Exceptional Education Architecture and Design Program for High Schoolers at UC London | Best Parents
Immerse career insights ucl

About the provider: "Exceptional" - Founded 2012, global leader in pre-college experiences with 7000+ alumni from 125+ countries, 97% recommended, 4.6 stars on TrustPilot

age icon 15-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Our unique program immerses you in real-world issues of your chosen subject, offering an unparalleled opportunity to innovate alongside other academically talented students.

  • Delve into interactive workshops and network with business professionals, gaining insights from industry leaders in architecture.
  • Engage in hands-on architectural modeling and experience the dynamic life of an architect, hearing from top professionals in London’s architectural firms.
  • Our small class sizes, averaging just seven students, ensure personalized attention from expert university tutors with extensive experience.
  • You'll participate in one-on-one career coaching for personal support and guidance for success.

This program is not run by the campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for this program in any way.


& More

We have so much more, activities, excursion etc. If you want to explore more get more details here it.

Location

Astor College address: 99 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QB.

  • Astor College, UCL is the campus location, near Euston, Kings Cross, and St Pancras International stations in Bloomsbury, London.

  • The location is ideal for exploring London, with easy access to world-famous universities and landmarks.

  • Direct 55-minute journey from London Heathrow Airport to King’s Cross, then a 25-minute walk or short Underground ride to Astor College.

What's Included

  • 13 nights accommodation in central London

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Visits to leading industries

  • 40 hours of project sessions from subject experts

  • Real-world project workshops

  • 1:1 Career Coaching

  • Full and half day excursions to iconic London landmarks

  • Formal dinner at a top London restaurant

  • Graduation ceremony and certificate

  • Detailed Career Development Plan from your personal coach

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance

  • Mentor family photograph

Activities

  • Ice-Breaker Games
  • Quiz Night
  • Game Show
  • Tennis/Football
  • Talent Show
  • Lates Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
  • Graduation Party & Prizes

Accommodations

  • Students will reside at Astor College, UCL’s student accommodation in Fitzrovia, central London.

  • Astor College features modern communal lounges, an outdoor courtyard, and open plan dining areas.

  • Provides a comfortable base for attending workshops, industry visits, and social activities.

  • Accommodation includes single bedrooms, both standard and en-suite.

  • Access to common rooms and social spaces with pool tables and quiet study areas, perfect for downtime.

  • Breakfast and dinner provided by experienced catering teams in the accommodation.

  • Catering staff familiar with various dietary requirements.

  • Students with food allergies should speak to staff at mealtimes for allergen information.

  • Dietary information is shared with catering teams prior to student arrival.

  • During term time, the accommodation is used by University of London undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Excursions

  • Visit iconic London landmarks
  • Explore a world-famous museum after dark
  • Learn new skills at an indoor skate park
  • Catch award-winning theatre on the West End
  • Experience exceptional urban regeneration at the Olympic Park

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 4 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival.

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £100 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

  • Optional taxi service available with Addison Lee (Travel to and from the program is not included in the participation fee.)

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from subject experts
  • Visits to leading industries
  • Real-world project workshops
  • 1:1 Career Coaching
  • Average class size of 7, maximum class size of 10 students
  • Detailed Career Development Plan from your personal coach

Unique Industry Insights

  • Visit The Building Centre, a hub for the built environment, to explore exhibits and create projects.
  • Engage in E-Architect's walking tour of Canary Wharf to learn about key London sites' history and architecture.

Sample Modules

Module 1: Architectural Design Development

  • Learn key principles of architectural design including balance, rhythm, and contrast.
  • Understand the interplay between design, technology, environment, and historical context in architecture.

Module 2: Architectural Design Realisation

  • Advance creative skills to realize design concepts into technical details and visualizations.
  • Use architectural design software to bring ideas to life, challenging technical skills.

Module 3: The Science of Materials

  • Explore scientific principles of materials used in architecture and construction.
  • Build understanding of tools and considerations for material selection in design.

Module 4: Sustainable Refurbishment

  • Learn to identify refurbishment solutions for improved building performance.
  • Address global warming issues and create a sustainable refurbishment plan.

Module 5: Free-Hand Architectural Designs

  • Master free-hand drawing of architectural designs with basic graphical techniques.
  • Develop skills in drawing floor plans, sections, facades, and perspectives.

Module 6: Introduction to Interior Design

  • Develop an interior design project from conception to final project details.
  • Learn about measurements, proportions, material selection, lighting, colors, and textures.

Module 7: Digital Illustrations

  • Create semi-realistic digital illustrations to bring architectural ideas to life.
  • Focus on axonometric and pedestrian views for effective communication of project ideas.

Module 8: Collaging

  • Utilize collaging techniques to portray architectural spaces artistically.
  • Generate illustrated presentations of architectural projects, enhancing design portfolios.

Sample timetable Career insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Konrad H:

  • MArch I from Harvard GSD (2020), BSci in Architecture from UCL (2014) with First Class Honours.

  • Attended Harvard on a Merit Scholarship and as a Fulbright Flagship Scholar.

  • Worked at Snohetta Oslo, Kengo Kuma Tokyo, and KPF NYC.

  • Combined a broad work experience with a multi-disciplinary approach to architecture (having for example worked as an archeologist in Greece) which allowed him for teaching architecture as both a professional and theoretical subject that can allow for a broad range of interests.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £100 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience


Video

Watch the video to have a sneak peek for your child’s adventures!


Session Dates

Good News! You are not going to pay the full fee today, just a small deposit. After paying today, you will first get an enrollment form, and then receive a booking confirmation.

June - Boarding

Start 6/29/2025
End 7/12/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

June - Commuter

Start 6/29/2025
End 7/12/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,980

July - Boarding

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

July - Commuter

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,980

July - Boarding

Start 7/27/2025
End 8/9/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

July - Commuter

Start 7/27/2025
End 8/9/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,980

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