Key information about our Clinical Skills and Laboratory Skills summer schools.
BioGrad Education's five-day summer school programmes give students aged 16–19 the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop new skills and explore future degree and career pathways beyond the classroom.
Our Clinical Skills and Laboratory Skills programmes are delivered at the University of Chester and are designed to help students gain a better understanding of their chosen field before applying to university.
We offer two specialist five-day programmes for students aged 16–19, both delivered at the University of Chester.
Choose the course that best matches your interests, future university plans and the type of experience you would like to gain.
Our Clinical Skills programme gives students the opportunity to experience medicine beyond the classroom through five days of practical clinical training held at the University of Chester.
Students develop confidence in essential clinical skills while gaining insight into how healthcare professionals assess patients, investigate symptoms and make clinical decisions.
During the course, students can experience areas including:
This programme is particularly suitable for students interested in Medicine, healthcare and related university degrees.
Explore Clinical SkillsOur Laboratory Skills programme gives students hands-on experience within a practical laboratory environment held at the University of Chester.
Students gain hands-on experience using techniques commonly used in modern scientific research, including areas such as genetics, forensics and diagnostics. The course is designed to build practical confidence while helping students better understand which university and career pathways may be right for them.
During the course, students can experience areas including:
This programme is particularly suitable for students interested in genetics, forensics, molecular biology, microbiology, diagnostics, scientific research and other laboratory-based university and career pathways.
Explore Laboratory SkillsBoth programmes provide hands-on experience, expert teaching and an opportunity to explore potential university and career pathways. The main difference is the type of environment and experience each course focuses on.
Clinical Skills may be the right choice for you if you:
Laboratory Skills may be the right choice for you if you:
BioGrad summer schools are designed to give students practical experience that goes beyond what is normally available within school or college.
Develop practical skills through hands-on activities that go beyond traditional classroom learning.
Learn from experienced clinicians and scientists who can provide insight into real clinical and scientific environments.
Gain meaningful experiences that you can reflect on during university applications, personal statements and interviews.
Experience your chosen field before university and build a clearer understanding of the degree and career pathway that may suit you.
Our Clinical Skills and Laboratory Skills summer schools are designed for students aged 16–19 who want to gain practical experience, explore future study options and learn more about careers within medicine or science, while also offering an opportunity to complete the residential element of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Clinical Skills focuses on patient care, clinical assessment and diagnostic skills, while Laboratory Skills focuses on laboratory investigation, biomedical science and scientific research techniques.
Students interested in Medicine and healthcare may be more suited to Clinical Skills, while students interested in laboratory science, biomedical science or scientific research may prefer Laboratory Skills.
Our programmes provide students with practical experiences that they can reflect on when preparing university applications and interviews.
Students will receive a personalised reference from a senior clinician or scientist following their programme, along with photographs from their summer school experience that they can use to support future applications and showcase their practical experience.
Previous practical experience is not required. Our programmes are designed to introduce students to practical clinical or laboratory environments while providing guidance and support throughout the course.
An interest in the subject and a willingness to take part in practical activities are the most important starting points.
Students take part in a range of practical sessions throughout the week, supported by experienced professionals, with planned evening activities providing additional opportunities to socialise, build confidence and make the most of the residential experience.
The programmes combine hands-on activities, practical demonstrations and opportunities to apply new skills while learning alongside other students with similar academic and career interests.
Explore each programme in more detail, view upcoming course dates and choose the BioGrad summer school experience that best suits your interests and future plans.
Clinical Skills Laboratory Skills
BioGrad is an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This course may be used as your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award, which can be signed off by the course leader on the final day.
Please provide your Duke of Edinburgh Award number on your registration form at the time of booking your course.
Students using this course as their Gold DofE Residential must stay in the on-site student accommodation. Please note that the course fee does not include accommodation.
Accommodation MUST be paid at least 28 days in advance of course commencement.
Find out more
Real feedback from students and parents who joined our summer school programmes.
University of Warwick – Biomedical Science
★★★★★
The lab skills that we developed throughout the duration of the week were immensely helpful in my A level biology course as I was already prepared for them before my classmates did. I was more able to keep up with the practical side of my classes because i already had the skills needed.
Purdue University (USA) – Applied physics with Nuclear engineering
★★★★★
The most useful part of the week for me was the practical lab experience and the demonstration of centiran lab procedures. Although it was biomedical based, it was still very useful to me as a physics student because of the transferable practical skills whilst in a lab that I can apply to physics labs.
Cardiff University – Medicine
★★★★★
I had a wonderful week at BioGrad, I was so interested in the topics we learned about. It made me excited for the future and solidified my ambition to study medicine. I got to meet new people who shared a similar interest. I loved doing the practical skills as well as learning some content.
University of Liverpool – Medicine
★★★★★
I enjoyed my time at Biograd because I was able to learn about clinical skills that I never got the chance to learn about in my hospital work experience (due to practical reasons like time). It was also nice to meet students with the same passion as me and I still keep contact with them.
University of Liverpool – Medicine A100
★★★★★
Group discussions as it was a great way to share different ideas and perspectives all the while forming new friendships. This is particularly useful as it is similar to the teaching methods used by many medical school thus preparing me for learning in medical school. The discussions also highlighted importance of communication and teamwork within medicine as everyone has different skillsets that are utilised most effectively when everyone comes together to support each other.
