15 Research Programs for High School Students in London

Key Takeaways

• These 15 programs give you access to leading London institutions like Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, and the Francis Crick Institute, covering fields from biomedical research and engineering to finance and the humanities.
• Several programs, including the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme, Nuffield Research Placements, and In2STEM, are free to participate in and cover travel expenses, making them accessible regardless of financial background.
• Program formats vary considerably, from short four- to five-day work experience placements like Imperial College’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme to longer two-week research and academic programs like the Imperial Global Summer School and LIYSF’s STEM Summer Camp.
• Many programs are restricted to UK state school students or specific year groups, such as the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme and Imperial College’s Year 11 STEM Challenge, while others, like the Imperial Global Summer School and King’s College Summer School, welcome international applicants.
• If you’re interested in a research-focused alternative rather than a London-based, in-person program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offer a mentored path toward a formal academic paper across fields like data science, political theory, and the sciences.

If you’re a high school student interested in exploring a subject in greater depth, research programs can help you do that through hands-on projects and guided research. These programs let you investigate questions, collect and analyze data, design experiments, read research papers, and present your findings. Depending on the program, you may also get to use laboratory equipment, coding tools, statistical software, or other research methods used in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, and the social sciences. You’ll work with mentors, ask questions, and learn how researchers solve real-world problems. If you’re specifically looking for research programs for high schoolers in London, you can find opportunities across STEM, medicine, engineering, business, and the humanities.

Why should you choose a program in London?

London is a great place to explore research because it’s home to leading universities, world-class hospitals, museums, research institutes, and growing technology companies. Many research programs give you the chance to learn from experts at institutions like Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and King’s College London, or work on projects inspired by the research happening there. As a major hub for science, healthcare, engineering, business, and technology, the city offers a closer look at how research solves real problems across fields.

Here are 15 research programs in London for high school students.

However, if you’re looking for STEM programs in London, you can find them here. You can also check out summer programs for high school students in London here.

1. Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme gives you an introduction to academic research and careers in higher education. You’ll spend five days exploring research in departments such as Biomedical Research, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Materials, Mathematics, and the National Heart and Lung Institute. You’ll experience a typical work routine by commuting to campus, meeting deadlines, and working in research and teaching laboratories, workshops, and specialist technical facilities. You’ll also learn how research is conducted, communicated, and applied in the real world. In addition to department activities, you’ll attend sessions on university applications, interview skills, personal statements, career planning, and higher education pathways.

2. Imperial Global Summer School

The Imperial Global Summer School is a two-week STEM program where you’ll choose from subjects like chemistry, data science and artificial intelligence, engineering, medicine and life sciences, or physics. You’ll spend more than 50 hours learning from Imperial academics through lectures, practical sessions, seminars, and university-level lab work, as well as build research skills in laboratory methods, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. In the second week, you’ll join students from other subjects to solve a real-world challenge led by the Imperial Enterprise Lab and present your solution. You’ll also gain experience using world-class research facilities, receive guidance on UK university applications and careers, and take part in evening social activities to explore London and meet students from around the world.

3. Research STEM Programme by STEMpoint

Research STEM is a two-week program that provides Year 12 students with research experience at a STEM organization and helps them prepare for future study and careers in STEM. You’ll work with a supervisor on a research project or investigation in any STEM subject area and gain practical, face-to-face experience. In addition to your placement, you’ll attend workshops to build confidence and transferable skills, receive training in key STEM topics, and take part in mental health and wellbeing sessions. You’ll also receive mentoring from experienced professionals and guidance on writing research reports, which will help you strengthen both your research and professional skills.

4. The Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme

The Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme gives you the chance to explore careers in science and the teams that support research. You’ll work under staff supervision and take part in activities based on your placement. Research laboratory placements will introduce you to fields such as genetics, immunology, cell biology, and bioinformatics, while non-laboratory placements are available in IT, public engagement, reception services, and education. The program helps students studying in Camden experience what it is like to work at the Crick. You can apply for multiple placements, but if you’re offered more than one, you’ll only be able to attend one placement at the Crick during the same academic year.

