Next July, thirty to forty bright young men and women who are planning careers in technology-based industries will spend a week at the University of Dundee in the faculty of engineering to find out what it is like to study science and engineering at university.
Headstart courses are open to fifth year students who are interested in knowing more about working in the world of science, engineering and technology. During their course, they engage in design, build and test projects, attend lectures and seminars, visit sites such as the Tay Bridge and NCR, participate in laboratory experiments and meet university staff, undergraduates and prospective employers.
Over 700 students from all over Britain attend every year, and competition for places is growing. Preference can be given to applicants from local schools so students are being invited to register early at www.headstartcourses.org.uk where parents will also find a brochure explaining the course benefits and objectives.
Although students pay a fee towards the cost of the course, some schools help and grants are available for eligible students.
Students are treated like undergraduates during their course. One of last year's student Jennifer Kimber said: "I had no idea when I applied for Headstart what I wanted to do at university, but the course sounded really good for anyone who was even vaguely interested. It was definitely a brilliant experience, lots of fun even if you weren't especially interested in engineering as a career"
Schools wishing to know more about Headstart courses can e-mail the programme on enquiries@headstartcourses.org.uk or contact their Director, David Ozholl at the same email address. Telephone 01707 871505
By Jenny Marra, Press Officer 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk