial fee and compulsory campus stay deserve careful family consideration. Its focused study of oscillations also suits subject exploration better than broad syllabus revision, so compare the academic experience with your own learning goals.

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    Cost and what is included

    £7,695; includes Lectures, scientific programming and laboratory sessions, Second-week Innovation Challenge, Twin en-suite campus accommodation, Bedroom linen and towels, Academic and pastoral student mentor support, Scheduled social activities and excursions.

    Accommodation

    Prince’s Gardens 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.

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    How much preparation does Physics Summer School need?

    Effort level

    High, with intensive academic work and a full residential schedule.

    Best started

    Prepare references and documents several weeks before a future rolling-admissions cycle; allow longer for overseas travel.

    Main challenge

    Connecting new calculus and coding concepts with experimental results.

    Typical preparation

    • Complete the recommended background reading before attending.

    • Draft a focused 150-word personal statement explaining your motivation and relevant experiences.

    • Coordinate your teacher reference and parent or guardian support, and gather official academic records.

    • Plan travel documentation and insurance early if you will travel from overseas.

    Useful if

    You want to experience the working methods of university physics.

    What do students do on Physics Summer School?

    You investigate oscillations by comparing mathematical ideas, experimental observations and computer models. Your team then explains its findings before joining students from other subjects for the Innovation Challenge.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn about calculus, simple harmonic oscillators, damping and forcing in lecturer-led sessions.

    2. 2

      Build basic Python skills and use Matplotlib, NumPy and SciPy for scientific tasks.

    3. 3

      Work in teams to collect and analyze data in an undergraduate teaching laboratory.

    4. 4

      Create simulations of simple oscillations and model more complex systems.

    5. 5

      Prepare, rehearse and deliver a group presentation, then answer questions.

    6. 6

      Collaborate across subjects on an Innovation Challenge project and presentation.

    Physics 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.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    2026 admissions model: places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be 16 or 17 before the program starts.

    • Do not turn 18 before or during attendance.

    • UK-based and international students may apply.

    • Demonstrate STEM enthusiasm, academic excellence and clear motivation.

    • Meet the academic and English language criteria.

    • Submit at least eight Key Stage 4 subjects or international equivalents.

    • Provide teacher and parent or guardian references.

    • Live on campus throughout the program.

    How much does Physics Summer School cost?

    Program fee

    £7,695 — 2026 residential program fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Scholarships and financial aid: None — No discounts, scholarships, bursaries or financial assistance.
    • Cancellation: 14-day cancellation period — The fee is non-refundable after this period.

    What's included

    Lectures, scientific programming and laboratory sessions, Second-week Innovation Challenge, Twin en-suite campus accommodation, Bedroom linen and towels, Academic and pastoral student mentor support, Scheduled social activities and excursions

    How to apply to Physics Summer School

    1. 1

      For a future application cycle, create and verify an account in Imperial’s Aspire portal.

    2. 2

      Select Global Summer School, your session and Physics, then provide your academic and English language information.

    3. 3

      Write a personal statement of no more than 150 words and provide accurate teacher and parent or guardian contacts.

    4. 4

      Submit the application so Imperial can request both references and assess it.

    5. 5

      If you receive a conditional offer, upload the requested passport, academic and English qualification documents within the stated offer window.

    6. 6

      After an unconditional offer, complete the student and parent acceptance forms and make full payment as instructed.

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    What does Physics Summer School cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Oscillations and calculus

    Study simple harmonic oscillators, damping and forcing through lecturer-led mathematical teaching.

    Python for science

    Learn basic Python and use Matplotlib, NumPy and SciPy in scientific computing.

    Experimental physics

    Conduct team experiments in an undergraduate laboratory and collect and analyze your data.

    Computer simulations

    Construct simulations of simple oscillations before modeling more complex physical systems.

    Innovation Challenge

    Share expertise with students from other subjects to tackle a real-world challenge.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Physics Summer School?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic mornings

    Week one Tuesday-Friday covers physics, programming, simulations and presentation preparation; week two Monday-Thursday covers the team project.

    Academic afternoons

    Laboratory, simulation, project and presentation sessions run for three hours; week-one Tuesday programming is listed as 13:30-14:00.

    Masterclasses

    One-hour masterclasses appear on week-one Tuesday and Thursday and week-two Tuesday.

    Social schedule

    Activities include sports, theater, bowling, a Brighton day trip and a Thames boat party, with groups attending at different times.

    Who teaches on Physics Summer School?

    Professor David Colling and Dr Alexander Richards from Imperial’s Department of Physics lead the subject. Imperial Enterprise Lab leads the Innovation Challenge, while current Imperial student mentors provide academic and pastoral support.

    Where do students stay on Physics Summer School?

    Residential plan

    • Prince’s Gardens rooms: Students share twin en-suite bedrooms in campus halls.
    • Bedroom facilities: Rooms include two beds, desks, linen, towels and tea-and-coffee facilities.
    • Student mentor support: Current Imperial students provide academic and pastoral support throughout the program.
    • Activities and excursions: The sample schedule includes theater, sports, bowling, Brighton and a Thames boat party.

    Campus residence is required throughout attendance; summer-school accommodation is not provided before or after the program.

    What happens after Physics Summer School?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Gain firsthand experience of university-style physics teaching.

    Build a foundation in Python for scientific analysis.

    Create simulations and explain experimental findings in a team presentation.

    Develop communication and teamwork through the Innovation Challenge.

    Experience campus living with support from current Imperial students.

    Where does Physics Summer School take place?

    Students study and stay at Imperial College London’s South Kensington campus, using undergraduate teaching laboratories and computing facilities. The residential experience also includes activities in London and a scheduled Brighton excursion.

    Physics Summer School FAQs

    No prior Python knowledge is assumed. Students learn the basics and then use Python for scientific data analysis and simulations.

    The focus is oscillations, explored through calculus, practical experiments and computer simulations. Students work with simple harmonic oscillators, damping and forcing.

    Students join peers from other subjects for an Innovation Challenge led by Imperial Enterprise Lab. Teams share expertise to tackle a real-world challenge.

    No. Students must live on campus throughout the program and cannot arrange to leave and return during it.

    Students stay in twin en-suite bedrooms in Prince’s Gardens halls. Rooms include two single beds, desks, linen and towels.

    Imperial does not offer discounts, scholarships, bursaries or financial assistance for this program. Separate free outreach summer schools are different opportunities.

    Current Imperial students provide academic and pastoral support, show participants around campus and share their experience of university life.

    Travel, contents and healthcare insurance are not included in the fee. Imperial recommends full travel insurance, including comprehensive medical cover for students traveling from overseas.

    Alternatives to Physics Summer School

    Compare these options if you want another physics setting, an engineering direction or an online space-science course.

    Alternatives to Physics Summer School

    Physics Summer Course

    In-person physics study in Cambridge

    Space & physics
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £5495
    13-17
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students comparing dedicated physics summer courses

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    Sean Stevens

    Content 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.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Making the most of your Global Summer School 2026 experience – Imperial Global Summer School
    • Sign in
    • 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 Physics 2026 Sample Timetable contains the full academic programme and social activities. This is subject to change.
    • Physics 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 checked

    • Eligibility and references reviewed

    • 2026 fee and funding checked

    • Residential requirements reviewed

    • Sample timetable reviewed

    • Application portal verified

    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.