Civil Engineering Summer School​

Our Civil Engineering Summer School is a week-long programme for pupils from Edinburgh and the Lothians who are about to enter S5 or S6.

Held each June, the summer school offers a hands-on introduction to the world of Civil Engineering.

Participants explore key areas of the discipline, take part in a team-based design, build and test project, and go on a field trip to see engineering in action.

It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for the subject and discover what a future in Civil Engineering could look like.

Secondary school pupils standing in front of a small wooden bridge in the gardens of King's Buildings Campus

Get ready for a hands-on introduction to Civil Engineering, with opportunities to explore different areas of the subject, take part in practical challenges, visit real engineering projects and meet current university students.

Throughout the week, you’ll discover core areas of Civil Engineering, including Structural, Geotechnical, Water and Fire Safety Engineering, as well as themes around sustainability and engineering innovation. Through engaging talks, live demonstrations and practical activities, you’ll see how engineers tackle real-world challenges.

You’ll also work in teams on a bridge-building challenge, where you’ll design, build and test a 2.4-metre timber bridge. Along the way, you’ll develop your creativity, problem-solving and teamwork skills while getting a real sense of what engineers do.​

The programme also includes opportunities to see engineering in action, with visits to facilities or major infrastructure projects. You’ll discover how large-scale structures are designed, built and tested, and learn more about the engineering behind them.

You’ll have the chance to meet current Civil Engineering undergraduates, giving you an insight into university life,studying engineering and what it’s really like to be a student.

Overall, expect a week of exploring, experimenting, designing, building and discovering where Civil Engineering could take you - with plenty of opportunities to get involved and ask questions along the way.


This programme is open to pupils who are going into S5 or S6 after the summer and meet the following requirements:​

  • Have achieved at least a grade C in National 5 Physics or Engineering Science​

  • Are studying (or have already achieved) Higher Maths​

  • Are also studying (or have already achieved) at least one Higher in a science subject (Physics, Biology, Chemistry,Computing Science, or Engineering Science)

The programme is non-residential and pupils should be able to make their way each day to the King’s Buildings campus.


Applications will open for the 2027 summer school in late 2026.​​

To register your interest please contact Dr Katie Grant, katie.grant@ed.ac.uk​.


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