Computer Science
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Computer Science Summer Courses
Explore how computers solve problems, process information and power the technologies around us with Atlas Summer Courses. Our two-week Computer Science summer courses, available for students aged 13–15, 16–17 and 18–24, give you the opportunity to investigate computational thinking, algorithms and the ideas behind modern computing.
Through academic teaching and independent study, you'll explore how computer scientists approach complex problems while developing your ability to think logically, analyse solutions and apply computational ideas to unfamiliar challenges.
What's Included?
Your residential Computer Science summer course includes academic teaching, accommodation, meals, a certificate on completion, airport transfer from Heathrow and insurance.
Choose from Plus, Superior and Premier packages, with accommodation and additional benefits varying by package.
What Is Computer Science?
Computer Science is the study of computation, information and the principles behind how computers solve problems.
While programming can be an important part of computing, Computer Science extends beyond writing code. It involves understanding how problems can be represented, how algorithms process information and how computational systems can be designed to perform tasks efficiently.
The subject underpins many of the technologies used every day, from software and digital platforms to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data-driven systems.
A Computer Science summer course gives you the opportunity to explore the ideas behind these technologies and develop a more rigorous approach to computational thinking and problem-solving.
What Will You Study on a Computer Science Summer Course?
There is no prescribed syllabus that every student follows. Atlas Summer Courses tutors create their own syllabi, drawing on their expertise while taking the interests, abilities and learning needs of their students into account.
Depending on your course and age group, you could explore areas such as algorithms, programming, computational thinking, data structures, computer systems or other areas of theoretical and applied computer science.
You might consider questions such as:
- How can a complex problem be broken into smaller computational steps?
- What makes one algorithm more efficient than another?
- How do computers represent and process information?
- How can programming be used to turn an idea into a working solution?
- What are the limits of what computers can solve?
- How are developments in computing changing the technologies we use?
The depth and approach will reflect the age group you're studying with. Tutors can also develop the course around their own areas of expertise and the interests of their students.
Any syllabus shown on our website is an example from a previous course rather than a guarantee of the exact topics, technologies or programming languages you'll study.
How You'll Learn on a Computer Science Summer Course
How you'll study Computer Science depends on your age group, with each programme designed to provide an appropriate level of academic challenge and independence.
Ages 13–15
24 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in eight seminars where you'll explore computing ideas through interactive discussion, problems, case studies and activities. You'll be encouraged to break down problems, compare possible solutions and explain the reasoning behind your approach.
12 hours of private study
Between seminars, you'll complete independent work that could involve reading, researching a computing question, solving problems or preparing a presentation.
Ages 16–17 and 18–24
18 hours of small-group seminars
You'll take part in six three-hour seminars, exploring computer science through discussion, problems, case studies and activities.
2 hours of tutorials
You'll have one tutorial each week, providing a focused environment in which to discuss the essay or problem sheet you've been working on and receive detailed feedback.
Around 20 hours of private study
You'll complete preparation for seminars and work independently on an essay or problem sheet for each tutorial.
Across all age groups, you'll be encouraged to participate actively, approach unfamiliar problems independently and develop the confidence to explain and evaluate your own solutions.
Who Are Our Computer Science Summer Courses For?
Our Computer Science summer courses are designed for students who are curious about technology and enjoy logical thinking, problem-solving and understanding how things work.
You don't need to know exactly which area of computing interests you before joining. The courses may particularly appeal to you if you enjoy mathematics, coding or technology, like solving challenging problems or are considering computer science or another technical subject in the future.
You'll develop transferable skills including computational thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving, analytical thinking, independent study and communicating technical ideas clearly.
If you're interested in related areas of computing and technology, you can also explore our Artificial Intelligence summer courses and Innovation and Technology summer courses.
Learn from Expert Tutors
Atlas Summer Courses tutors are experienced educators and subject specialists active across academia, industry and education.
They bring their own academic expertise and interests into their teaching and have the freedom to shape their syllabus around both their specialism and the students in their group. This allows each Computer Science summer course to explore different areas of computing while responding to developments in a rapidly evolving field.
Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of tutors who have previously taught with us rather than confirmation of who will teach your course.
Where Can Computer Science Take You?
Computer Science provides a foundation for a wide range of technical and quantitative subjects.
Students interested in the field may go on to study Computer Science itself or related subjects such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, mathematics or robotics.
The computational, analytical and problem-solving skills associated with Computer Science can also support future paths across software development, technology, artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, research and many other industries.
A Computer Science summer course gives you the opportunity to explore the subject before making longer-term academic decisions and discover which areas of computing interest you most.
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FAQs about Our Summer Courses
No. You don't usually need to have studied your chosen subject before joining an Atlas Summer Courses summer course. Courses are designed for the relevant age group, and tutors can adapt their approach to the abilities, interests and experience of the students in their group.
There is no fixed curriculum that every student follows. Our tutors create their own syllabi based on their academic expertise and the interests and learning needs of their students.
This means the exact topics can vary between courses and years. Any syllabus or topics shown on our website are examples from previous courses and shouldn't be taken as a guarantee of exactly what you'll study.
Teaching depends on your age group. Students aged 9–12 and Scholars aged 12–14 learn through structured, interactive small-group classes. Students aged 13–15 combine small-group seminars with private study, while students aged 16–17 and 18–24 experience seminars, tutorials and independent study.
Across our programmes, teaching is designed to encourage active participation, questioning and independent thinking rather than simply listening to lectures.
Your course includes your academic programme, accommodation, meals and a certificate on completion, alongside the activities and experiences included within your programme.
What's included can vary depending on the programme, age group and package you choose, so we recommend checking the individual course details for the full inclusions before applying.
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Choose from over 40 subjects taught through flexible, age-appropriate programmes. Our tutors adapt their teaching methodologies to different age groups and shape course content around students’ interests, rather than following a fixed curriculum.
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