5. Guildhouse School London Summer Programmes – Bloomberg Business Advantage

Guildhouse School London offers summer programs for high school students in STEM, English, business, communication, and presentation. If you choose the business, finance, and economics course, you’ll complete the eight-module Bloomberg Market Concepts certification and learn to use the Bloomberg Terminal, a platform widely used by investment bankers. You’ll study management, marketing, leadership, and ethics as well as conduct financial market research with Bloomberg Terminals. You’ll present your research to a panel of judges on the final day and have the opportunity to earn the BMC qualification. The program also includes workshops and visits to the Bank of England, a business university, and Bloomberg’s European Headquarters to connect classroom learning with real-world finance.

6. Imperial College London’s Year 11 Online STEM Challenge

Imperial College London’s Year 11 Online STEM Challenge is a four-day hybrid program where you’ll work with a team to solve a real-world STEM problem. You’ll spend the first three days online and the final day at the South Kensington campus, where you’ll present your solution to a panel of judges. You’ll meet researchers, student ambassadors, industry professionals, and a mentor who will guide your team. The program introduces key research skills by helping you define research problems, combine ideas from different STEM fields, and understand how researchers investigate real challenges. You’ll also explore university life, refine your presentation, defend your ideas before a judging panel, and compete for a team prize.

7. Nuffield Research Placements

The Nuffield Research Placements program allows you to spend up to two weeks working with scientists and industry professionals on a real STEM research project, along with pre- and post-placement independent study. You’ll investigate a live research question using scientific methods, contribute to ongoing work, build practical, analytical, and subject knowledge, and gain insight into university-level study. Placements take place in offices, research centres, museums, laboratories, or fieldwork settings and cover science, computing, maths, quantitative social science, technology, engineering, or interdisciplinary topics. You’ll also prepare a scientific or technical report and poster, strengthen your UCAS application, become eligible for the Gold CREST Award or Big Bang Competition, and join the Nuffield Alumni Network after completing the program.

8. Kensington Park School (KPS) Summer School

KPS Summer School is a two-week program for high school students from around the world. You’ll study subjects such as art and design, medicine, engineering and computing, business and entrepreneurship, drama, law, politics, or international relations with teachers and industry professionals. You’ll attend lectures, seminars, and workshops before applying your knowledge in a practical project. If you choose a research-focused pathway, you’ll learn academic research methods, investigate topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and electrical engineering, analyze complex data, and complete a group research project. You’ll receive an individual faculty evaluation letter and may also earn a recommendation letter from Imperial College faculty. The program also includes field trips, university skills sessions, and social activities across London.

9. FDM Apprenticeship Programme

The FDM Apprenticeship Programme is a three-year paid opportunity for UK students. You’ll spend four days a week gaining hands-on experience in IT Support, Information Security, Salesforce Administration, Robotics Process Automation, IT Business Projects, or Software Development while working on projects with FDM and leading companies. You’ll spend 20% of your time studying with partner universities such as Sheffield Hallam University and North Eastern University London. You’ll build technical and job readiness skills and receive guidance from a personal mentor. You’ll also learn applied research by analyzing business needs, using tools like SQL and Excel to interpret data, and evaluating technologies and software solutions to solve real business challenges.

10. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

The King’s College London Pre-University Summer School is a program for academically motivated high school students. You’ll choose one or more courses in subjects such as law, medical science, marketing, business management, computer science, psychology, science, technology and engineering, or neuroscience. You’ll learn through interactive lectures, guest seminars, and university-style assignments and receive personalized feedback from tutors. The program also helps you build research skills by analyzing academic literature, exploring current findings in research-focused subjects, and learning from King’s faculty members who share insights from their own research. After completing the program and all course assignments, you’ll receive a King’s Certificate of Completion.

11. In2STEM by In2scienceUK

The In2STEM program allows Year 12 students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll participate in an induction event and then complete a professional placement within commuting distance, where you’ll get to work with scientists, researchers, and STEM professionals in real workplace or lab settings. You’ll observe scientific techniques, use professional equipment, and learn how research is carried out. In addition to your placement, you’ll attend online skills, careers, and employability workshops as well as join public engagement competitions. You can also turn your placement into a CREST Award submission. The program ends with a celebration event, after which you’ll be invited to join the Alumni Community.

