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KEY INFORMATION

Use code EARLY15 for 15% off our 2025 Summer Experience programme fees

Use code EARLY15 for 15% off our 2025 Summer Experience programme fees

The Young Architect Summer Experience

The Ultimate Work Experience in Architecture in London

InvestIN Education
InvestIN Education

The Young Architect Summer Experience

The Ultimate Work Experience in Architecture in London

Overview

Use code EARLY15 for 15% off our 2025 summer experience programme fees.

Are you an aspiring architect? Join our 2025 architecture summer school in London, designed for students aged 15-18. 

Over the course of two weeks, students will get to step into the shoes of an architect working in London, through a range of immersive career simulations and exclusive professional site visits. Visit leading architecture firms, design your own sustainable structure and pitch your ideas to a panel of architects in an iconic London venue.

By taking part in this InvestIN programme, students will expand their professional network and experience life at University College London (UCL). Our architecture summer school in London offers students the opportunity to experience their dream career, whilst strengthening their university applications.

Register now for a life-changing experience that will set you up for a future as a successful architect, or contact us to find out more. 

Read all highights

Immersive Architectural Experiences:
  • Visit top architecture and urban design firms such as Foster and Partners
  • Design your own sustainable structure and architectural interventions in the heart of London 
  • Complete a series of projects in a studio setting using architectural sketching tools and design techniques, under the guidance of senior architects
  • Pitch your final designs to a panel of architects and get feedback on your work
  • Exercise your curatorial skills by hosting an exhibition of your work with leading architects in attendance in an iconic architectural London venue
Boost Your University Application:
  • Gain first-hand experience to add to your application that demonstrates your passion, commitment and potential to succeed in the world of architecture.
  • Complete the online assessment after the programme and receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter outlining what you have achieved on the programme.  
  • Have your work assessed in order to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience, equating to 8 UCAS points. 
Meet Senior Architects:
  • Be coached through the immersive experiences with architects from world-renowned firms specialising in residential, commercial, urban design and more
  • Private networking sessions with these professionals, who can become vital connections for your future career
Career Coaching:
  • Receive training on how to land the most desirable jobs in architecture
  • Advice on subject choices, university selection, work experience, extra-curricular activities and more
World-Class Universities And World-Class People:
  • Experience one of the best universities on the planet: University College London (UCL).
  • Meet talented and ambitious students from around the world who fly in for the Summer Experience, creating an invaluable lifetime network.
Design Your Own Summer Experience:

⦁    Choose from one of the following options:

1.    First Week Only (taster experience); or
2.    Two-Week Experience (the full programme); or
3.    Two-Week Premium Experience (the ultimate package with both weeks plus enhanced benefits)

Accommodation
You can choose either residential or non-residential. The accommodation is at UCL student halls in central London. We provide residential students with meals, guardianship and fun activities on evenings and weekends. Airport transfers are also available at checkout.

Coming from abroad?
  • To date, we have welcomed students onto InvestIN programmes from over 100 different countries. They often say that a huge motivation is to meet and befriend students from around the world, whilst taking their English language skills to the next level. 
  • Attending a summer programme is a fantastic way to experience London, one of the world’s most renowned capital cities for academic excellence, global commerce and vibrant culture. You can also select our residential package to truly experience life on-campus at a top UK university (UCL), by living in private ensuite rooms at university halls of residence. We can offer everything you need – from airport transfers to meals and a fantastic evening social programme.
  • For students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), attending an InvestIN programme facilitates real-world application of English. Students will be immersed in the language 24/7, whether that’s working in a team, writing a project proposal, presenting to a group, networking with professionals or socialising with peers. Our programmes are delivered and facilitated by native English speakers, whilst over 50% of our students are from the UK and the US, providing international students with the perfect opportunity to enhance their oral and written skills in a professional and social context. Find out more about the benefits for EFL students in our blog post here.
  • For information about visas and language requirements, please see our FAQs page here.
Coming from the UK?
  • You can choose to attend our programmes as a day student if you live locally. Otherwise, our residential package will give you a great flavour of life in student halls of residence before you apply to university in the future.
  • Around 50% of our students come from abroad, providing you with a unique opportunity to network with and befriend peers from a range of different backgrounds and cultures.

Immersive Experiences Week 1

The Architecture Studio

  • Discover the architectural design process: research, collage, concept design, 3D model, developed design and presentation board
  • Refine your creative problem-solving skills with a series of quick-fire drawing exercises
  • Learn the difference between plan, section and axonometric drawings and their purpose within the design process in an interactive workshop with a leading architect
  • Engage in a 3D physical-modelling workshop: learn how to transform simple materials into magnificent miniatures of your architectural space

Become the Architect

  • Receive your first design brief and work with your team to analyse the client’s needs
  • Visit an inner-city site and document your findings through note-taking and conceptual sketching
  • Pool together your research, sketches and collage to align on the concept that will underpin your project
  • Build physical structures to best visualise your designs
  • Liaise with your peers in a studio ‘cross-crit’: size up the competition and get invaluable feedback

Firm Visit

  • Visit a top architecture firm and understand the day-to-day life of an architect
  • Get hands-on experience of how a firm operates, learning how they approach their own design briefs
  • Participate in a live panel Q&A session and gain invaluable advice to take back to the studio
  • Network with top architecture professionals

Pitch to the Client

  • Bring all your work together: curate your project narrative on presentation boards at a landmark London building
  • Perfect your elevator pitching skills: concisely describe your project to the client and communicate your design choices effectively
  • Have your project assessed according to industry standard crit guidelines
  • Receive detailed feedback on your work from leading experts in the field
     

This Summer Experience is for students aged 15-18 and you do not require any prior knowledge to attend.

