In-person Programme

    The Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience

    by InvestIN

    A London computer science work-experience programme where students build robots, apps and games through career simulations and professional workshops.

    Last verified: 31 Jul 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    The Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience
    • What Succeed checks

      We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Programme dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Young Computer Scientist at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Students aged 15-18

    Age range / Year group

    15-18

    Location / Region

    London, UK

    Cost

    From £2,225

    Duration

    1 or 2 weeks

    Format

    In person

    Latest deadline

    27 July 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Computer ScienceCoding & AIArtificial IntelligenceEthics

    Accommodation: Optional residential

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner

    Certificate / outcome: Certificate and reference

    Professional contact: 25, 50 or 65 hours

    Young Computer Scientist summary

    The Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience is an in-person computer science work-experience programme in London run by InvestIN.

    Students explore robotics, software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, game design and fintech through team simulations, workshops and site visits.

    It suits students who want practical insight into computer science careers and are ready to participate in collaborative technical activities.

    What is The Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience?

    The Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience is InvestIN’s London-based in-person programme for students exploring computer science careers. It combines career simulations, professional workshops and visits with a university-campus setting at UCL.

    Students work through areas including robotics, UI/UX, front-end and back-end engineering, AI ethics, cybersecurity, game design and fintech. The experience is designed to make technical career pathways more concrete through practical team tasks and professional feedback.

    Why Succeed highlights Young Computer Scientist

    • It offers unusually varied hands-on activities, from Python robotics to a two-day game jam and a fintech app challenge.

    • The timetable connects technical practice with career context, including professional feedback and networking.

    • Students can see both software-building work and adjacent areas such as AI ethics, cybersecurity and motion capture.

    • Residential and day-student routes make the same programme accessible to local and travelling students.

    Who is Young Computer Scientist for?

    Best for

    Students who want to test several computer science specialisms through practical group work before choosing a degree or career direction.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost introductory course, fully remote learning, or a programme focused on one technical discipline only.

    Is Young Computer Scientist worth it?

    For a student who learns best by doing, this is a substantial chance to test what computer science work can feel like across programming, design and collaboration. The practical outputs, professional contact and campus setting can give useful material for reflecting on future subject choices.

    The main limitation is cost, particularly once residential attendance is added, and the broad format cannot replace sustained study of a single technical area. It is strongest when followed by independent coding or project work that deepens the interests discovered there.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    From £2,225; includes Programme materials, equipment and resources., Hands-on career simulations., Digital certificate and programme assessment., On-site safeguarding and pastoral care., Up to two professional workplace excursions for one-week attendance., Up to five professional workplace excursions for two-week attendance..

    Accommodation

    Optional residential

    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential students have a private en-suite university room, breakfast and dinner, evening and weekend activities, and 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral support.

    Provider details

    Review the InvestIN provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 or 2 weeks; London, UK.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Young Computer Scientist need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Plan several months before the summer intake, as places commonly fill 6-8 weeks before the programme starts.

    Main challenge

    Moving between unfamiliar technical topics while collaborating with new peers.

    Useful if

    You are curious about computing careers and willing to try practical activities.

    What do students do on Young Computer Scientist?

    Students take part in career-focused technical workshops and simulations, then apply ideas in teams through coding, design and presentation activities.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore computer science career paths, software engineering and AI.

    2. 2

      Assemble and program an obstacle-avoidance robot using Python or Scratch-based coding.

    3. 3

      Practise UI/UX and front-end development while designing an app or website.

    4. 4

      Build back-end projects and investigate algorithms, debugging and cybersecurity.

    5. 5

      Create and test a game during a two-day game jam.

    6. 6

      Devise and pitch a fintech app concept, then receive professional feedback.

    7. 7

      Complete an assessment-centre activity and attend graduation.

    Young Computer Scientist dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    2026 programme dates

    27 July - 7 August 2026

    One-week attendance ended 31 July; two-week attendance ended 7 August.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 15-18.

    • No prior knowledge or experience required.

    • B2 upper-intermediate English minimum.

    • Laptop recommended for Computer Scientist students.

    • Comprehensive travel and medical insurance required.

    How much does Young Computer Scientist cost?

    One-week programme

    £2,225 — 25 hours with professionals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-week programme: £3,275 — 50 hours with professionals.
    • Two-week Premium: £4,400 — 65 hours with professionals.
    • Bursary places: Check eligibility — Financially eligible students may attend free of charge.