12. Imperial College London’s Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School

Imperial College London’s Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School introduces you to engineering by allowing you to participate in hands-on activities, taster sessions, and talks across bioengineering, civil engineering, earth science and engineering, design engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering. You’ll meet mentors, current students, and academics, explore the South Kensington campus, and take part in team-building activities and engineering challenges. You’ll get an introduction to university-level lab work and see how engineering research is applied to real-world problems and industry. You’ll work with your team to create and present a poster on an engineering discipline and gain a better understanding of engineering careers, skills, and future study pathways.

13 .London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) STEM Summer Camp

The London International Youth Science Forum STEM Summer Camp is a two-week summer program for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll attend lectures and specialist tutorials led by leading scientists, researchers, and Nobel Prize winners, and explore current research methods, scientific advances, and research ethics. You’ll visit university labs and research centers, take part in research projects, and may present your findings. You can also present an existing school research project at the Science Bazaar and poster sessions to receive expert feedback. The program includes visits to Oxford and Cambridge, a certificate of participation, and networking with students from more than 90 countries.

14. University College London’s GOS ICH Work Experience

The GOS ICH Work Experience is a week-long program held twice a year for students interested in biomedical and scientific research careers. You’ll explore research across five teaching and research departments by attending talks, departmental seminars, lab sessions, and Journal Club discussions with researchers and PhD students. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using pipetting solutions, microscopes, and visiting clinical laboratories at Great Ormond Street Hospital. You’ll learn how scientists develop research questions, design experiments, analyze data, and publish findings. You’ll also get to explore topics ranging from genetic analysis to pediatric epidemiology, and how research improves children’s healthcare. The program does not include hospital ward placements.

15. University College London’s Pre-University Online Summer School

The University College London Pre-University Online Summer School is a two-week program that helps you build the academic and English language skills needed for undergraduate study in the UK and introduces you to UCL and UK academic culture. You’ll develop critical thinking, academic writing, presentation, independent study, note-taking, and research skills through live lessons, self-study tasks, tutorials, and one-on-one sessions with your tutor. You’ll learn how to conduct academic research, write a short research report, and deliver an academic presentation. You’ll participate in lectures across the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences as well as virtual visits to London landmarks. You’ll also receive a UCL CLIE certificate and a full report after completing the course.

One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of research programs are available to high school students in London?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including university work experience placements like Imperial College’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme and UCL’s GOS ICH Work Experience, research institute placements like the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme, and structured summer schools like the Imperial Global Summer School and King’s College London Pre-University Summer School. Nuffield Research Placements and In2STEM offer another route, placing you directly with scientists and industry professionals on a live research project.

Do you need to be a UK resident to apply?

It depends on the program. Several, including Imperial College’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme, the Francis Crick Institute’s placements, and Nuffield Research Placements, are restricted to students enrolled in UK state-funded schools. Others, like the Imperial Global Summer School, Kensington Park School Summer School, and King’s College London Pre-University Summer School, are specifically open to international students.

Are there free options available?

Yes, several programs on this list don’t charge a fee. Imperial College’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme, Research STEM by STEMpoint, the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme, Nuffield Research Placements, and In2STEM are all free to participate in, and several also cover travel and food expenses.

Which programs offer stipends or paid opportunities?

The FDM Apprenticeship Programme stands out as a paid, three-year opportunity that pays participants monthly while they train and work. Most other programs on this list don’t offer a wage, though many, including the Francis Crick Institute’s placements and Research STEM by STEMpoint, reimburse travel and other expenses.

Which programs focus specifically on business or finance?

If business or finance interests you, Guildhouse School London’s Bloomberg Business Advantage course is the most directly relevant option, letting you earn the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification and work with Bloomberg Terminals. King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School also offers business management and marketing courses if you want a broader academic introduction to the field.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a London-based program?

Yes. If you’re interested in a research-focused alternative rather than a London-based, in-person program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, across fields like data science, political theory, and the sciences. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. Imperial College’s Year 11 STEM Challenge and Year 12 Work Experience Programme both open in January and close by early March, while Research STEM by STEMpoint closes April 20 and King’s College London’s Summer School closes April 10. Nuffield Research Placements and In2STEM both run application windows from December through April, so apply as early as possible within that range for the best chance of a spot.

Image source: Horizon Academic Research Program