Undergraduate Summer School

Summer School 2023

The emphasis of the Undergraduate Summer School is to bridge the skills gaps you may have encountered and help you progress with your career in ecology. Within the application process we are seeking your views on the most useful content to include. We have lots of exciting plans in process but the most important aspect is to provide an experience that will enhance your opportunities to succeed.

Applications for next year are currently closed.

Before applying, please read the Summer School guidance notes.

Eligibility criteria:

• Be enrolled in a degree in the UK or Ireland
• Be an Undergraduate studying a degree relating to ecology (such as, but not limited to, ecology, geography, biology, conservation, environmental sciences). Students in an integrated Masters course are also eligible unless they are in their final year of study.
• Be available in July 2023 (dates to be confirmed)

Applications will be considered for all undergraduate students studying a degree relating to ecological sciences, irrespective of their background. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who feel that they face or have faced barriers to their career development, whether this may be due to being from an underrepresented group and/or due to other factors (e.g. caring responsibilities). 

Past Summer Schools

Summer School 2022

The last two years the Summer School went fully online, however this year we took the hybrid route combining the best elements from the online and in-person trips. The Summer School had a first session fully online on the 12th July 2022 where they were able to meet their peers, their mentors, and staff, and practice networking in a relaxed setting. This was followed by the residential field trip to Blencathra Field Studies Centre 15th July – 18th July, where they were able to attend classes and dive right into the world of ecology with practical skills sessions!

Summer School 2020 and 2021

The past two years have seen fully online Summer Schools with extra ecological outdoor content local to participants. Over the course of the weeks, students participated in expert-led science sessions, online interactive elements and career development workshops. There were plenty of opportunities to network with fellow undergraduates, PhD students, ecological academics and professionals. Whilst the Summer School was an intense experience, jam-packed with activities, it was extremely beneficial and lots of fun!

In previous years we have been lucky enough to visit some amazing locations to deliver the Summer School. Below are some images of previous years and an insight into the fieldwork, careers and ecological sessions Summer School alumni have taken part in!