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Proud to be part of LJMU,
in partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust

 

Short Intro Text

Each summer, the Astrophysics Research Institute (home to The Schools' Observatory) runs a non-residential work experience week for year 12 (or equivalent) students. 

This week consists of talks and workshops covering various topics such as astrophysics, astronomical data, and science communication.

The students will work in pairs to research an area of astrophysics and produce a poster summarising their work which will give the students an idea of how professional research is done at a university. 

There will also be opportunities to talk with current students about what it is like to go to university.

 

Apply Now!

Applications for Work Experience Week are now open. Please read the information on this page and then click here to apply. Only students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section will be considered.

We especially encourage applications from students within the Liverpool City Region and those from under-represented groups in Higher Education and physics.

 

Key information and dates:

The week takes place this year from Monday, 7th July to Friday, 11th July 2025, with daily activities from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm.

EventDateDetails
Applications Open3rd February 2025Online applications via HEAT platform
Applications Deadline22nd April 2025 (noon)Applications must be submitted online by this time
Notification of Outcome6th May 2025Applicants will be informed of their application status through emails
Work Experience Week7th - 11th July 2025Non-residential, daily activities from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm

Example Timetable (subject to change):

Day & TimeActivity
Monday 7th July
09.15Arrive at the Student Life Building
09.30Welcome and Introductions
10.00Icebreakers
11.00Introduction to Astrophysics 
12:15Lunch Provided by the ARI
13:15Telescopes workshop
14:35Break
14:45Astronomy session
15:15Live Robotic Observing Session
15:45Introduction to LJMU's Robotic Telescopes
16:45End of day 1
Tuesday 8th July
09.30Project Briefing
10.00Using Astronomical Data Workshop
11.15Break
11.30Using Spreadsheets for Research Workshop
12.30Lunch 
13.30Research Talk
14:15Introduction to Stars Workshop
15:00Break
15:15Science Communication Skills
16.45End of Day 2
Wednesday 9th July
09.30Project Assignments and Research Topics
10:30Work on Group Research Projects with Supervisor
12.00Lunch 
13:00Work on Group Research Projects
16.45End of Day 3
Thursday 10th July
09.30 Creating Science Research Posters
10:00Work on Group Research Projects
12.00Lunch 
13:00Work on Group Research Projects - Submit Posters
16.45End of Day 4
Friday 11th July
09.30University Life (Q&A)
10:15Careers in Physics Workshop
11:00Student Finance & Applying to University (talk)
12.00Lunch 
13.00Presentation Preparation 
13:30Physics Bowl
14:00Break
14:15Poster Presentation Session
15:15Break
15:30Feedback and Closing Presentations 
16.15End of Work Experience Week

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Work Experience Week?

Work Experience Week is a non-residential program hosted by the Astrophysics Research Institute for Year 12 (or equivalent) students. It includes talks, workshops, and research projects designed to give students insight into university research and careers in astrophysics.

What are the age and school year requirements to apply?

You are eligible if you: 

  • England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Éire residents
  • Are under 18 years old.
  • Are in one of the following school years:
    • England and Wales: Year 12
    • Northern Ireland: Year 13
    • Scotland: S5
    • Éire: Fifth Year
    • Or equivalent full-time education
Do I need to meet any additional eligibility criteria to apply?

Yes, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (non-fee paying) in the UK
  • Be from an ethnically diverse background
  • Be a young carer
  • Care experienced
  • Have a seen or unseen disability
  • Be the first generation to consider university
  • Have qualified for free school meals  
Is there any cost for participating?

No, the Work Experience Week is free of charge. However, students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel if needed.

I live far from Liverpool, and commuting would take me over four hours each day. Can you provide accommodation for the week?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide accommodation. Additionally, we do not recommend commuting more than two hours each day to ensure you get the most out of the experience.

What if I can’t attend during the scheduled week? Can the dates be changed?

Unfortunately, the Work Experience Week is only available from Monday, 7th July to Friday, 11th July 2025. We are unable to offer placements outside of these dates.

If you have any further questions, please email SchoolsObs@ljmu.ac.uk, and we will get back to you during regular office hours.

 

Read what students have said about Work Experience Week

It was such an informative and hands on week that I would recommend to anyone considering Physics at university in the future, as it really helped to affirm my choice of doing a Natural Sciences degree at university.

By Emma Durkin.

 

All in all it was a really fun and interesting week, it provides a realistic insight into research jobs and student life at any university...I would highly recommend that all students apply to this, as it really was intriguing and provides amazing opportunities and a lot of information.

By Louis Wilks-Reeves - Read Louis' full blog post.