Uncover Engineering programme welcomes 72 students from under-represented backgrounds to Oxford

Seventy-two Year 10 students across the UK experienced life at the University of Oxford as part of this year’s Uncover Engineering programme, hosted by the Department of Engineering Science. The course is offered annually to two groups of students: girls and those of Black African and Caribbean heritage.

The four-day residential course is designed to introduce students from groups under-represented in engineering to the subject through interactive learning and real-world problem solving.

Participants explored multiple areas of engineering. The programme also included sessions on university life, college tours, and social activities to give them a sense of what studying at Oxford might be like. Formal dinners were held at St Hugh’s and Exeter colleges.

‘‘I am truly grateful to Oxford and the sponsors who made this programme possible.’’ said one of the participants. ‘‘It has been an unforgettable experience that has strengthened my interest in engineering and inspired me to continue exploring this exciting field.”

The Uncover Engineering programme is part of the department’s wider commitment to increasing diversity and representation in engineering education. By offering early and meaningful exposure to engineering in an encouraging and inclusive environment, the programme aims to help students build confidence and consider academic pathways they may not have otherwise explored.

Another student said "It was an amazing opportunity and I'm forever grateful I got to attend."

Jack Robinson, Access and Alumni Manager said: “It has been truly rewarding to watch this diverse group of young people quickly get to know each other and become friends as they approached the engineering challenges together.’’

At the end of the residentials, an impressive 99% of students indicated they were likely or very likely to apply to university in the future, with 86% expressing confidence in considering Oxford. There was also a remarkable increase in students' understanding of engineering. 23% reported a significant understanding of engineering at the beginning of the programme, however by the end the figure was 88%. The number of students who felt it was likely or very likely they would apply to study engineering at university rose from 52% at the start to 65% by the end.

The programme is supported by the Waste Environmental Education and Research Trust (WEERT) and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).