Key facts at a glance
- Dates: 26 – 30 July, 2 – 6 August, 9 –13 August 2027
- Schedule: 10 am – 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Location: NTU City Campus, Nottingham
- Course fee: £580 per week
- Accommodation (optional): Single-room, ensuite, £280 per week
- DofE Gold: Eligible when booked alongside accommodation
- Perfect for: 15–17 year olds who want to explore a subject they’re interested in, try something new and get a taste of university life.
Accredited by the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
NTU is a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Approved Activity Provider. When you book accommodation alongside your summer school course, your stay counts towards the Residential section of your Gold Award.
Experience a creative summer school for 15–17 year olds at Nottingham Trent University. Develop your skills in professional studios, use industry-standard equipment and complete your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential. Meet new people, explore new ideas and discover your creative voice.
What makes an NTU summer school different?
We take pride in our quality teaching, student support services, and commitment to sustainability - all of which have won several awards. Our dedication to these areas shines through in all of our courses and has helped to make NTU one of the most popular universities in the UK.
Below are a few more reasons for studying a short course with us over the summer.
Learn from expert tutors
Our courses are taught by experienced NTU lecturers, technicians, and industry professionals who know exactly what university admissions tutors look for. As a summer school student, you'll gain hands‑on experience, have the chance to ask questions, experience university life and ultimately make an informed decision about your future.
Join a global creative community
Our summer school attracts learners from across the UK, Europe and beyond creating the perfect environment to make new friends and collaborate on creative projects. We'll provide you with ideas of things to do in the evenings, and the freedom to explore them at your own pace.
Safety & wellbeing
The wellbeing of our students is our top priority. You’ll be supported by DBS‑checked NTU staff, dedicated Student Ambassadors, and trained accommodation teams.
Our courses
No interview or portfolio is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to take part.
World class facilities
Students use the same professional studios, labs and equipment as our degree-level learners, including:
- Animation & Digital Screen Arts: moving‑image studios, Cintiq drawing stations, games console labs
- Architecture & Architectural Technology: 3D printing, model‑making and prototyping studios, digital construction labs
- Fine Art: spacious studios, workshops, contemporary materials and casting facilities
- Photography: darkrooms, digital suites and professional camera equipment
- Product Design: prototyping workshops, wood/metal studios, CAD and electronics labs
Stay on campus (optional)
If you’d like to stay on campus during your summer school, we offer single, ensuite rooms in shared apartments in our halls of residence, just a minute’s walk to the summer school studios and all of Nottingham's attractions.
Accommodation can also be added to meet the requirements for the DofE Gold Residential Award.
Life in Nottingham
You'll be based in the heart of Nottingham, a friendly, walkable, creative city full galleries, cafés, cinemas and independent shops. NTU is located in a UNESCO City of Literature with excellent transport links and student‑friendly spaces everywhere.