A summer that changes everything
In Academy Royale International’s Engineering summer course, in-depth scientific understanding meets problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions to real-world Engineering problems.
Through a mixture of lectures, seminars, case studies and practical workshops, you will explore how engineers reinforce design and creativity with mathematical and materials science knowledge to create inspiring structures.
The film
See the labs, college halls and students who found their purpose on our programmes.
The engineering curriculum
Week one · Foundations
Week two · Developing Skills
Faculty & speakers
Academy Royale International’s Engineering course is taught by an expert faculty of leading experts and real engineers
Associate Professor of Engineering Science
University of Oxford
Dr Digby Chappell is an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, a member of the Oxford Robotics Institute and a Tutorial Fellow at St Anne’s College. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London. Digby leads the Human Enhancing and Augmenting Technology Lab, developing body-interfacing robotics designed to restore, improve and transform human abilities.
Head of Teaching and Research Design Group, Department of Engineering Science
University of Oxford
Dr Nikita Hari is Head of the Teaching and Research Design Group in the Department of Engineering at the University of Oxford. She holds a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Cambridge and has more than a decade of experience across industry and higher education, alongside several international academic and professional roles. She is featured in the ‘Engineers Making a Difference’ book by Imperial College London (2022), ‘Top 50 Women in Engineering in the UK’ (2017) and listed as a ‘Clinton Global Changemaker’ (2018).
Energy Storage and Battery Technology Expert; DPhil in Engineering Science
Christoph Birkl is an expert in energy storage and battery technology with more than 15 years of experience in the sector. He holds a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, where he specialised in lithium-ion batteries. Christoph went on to co-found Brill Power, an Oxford spin-out developing battery intelligence technology, and led the company for nearly ten years before its acquisition by Palmer Energy Technology. He now leads the innovation office at Palmer Energy Technology, continuing his innovative work.
Choose your setting
While the academic programme maintains the same high standards no matter where you study it, Academy Royale International offers a choice of two iconic locations to study in. In both Oxford and Cambridge, you will experience real collegiate life in historic surroundings.
Learning outcomes
By the end of your time with Academy Royale International, you will have the skills and knowledge to take your next steps towards becoming an engineer.
Our future-focused Engineering course will leave you with the mathematics and physics knowledge to tackle the newest challenges with confidence.
Through engineering simulations and practical challenges and workshops, you will also leave equipped with the skills needed in a successful engineer.
Beyond the classroom
An exciting social and cultural programme immerses you in each destination while offering you a chance to relax in the middle of a busy academic programme.
A typical day
Start the day with a delicious breakfast in college
A fascinating morning seminar exploring careers in aeronautical engineering
A workshop investigating the importance of wing shape in aeroplane design
A seminar on the challenges of sustainability in the aviation industry
Lunch & free time
An immersive practical design challenge, working in groups to design a sustainably-powered aircraft
Dinner in your college’s atmospheric dining hall
Activities from our varied social programme, including sports, talent shows and local cultural experiences
Student voices
Unlike traditional school, Academy Royale International gave me the practical engineering experience I needed, like collaborating in groups to build a tower up to the ceiling. Working alongside classmates from all over the world was amazing for learning about different cultures, while exploring historic Oxford streets and iconic landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera made it an unforgettable journey.
Maria
Brazil
I love the lessons because the teachers make them fun while teaching, and we do lots of practical work linked to the course. We designed paper planes to see which would go the fastest and built a bridge out of popsicle sticks. Having practical classes makes the subject easier to learn and keeps us engaged.
Femi
Nigeria
As a third-year returning student, Academy Royale International has been instrumental in shaping my future. Studying engineering gave me total clarity to choose Physics and Maths for my upcoming A-Levels. Combined with Oxford's incredible architecture, vibrant city life, and friends from around the world, it offers the ultimate mix of academic direction and personal fun.
Louis
Campus: St. Peter's College
The journey beyond summer
Across a community of more than 50,000 alumni, students have gone on to study at leading universities and build careers with globally recognised organisations.
Eleonora’s story
Selected destinations reported by alumni · attendance does not guarantee admission or employment
Engineering Summer School FAQs
Detailed answers for parents and students comparing Engineering summer schools.
This programme is designed for bright, academically ambitious students who are excited to spend their summer advancing their understanding of Engineering alongside an international cohort of similarly-minded peers. You don’t need to be sure that you want to be an Engineer in the future, you just need to be interested in learning more about the subject.
No previous experience of studying Engineering is needed. The course is designed to stretch students beyond the school curriculum in related fields including maths and physics and introduce new Engineering-specific concepts. All students need is an interest in Engineering and enthusiasm for learning new things.
The course balances academic intensity with practical and hands-on activities which solidify learning by putting it into real-world contexts. The course is designed to stretch and challenge ambitious students by introducing them to university-level concepts and teaching styles. Their learning is guided by expert members of our faculty and takes place in small classes, ensuring that every student feels supported and enjoys their learning while encountering new ideas.
The course is the perfect preparation for university applications. By giving students a solid foundation in the mathematical skills and scientific background of Engineering, it strengthens applications. Students have the opportunity to ask their tutors and industry professionals for application advice. They also receive a certificate, grades and a report which make excellent supporting materials for a strong university application.
The course combines lectures and intellectual debate with a heavy focus on developing hands-on skills. Students experience what it is like to work in various fields of Engineering through simulations and skills workshops, creating a very hands-on course.
A typical morning involves a lecture and two seminars or workshops. In the afternoon students have another extended workshop or practical session. The rest of the day is spent socialising with friends during activities, enjoying delicious meals in inspiring campus settings and exploring the city.
The programme takes place in one of two inspiring campuses in the historic colleges of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Whichever location they choose, students have access to university-level facilities and teaching spaces.
By teaching in small groups, we ensure that each student has a personalised relationship with their tutor. This means they receive high-quality constructive feedback and any support they need in class. It also means that students bond with their classmates, creating a friendly atmosphere in which students get involved and ask questions with confidence.
Our students come from all over the world. Since our first summer school in 2004, we have welcomed students from over 175 countries. They speak a wide range of languages and come from a wide range of backgrounds, creating a vibrant community perfect for international students.
At the end of the course, students receive a graduation pack which contains a certificate acknowledging their academic achievements during the course. They also receive a personalised report and detailed grades.
Engineering insights
Find your purpose
A summer that changes everything
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