About our Engineering Course
This course introduces students to engineering through a practical, real-world design challenge.
Students explore global challenge areas such as the built environment, energy, transport, water, waste and digital technology before selecting a focus, defining a problem and developing a solution through sketching, design thinking, technical drawing and prototyping.
Delivered in collaboration with University of Bath faculty staff, the programme offers students a valuable introduction to university-level engineering in a respected academic setting.
Rather than focusing on theory alone, students follow a real engineering design process: identifying problems, testing ideas, comparing options, refining solutions and communicating their final design clearly.
By the end of the programme, students will have developed a final engineering concept, a prototype or design model, and the confidence to present their work to engineering professionals.
At a Glance
Ages 14 to 18
Ambitious students preparing for university study
University of Bath
Delivered in collaboration with University of Bath faculty staff
Residential
Full boarding in secure university accommodation
Summer 2027
4th – 17th July or 18th – 31st July
University of Bath Certificate
Students receive a University of Bath certificate
£4,950
Course fee, with university tuition, accommodation and activities included
What You'll Study: Course Curriculum
Engineering Foundations
Project Introduction
Students are introduced to the engineering design challenge and begin exploring what they want to learn, discover and create across the programme.
Global Challenge Areas
Students explore real-world challenge areas including built environment, digital, energy, food, sanitation, transport, waste and water. They consider which problems interest them most and how engineering can respond.
Sustainable Development Goals
Students connect their chosen challenge area to wider global priorities, including sustainability, infrastructure, climate action, clean energy, clean water and responsible consumption.
Design, Drawing & Problem Solving
Sketching and Visual Thinking
Students develop confidence using sketching as an engineering tool. They practise lines, shapes, 3D forms and visual communication to help them express early ideas clearly.
Observational Drawing
Students practise live drawing by observing bridges, buildings, vehicles and other structures, helping them understand form, proportion and real-world design.
Technical Drawing
Students learn how engineers communicate design through first-angle and third-angle projection, including front, side and top views.
3D Drawing and Design Development
Students explore isometric, axonometric, oblique and perspective drawing before applying these methods to their own engineering ideas.
Prototyping, Testing & Final Presentation
Defining the Brief
Students turn a broad challenge area into a clear engineering problem. They ask questions, compare possible problems and define a focused brief.
Developing Solutions
Students generate multiple design ideas, compare them using criteria such as impact, practicality, scalability, affordability and ease of use, then select the strongest option.
Refining the Design
Students iterate their chosen solution, considering what works, what could improve and whether the brief itself needs to change.
Prototyping the Solution
Students plan and create a prototype or design model, considering scale, materials, working parts and testing methods.
Final Engineering Presentation
Students prepare a professional presentation using sketches, prototypes, photos and concise explanation. The aim is for students to present their final design to practising engineers during an industry-focused visit or professional showcase.
Innovation Showcase: Engineering Design Challenge
The Engineering Design Challenge is the final showcase of the Engineering, Design & Sustainability course.
Working individually or in teams, students identify a real-world problem and develop an engineering solution linked to a global challenge area.
Their final project may focus on areas such as:
- Sustainable cities
- Clean energy
- Transport systems
- Water and sanitation
- Waste reduction
- Digital solutions
- Food systems
- Built environment design
Students move through a full design process: defining the brief, generating ideas, comparing options, refining the design, developing a prototype and preparing a professional presentation.
The aim is for students to pitch their final design to practising engineers during a visit to an engineering firm, where they receive professional feedback and insight from industry experts.
The focus is on clear thinking, practical design, sustainability and the ability to explain how an engineering solution could work in the real world.
The Future: University and Careers
The programme is designed to help students explore future university and career options linked to engineering, design, sustainability and innovation.
Students gain insight into how engineers approach complex problems, communicate technical ideas and design solutions with real-world impact.
Careers linked to this course include:
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Design Engineering
Structural Engineering
Sustainable Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Energy Engineering
Product Design Engineering
Reference Letter and Certificate
To support every student in their application for university or future careers, every student leaves with a reference letter and a certificate.
The reference letter includes:
- Details on the experiences they had on the programme
- Details on their own performance during it
The certificate includes:
- A Sapphire Education Certificate
- Course title, dates and campus
Students on this pathway also receive a University of Bath certificate recognising their participation in the Engineering programme.
What's Included
One fee covers all subject learning, masterclasses, beyond the classroom experiences, accommodation, meals and support.
Subject Learning
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Projects
- Industry Experiences
- Innovation Showcase
Masterclasses
- Academic Writing & Academic Reasoning
- Seminar Discussion & Speaking Skills
- Lecture Notes & Study Strategies
- Research, Evidence & Academic Integrity
- Academic Showcase
Beyond the Classroom
- University Visit
- Career Guidance Workshop
- Full-Day Excursions
- Local Activities
- Cultural Immersion
- Evening Activities
Accommodation
- Modern, private en-suite accommodation
- All daily meals, with dietary requirements catered for
- Shared dining and common areas
Support & Wellbeing
- 24/7 on-site staff
- High staff-to-student ratio
- Designated mentor groups for check-ins
- Course Directors and Student Experience team throughout
Optional Extras
- Meet-and-greet airport transfers
- Unaccompanied-minor support
- Airport transfers are a paid extra unless included with a current offer.
The Sapphire Experience
Every Sapphire programme is built to create a well-rounded educational experience. Each part of the programme has been carefully designed to help students develop academically, prepare for university and make the most of their time in the UK.
What Our Tutors Say
“It was lovely to see the students take their ideas through the whole design process, from initial drawings to physical models they could proudly present and talk about at the end.”
James, University of Bath Lecturer, UK
