InvestIN Architect Summer Experience in London

The programme is built around hands-on career simulations rather than lectures. Students visit leading architecture and urban design firms, among them Foster and Partners; complete a series of projects using architectural sketching tools and design techniques under the guidance of senior architects; design their own sustainable structure and architectural interventions in central London; pitch their finished designs to a panel of architects and receive feedback; and host an exhibition of their work with leading architects in attendance at a London venue. No prior study of architecture is required to attend.

The school offers a special discount - ask us for details. Three options are published: a first-week taster, the full two-week experience, and a two-week enhanced package. The enhanced package adds more contact hours with professionals, an assessment centre with feedback on core skills, a graduation ceremony with a physical certificate, time on the LSE campus, personalised professional development and university admissions coaching, personality and situational judgement testing, and a private gala dinner and networking event with professionals. Every option can be taken residentially or non-residentially.

Residential students stay in a private, single, ensuite bedroom at UCL student halls in central London. The residential package includes breakfast and dinner in the accommodation canteen, evening and weekend social activities, and round-the-clock safeguarding and pastoral support from a designated pastoral and activity leader, house parents, centre managers and a medical office. Non-residential students arrange their own accommodation and attend the daytime programme only.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation canteen for residential students as part of the residential package. Meals for non-residential students are not included.

Excursions to professional workplaces and venues are part of the programme, including visits to top architecture and urban design firms and an exhibition hosted by the students at a London architectural venue. Residential students also take part in organised social activities on evenings and at weekends.

Teaching takes place on the University College London campus, and the enhanced package also brings students onto the LSE campus. InvestIN hires these spaces on a commercial basis and states that it is not affiliated with the institutions. Residential students are housed in UCL student halls, with a medical office among the on-site support.

Students who complete the programme can have their work assessed for a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, equating to eight UCAS points. An online assessment taken after the programme leads to a personalised certificate and an industry reference letter describing what the student achieved. Alongside the qualification, students receive coaching on university admissions, including personal statements and interviews, and join a cohort drawn from more than a hundred countries.