"The student ambassadors made me feel really comfortable and at home. I also learnt about subjects I've never heard of."
UniFest
2025
UniFest
UniFest is our Year 10 summer school which offers you the chance to explore university life, meet current university students and staff and make new friends. With five summer school events to choose from at different universities across the West Midlands, you will have an action-packed, fun experience.
UniFest is for learners in Year 10 at non-selective, state-funded secondary schools in the West Midlands who are from backgrounds and communities that are less likely to consider university as an option. To apply for a place, you will need the support of your school and the consent of your parents or carers, and you should be able to answer “Yes” to at least one of the following:
That depends on which UniFest event you choose! Some events explore university life and study in general, and others focus on specific careers or study options. All UniFest events include lots of hands-on sessions and a fun programme of social activities.
Yes! UniFest is funded by universities and schools and is totally free of charge. For residential UniFest events, meals, accommodation and activities are all paid for (although you may want to bring a little pocket money with you). The universities will help you plan how to get to and from events. If travel costs will make it difficult for you to attend, please get in touch by emailing aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
APPLY FOR UNIFEST"The student ambassadors made me feel really comfortable and at home. I also learnt about subjects I've never heard of."
"I had a really good time and made lots of friends."
"I enjoyed everything and the whole experience has boosted my confidence."
"This has been an amazing experience, I've made so many friends. This experience has changed my mind about university."
You will need to complete the online application form at the bottom of this page telling us about you and your career interests. Your parents or carers will need to complete parts of the form, and your school will need to approve your application.
UniFest is very popular and there are often more applicants than places. We ask for information about your family background and advise you to choose several events so that we can offer places as fairly as possible. If you have any questions about eligibility, please email us: aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
UniFest is a targeted programme. Universities ensure places are offered to young people who meet certain criteria. We use a weighted system to identify and prioritise applicants based on information about their backgrounds gathered as part of the application process. For applicants who meet the criteria, we aim to offer a maximum of five places to each school, however this is flexible.
UniFest gives you the opportunity to find out what university is all about so you can make informed decisions about your future. The experience is exciting, fun and boosts your motivation to do your best at school.
UniFest 2023 gave 224 students the opportunity to explore the world of higher education and make informed decisions about their future.
95% of learners were satisfied or very satisfied with the event.
Students who have taken part in UniFest become more motivated and confident in their learning, are known to have better grades at school and are more likely to go to university.
Read the UniFest 2023 Summary Report
UniFest events take place during term-time therefore you will be expected to take time out of your typical school timetable to take part. If UniFest clashes with any significant school activities, please speak to a teacher before applying.
To take part in UniFest, we need to share information about you and your child with Aimhigher universities so they can run the programme. The forms you will be sent if your child is offered a place are important, and we will not be able to accommodate anyone who does not complete them in full and return them on time. The application form also asks your permission to use data to help us see if young people attending UniFest go on to apply for university. Any information we publish will not refer to you or your child individually. Full details are included in the application form.
We want to hear about you and your interests, the subjects and qualifications you are studying, your career ambitions, any work experience you have completed and why you’re applying.
For every UniFest programme, universities take full responsibility for safeguarding, and will liaise directly with parents and carers to agree transport/hand-over arrangements etc. Teachers do not need to supervise young people attending UniFest. Aimhigher universities operate comprehensive safeguarding, child protection and health and safety policies and procedures. They will undertake risk assessments for all events and activities which will be published on our website in May/June 2024 ahead of the events.
Learners will need to make their own way to and from UniFest. Universities will liaise directly with young people and their parents and carers to share details travel arrangements. If travel costs will make it difficult for you to attend, please get in touch as soon as possible by emailing aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will do our best to support you.
Yes, all students must sign a Code of Conduct which makes it clear that they may be sent home if they do not behave as expected. Universities expect everyone to behave responsibly and follow instructions. If there are problems, parents/carers will be kept informed throughout.
Aimhigher will do all we can to minimise drop out before events, but it is inevitable in a small number of cases. We strongly advise parents/carers to:
Check you meet at least one of the criteria and read about each UniFest event to decide which you would like to go to.
Talk with your parents/carers and complete the online application form with them. Let a teacher know you’re applying too.
Remember to choose more than one event (as you will need a back-up choice).
McIntyre House, 2 Holland Street, Birmingham B3 1PW
Wednesday 9 – Friday 11 July 2025
Step into Health Careers with University College Birmingham! This event offers you the chance to get hands on experience of healthcare professions, discovering the different pathways into these careers. Over the course of three days, you’ll take part in interactive workshops in subjects like Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Psychology and Dietetics.
You will explore what your journey might look like into a healthcare career, including university degrees and apprenticeships. You’ll get to experience what it feels like to work in a hospital environment using the excellent facilities at the university. You’ll even get a chance to work with our life-like dummies, which simulate the experience of working with real patients!
