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online engineering taster programme

Thinking Ahead

Apply now for our next Summer Thinking Ahead programme.

Thinking Ahead is our online engineering taster programme, inviting you to learn more about the world of engineering and take part in a sustainability-themed design challenge.

You can choose to work on this challenge independently, or you can form a group with your friends (max 5 people).

    • NEXT DATES – Summer Thinking Ahead: 30 June – 20 July 2025.
    • PROJECT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 20 June 2025.
    • Applications are now open: APPLY NOW

THINK LIKE AN ENGINEER

Throughout the three weeks, you’ll dive into the world of engineering and develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.

You’ll explore interactive and engaging engineering theory content via our online learning platform, Canvas. From problem-solving to interdisciplinary thinking, you’ll get a feel for what it is truly like to be a design engineer.

This will be a self-paced and flexible learning (approx. 8-10 hours) that you can do in your own time, around your existing schedule.

CREATE LIKE AN ENGINEER

You’ll put your new engineering knowledge into practice!

Take on an engineering challenge. You’ll be set a brief and you’ll design and present a prototype. Take part in workshop sessions with the TEDI-London team and professional masterclasses to teach you more about the world of engineering and to help you with the challenge.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

Thinking Ahead is an online programme. All workshops, resources and collaboration will happen through a learning platform called Canvas, which you’ll be added to before the programme starts. Live events will take place on Microsoft Teams.

HOW WILL I COMPLETE THE PROGRAMME?

At the end of the programme, you’ll submit your project in the form of a presentation. All projects will be reviewed and shortlisted by the TEDI-London team, and shortlisted projects will be invited to present their project to our panel of judges who will decide the winners of Thinking Ahead.

WHAT DO I GET OUT OF THE PROGRAMME?

All participants who submit their projects will receive a participation certificate – a great addition to your CV or university application!

Winners will receive a winners’ certificate and an exclusive reference from TEDI-London, helping them stand out in future opportunities.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Thinking Ahead participants who go on study at TEDI-London could be eligible for an award of up to £500!

HOW DO I TAKE PART?

You’ll need to be aged 16 or over and be available for approximately 10 hours across the three weeks. You’ll also need to have access to the internet.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Thinking Ahead is a free programme, there is no cost!

APPLY NOW

Please submit this form by 20 June 2025.

  1. Reasons you'll love Thinking Ahead

    💡 You’ll put your creativity and problem-solving to the test, develop a design with sustainability and user needs in mind, and learn how to pitch your idea – all key skills for future engineers

    ⚙️ Throughout the 3 weeks there will be a variety of online talks and sessions with the TEDI-London team and industry professionals to learn more about the world of engineering

    👩‍💻 The programme is fully online for you to take part in outside of your regular studies

    📄 It’s a great experience to top-up personal statements or CVs

What our previous Thinking Ahead students had to say...

  • “I enjoyed the programme as it pushed me to view challenges from the perspective of a particular user group. This perspective opened a whole new dimension of problem-solving for me. While I’ve always been drawn to mathematical puzzles in engineering, Thinking Ahead has shown me the vital importance of real-world application.”

    Marne Thinking Ahead winner, Feb 2024
  • “Working on the physics behind my structure’s safety and functionality was very interesting, as I loved applying the theory to a real design and figuring out how to enhance it wherever possible.”

    Nikan Hoorijani Thinking Ahead best engineered solution winner 2022
  • Nikan Hoorijani

See previous winning projects