The start date is the 28th July 2025.  You can choose to attend for either ‘First Week Only’, ‘Two Weeks’ or our ‘Two Week Premium’ package. You can also choose residential or non-residential. Pricing and details are set out below.

Click “Register Now” to book your place.

1 week 2-weeks 2-weeks Premium
Hours of contact time with professionals 25 hours 50 hours 65 hours
Hands-on career simulations
Programme materials, equipment & resources
Digital certificate
On-site safeguarding & pastoral care
Experience UCL campus
Excursions to professional workplaces/venues Up to 2 Up to 5 Up to 5
Assessment centre to improve on core skills & receive feedback
Graduation ceremony & physical certificate
Level 3 Award in Work Experience & Assessment for UCAS Points + £375
Experience LSE campus
Personalised professional development & university admissions coaching
Personality & situational judgement testing
Private Gala dinner & networking event with professionals
Programme fee £2,150 £3,150 £4,250
Residential package 1 week 2 week 2-week premium
Private, single, ensuite bedroom at university halls of residence 6 nights 13 nights 13 nights
Breakfast & dinner at accommodation canteen
Evening & weekend social activities
24/7 safeguarding & pastoral support, including a designated Pastoral & Activity leader, House Parents, Centre Managers & medical office
Programme fee + residential package total £3,550 £6,150 £7,250
Optional fee for London airport transfers (Heathrow return) + £300 return

Choose a location below:

In Person

Available dates:

  • 28th July 2025

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, en-suite.

     

Please find below some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions you'll be able to find our full FAQ list here and you are also welcome to reach out to us at info@investin.org and we'll be happy to help!

When is the deadline for registering for an experience?
Places on our programmes are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis so we will close registration as soon as we reach capacity, because of this we would always recommend booking as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to attend.
Do I get a certificate?
All students are invited to complete a post-programme online assessment and upon completion, they will receive a digital, personalised certificate. Students attending 2-week programmes will also receive a physical certificate and an industry reference letter.
Who are your safeguarding team?
On each Summer Experience, we have safeguarding team members on-site 24/7 to promote the safeguarding and pastoral welfare of our students. Our team are security-vetted (enhanced DBS-checked) professionals who work in education full time and our team is made up of Academic Professionals / LSA, Safeguarding Officers, Nursing Professionals, and Mental Health Practitioners. Students will therefore always be able to easily contact a guardian, should they need any support.
Do you offer payment plans?
You can secure your place online with a non-refundable £950 deposit and pay the remainder at a later date. Please contact info@investin.org if you would like to discuss alternative payment plans.
Will there be any opportunities for rest days?
Programme hours take place Monday-Friday, with a break over the weekend. If you select the 2-Week Premium option, the weekend will feature exclusive professional development opportunities outlined in the timetable.
Do you need work experience to be an architect?
Many roles within the industry will require that students have related work experience, highlighting their knowledge and aptitude. Relevant experience, whether in an internship or voluntary role, will support applications for entry-level jobs.
What kind of work experience is useful for aspiring architects?
Internships at architectural firms give aspiring architects knowledge and experience that will help them pursue a career in the field. Volunteering opportunities at firms in the industry will also give students insights into how they operate. Importantly, however, building a stand-out portfolio is an effective way of boosting your CV and university applications. InvestIN’s Young Architect Summer Experience is a fantastic way for young people to get unique insights into the field and develop skills that will support them in future job applications.
Is it hard to get into architecture?
Architecture is a highly competitive industry to get into. It requires a lot of education and training, often beginning with a five-year undergraduate degree in the subject.
What A levels do I need for an architecture degree?
While there aren’t any set A level subjects you’ll need for architecture, it’ll help if you have a combination of related qualifications. A mixture of sciences, maths, arts, and essay based subjects will support you in your application.
What skills should students develop for a career in architecture?
Key skills that will help architecture students succeed include: - Computer skills: Computer processing, model making, and 3D printing - Design skills: The ability to follow a design process that meets a client's needs - Problem-solving: Issues are bound to arise on any project, so problem-solving skills are very beneficial - Maths: Maths skills help architects transform early blueprints into finished works - Teamwork: All big projects will require a collaborative effort and efficient teamwork - Creativity: The ability to innovate and turn ideas into a reality - Project management: Using your skills and the tools available to you to ensure the successful completion of a project

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US

Information for international & EFL students

We have a minimum English language requirement of B2 (upper-intermediate, CEFR). For students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), attending an InvestIN programme facilitates real-world application of English. Our programmes are delivered and facilitated by native English speakers, whilst over 50% of our students are from the UK and the US, providing international students with the perfect opportunity to enhance their oral and written skills in a professional and social context. Find out more about the benefits for EFL students in our blog post here.

 

Support

If you are trying to register and the registration box is not appearing it is likely because of firewall restrictions on your desktop device.

You may wish to try on your mobile device instead. Alternatively, please email info@investin.org with details of the programme you want to register for. We will reserve your place immediately and send you a link to pay by card online.