Through a series of workshops and talks, our friendly Allied Health team will pass on their skills and knowledge so you can decide which healthcare profession might be for you! Our academics will talk you through the steps you’ll need to take to study a healthcare subject and secure a job in your chosen field.
You’ll also spend time with current university students and learn what life at university is really like. We’ll help you explore your options at sixth form and college to help you make the right choice for you.
You will travel to and from campus each day. You can be dropped off at McIntyre House by car or arrive by public transport. We will have staff available to escort you from public transport points including Birmingham New Street (rail) and Colmore Row (bus). If you are travelling by car, there is parking available for drop-off only.
University of Worcester, Farrier St, Worcester WR1 3BZ
Wednesday 2nd – Friday 4th July 2025
Join us at the University of Worcester to experience what it’s really like being a university student, exploring subjects like Law, Forensic Biology, Criminology and Policing. You will get a taste of the brilliant university facilities available, such as a custom-built courtroom where you will be working on a mock trial!
You will learn from academic experts who will share their knowledge on what it’s like to speak in court and how to present evidence collected at a crime scene. You’ll also see inside the minds of criminals, exploring what motivates a criminal. By the end of the summer school, you’ll have a greater understanding of which options could help you to pursue a career in criminal justice.
You will gain insights into Psychology, Criminology, Forensic Biology and Law, discovering what it’s like to study for a degree in these subjects. Throughout the summer school you will be accompanied by current university students, offering you the chance to chat to them and ask any questions you might have about university or careers.
We recommend travelling to the university by train if possible. Upon arrival, you will be met by student ambassadors who will guide you to and from campus. If you are offered a place and require financial support for travel costs in order to attend, please let us know as soon as possible.
Wednesday 2nd – Friday 4th July 2025
If you are interested in media and storytelling, then this is the summer school for you. No experience is necessary to get involved – just enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new!
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to dive into the world of news, radio and photography. You will create your own shows in our professional TV and radio studios and learn how to take stunning images in our photography studio. You will also develop skills in creativity, collaboration and communication.
When you are not in the studios, you will enjoy a range of fun social activities in the evenings with your new friends. Our Birmingham City University (BCU) students and staff will be available throughout the summer school to chat to you about any questions you might have about university. At the end of each jam-packed day, you will stay in our halls of residence, which includes your own bedroom and private bathroom.
You will learn all about university and higher education by living, working and socialising as a university student on campus. You be given information on pathways to university and the support available to you while you study. Your taster sessions will give you first-hand experience into media-related careers, working alongside expert academics in the field.
You will need to make their own way to and from BCU. On the first day, all students will be asked to meet at our City Centre Halls of Residence (see address above) to settle into your flat before starting the summer school activities.
Parents and carers will be contacted prior to the residential visit to confirm the travel arrangements for you. Parents/carers will also be asked to share any additional requirements in advance of the visit, including any accessibility requirements that need to be considered. There will be university staff and student ambassadors ready to meet participants at key meeting points, whether travelling by car or public transport.
Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET
Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th July 2025
Explore the exciting study and career opportunities that Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) have to offer! UniFest at Aston University will give you the chance to visit our campus, participate in STEM subject taster sessions and receive information and advice towards your future career aspirations.
Our residential event means that you’ll stay for two nights in student accommodation, which includes a private bedroom and bathroom. As well as this, our evening social activities will help you meet new people, make friends and boost your confidence.
You will hear first-hand experiences from Aston students and staff, gaining insight into life at university. By developing your knowledge of higher education, you will learn the reasons why people go to university, the variety of courses available and how these can be applied to future careers in the STEM industry.
There are many transport options available to make your own way to and from the Aston University campus. When you arrive in the morning of the first day, there will be student ambassadors located all around campus ready to show to you to the Main Building reception.
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Sunday 13th – Tuesday 15th July 2025
Are you interested in going to university, but not sure what it’s like or what you would study? Explore your options at the University of Birmingham summer school, Your Future, Your Choice, to find out what possibilities await you!
From staying in student halls of residence to attending university workshops, you will experience life as a university student. During the day, our academic staff will deliver fun, engaging and eye-opening sessions across a wide range of subject areas. And of course, university isn’t just about studying – it’s about having lots of fun too. There will be fun-filled activities with your new friends in the evenings too.
Whilst you’re with us, you will be looked after by our amazing student ambassadors who are all current students at the university. They will be on hand to guide you around campus, make sure you settle in and, most importantly, answer any questions you may have about life at university.
As many jobs require higher level qualifications, you will learn about the transferable skills you gain from any degree. You will gain an insight into student life, independent learning and university teaching styles – you may even decide on a subject you’d like to study!
You will need to make your own way to the university. Student ambassadors will greet you at our very own train station, University (Birmingham), and at the designated drop-off point for those travelling by car or bus.
Submit your application online! Applications close on Friday 21 March 2025.
If you are offered a place, you will be contacted in April 2025 by your host university who will provide more information.
UniFest begins! Events take place throughout July.
Got a question? Email us aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk