A summer that changes everything
Academy Royale International’s Explore Engineering Summer School gives you a foundation in the key areas of engineering while opening your eyes to the possibilities of a career in the sector.
Over two weeks, you will explore the subject through fascinating classes and hands-on practical challenges.
The film
See the classes, 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 Explore Engineering course is taught by an expert faculty of industry leaders and researchers.
Associate Professor of Engineering Science
University of Oxford
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 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 Science 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), she is the recipient of numerous global awards and recognition for her inspiring initiatives
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 work in battery technology, energy storage and innovation.
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.
Download the Explore Engineering Summer School programme guide
Learning outcomes
You will leave Academy Royale International with a new understanding of what it means to be an engineer in the 21st century, and inspiration for your future.
You will have gained a strong background in the theory behind the core areas of engineering which will set you up for further study. You will also have gained valuable knowledge with transferable applications across mathematics, physics and other subject areas.
Through engineering simulations and practical exercises, you will consolidate your engineering learning and learn how real engineers apply their knowledge to complex situations.
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 the roles within electrical engineering
A workshop investigating the basics of electrical engineering
Another workshop to get familiar with the building blocks of circuitry
Lunch & free time
An immersive practical design challenge creating your own circuits
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
Academy Royale International alumni go on to achieve great things, studying at world-class universities and becoming engineers across a wide range of sectors.
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 curious, bright students who are excited to spend part of their summer diving into the world of engineering. It is perfect for students who already enjoy maths and science, and want to stretch their knowledge to a new subject with real-world applications.
No previous engineering knowledge is needed. Most students do not begin to study engineering until university, so this course does not assume any previous subject knowledge. All students need is confidence in their maths skills and enthusiasm for learning new things alongside an international group of similarly minded peers.
The course is designed to push bright students to take on new academic challenges by introducing lots of new concepts and practical tasks. While students are stretched, 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.
While many students in this age group will not yet be thinking about university, some will leave Academy Royale International set on studying engineering at university. For these students, the course is the perfect early 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 is very hands-on. Each module includes a practical element to challenge students’ problem solving abilities while consolidating their subject knowledge. Students enjoy getting stuck in and working collaboratively on exciting challenges with their classmates.
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 & Design insights
Find your purpose
A summer that changes everything
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