    What's included

    Programme materials, equipment and resources., Hands-on career simulations., Digital certificate and programme assessment., On-site safeguarding and pastoral care., Up to two professional workplace excursions for one-week attendance., Up to five professional workplace excursions for two-week attendance.

    How to apply to Young Computer Scientist

    1. 1

      Choose the Computer Scientist Summer Experience on the InvestIN website.

    2. 2

      Select your preferred programme length and start date.

    3. 3

      Register online or secure a place with a non-refundable £950 deposit.

    4. 4

      Complete the student enrolment form with medical, travel and emergency-contact information.

    5. 5

      Use the pre-arrival pack to prepare for the programme.

    What does Young Computer Scientist cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Robotics and Python

    Assemble and program an obstacle-avoidance robot using sensors and Python.

    UI/UX and app development

    Use Figma and client requirements to design interfaces and app concepts.

    Software engineering

    Explore algorithms, debugging, front-end tools and Python-based back-end work.

    AI, games and fintech

    Consider AI ethics, create a game alpha and devise a fintech trading app.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Young Computer Scientist?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Weekday workshops

    Morning and afternoon technical workshops, with a lunch break.

    Residential evenings

    Social activities such as games, film, sports, wellness and quiz nights.

    Weekend

    Premium students have extra professional-development activities; non-residential students have no programme.

    Who teaches on Young Computer Scientist?

    Students are coached through immersive activities by entrepreneurial computer scientists, including people with experience in front-end and back-end development, cybersecurity and technology recruitment. The programme also brings in software engineers, game developers, cyber experts and robotics professionals.

    Students work in groups of around 6-10.

    Where do students stay on Young Computer Scientist?

    Residential plan

    • University accommodation: Private single en-suite rooms in central London university halls.
    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included with the accommodation package.
    • Pastoral support: 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral care includes designated leaders and medical support.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day attendance: Students living locally can attend as day students.

    Airport transfers from Heathrow are available as an optional add-on.

    What happens after Young Computer Scientist?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Develop practical examples for personal statements and interviews.

    Receive a personalised digital certificate after the online assessment.

    Two-week students receive a physical certificate and industry reference letter.

    Complete an optional Level 3 Work Experience and Career Planning qualification for eight UCAS points.

    Use the programme to identify areas for further independent coding or project work.

    A certificate or qualification supports reflection but does not replace sustained academic study or a technical portfolio.

    Where does Young Computer Scientist take place?

    The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus in London, with some days at industry locations. Residential students stay in central London halls used by University of London students.

    Young Computer Scientist FAQs

    No. The programme states that students do not need prior knowledge or experience to attend, and introduces topics at a basic level.

    Activities cover robotics, Python, UI/UX, front-end and back-end engineering, cybersecurity, AI ethics, game design and fintech.

    Yes. Students can choose a one-week taster, a two-week experience or a two-week Premium experience.

    Residential students have a private en-suite university room, breakfast and dinner, evening and weekend activities, and 24/7 safeguarding and pastoral support.

    Students can complete a post-programme online assessment for a personalised digital certificate. Two-week students also receive a physical certificate and industry reference letter.

    InvestIN recommends that Computer Scientist students bring a laptop and says pre-programme information will identify any sessions requiring one.

    Alternatives to Young Computer Scientist

    These options offer different ways to explore computer science, coding and technology careers.

    Alternatives to Young Computer Scientist

    Veritas AI Scholars
    Recently closed

    Online artificial intelligence programme for school students.

    Artificial Intelligence
    29 Jun 2026
    From $2490
    14-18
    Online
    Online

    Best for

    Students needing an online technology programme.

    View details

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programmes
    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • English as a foreign language – InvestIN Education
    • 404 Not Found – InvestIN Education
    • Book A Consultation With Us – InvestIN Education
    • Download Programme Brochure
    • Explore Our Summer Experiences - Download Your Brochure – InvestIN Education
    • InvestIN FAQs: Everything to Know About Our Career Experience Programmes – InvestIN Education
    • How to make your university application stand out – InvestIN Education
    • Computer Science Work Experience in London for Year 10-12 – InvestIN Education

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 31 Jul 2026)

    • Programme page reviewed

    • Brochure reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Pricing reviewed

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Safeguarding reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.