Are you considering studying science, but aren't really sure about what your next steps should be? Join us to explore some of your options and lay the foundations for success.
Scientists at Oxford University and beyond are teaming up to offer you an exciting programme that includes online workshops, a two-night stay in Oxford, and online academic mentoring. It's completely free to take part in, and begins in March 2024.
The deadline to apply is 15 Jan 2024.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is in Year 10 at a state school in the UK, who identifies as being of Black African heritage, Black Caribbean heritage, mixed Black heritage or other Black heritage. We’re particularly keen to hear from you if you aren’t totally sure about whether these kinds of sciences are right for you, and want to try some of them out before you choose your A levels.
If we are over-subscribed, we will prioritise applications from students at state schools who are from under-represented backgrounds.
When is the programme?
The final dates are still subject to change. However, we anticipate the residential to be from 12:00 noon on Thursday 21st March until 15:00 on Saturday 23rd March 2024.
Before the residential, there will be two after-school online workshops. After the residential, there will also be four after-school online workshops.
The workshops will help build your study skills and introduce you to some amazing new ideas from our world-leading research. Then, in the Spring of Year 11, we'll be running academic group mentoring, to provide you with extra support as you are preparing for your GCSEs.
Why should I apply?
This programme has loads of opportunities for you to try out Physics, Engineering, and Materials Science, and dig a bit deeper into what these subjects are, exploring whether they might be right for you. When you’re visiting Oxford, you’ll get to stay in one of the University’s historic colleges. And during the days you’re here, you’ll be doing a lot of hands-on workshops in our cutting-edge laboratories. Plus we’ll be providing online workshops before and after the visit that will support your studies and showcase some of our world-renowned researchers, as well as offering you academic support in Year 11.
How much will it cost?
The programme is completely free to take part in, and we’ll cover all your accommodation and meals while you’re staying in Oxford. We also have some funds available to cover your travel costs, as we don’t want that to be a barrier for anyone.
How to apply
Applications for this programme are now open. The application deadline is 23:59 on Monday 15th January 2024.
You'll need a parent / guardian with you when you're filling out the form. It should take about 10-15 minutes.
It will ask you for:
- Your personal details (including whether your parents/guardians/carers went to university)
- Contact details for your school and a teacher who can give you a reference (e.g. a tutor, subject teacher or head of year)
- A short personal statement explaining what your favourite topic is in physics, engineering, or material science (80-100 words)
We reserve the right to change the programme format and contents if necessary.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about this programme, we'd love to hear from you! Email the team on schools.liaison@physics.ox.ac.uk.
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