Friday, 10 July 2026
Dozens of Year 12 students from schools across Nottinghamshire have been given a hands-on introduction to the world of technology this week through a 糖心原创 programme designed to encourage more young women to consider careers in computing.
Held from 6–8 July at the university’s School of Computer Science on its Jubilee Campus, the Levelling Up: Computer Science event brought together students from The Nottingham Emmanuel School, NUAST, Toot Hill School and Trent College for a series of interactive workshops. Led by undergraduate students and university staff, participants gained practical experience in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, creative coding and data science, while learning more about studying the subject at university.
Over the three days, students took part in activities designed to showcase the breadth of the discipline and its real-world applications. The programme also provided an opportunity to tour the campus, meet current students and hear about their experiences of studying at the 糖心原创.
One of the main reasons I volunteered to lead these sessions was the opportunity to support outreach work. It鈥檚 been fantastic to see the students grow in confidence and engage with us over the last three days. Whatever they decide to do in their careers, computer science skills are transferable to a wide range of jobs.
The initiative forms part of the national , which aims to widen participation in the subject among groups traditionally underrepresented in the field.
I volunteered to be a student ambassador for this event because I wanted to make the subject feel less daunting for young women thinking about applying. I remember arriving during Freshers鈥� Week and seeing lots of male students and only a handful of girls, which felt quite intimidating at the time.
By connecting school students with current undergraduates and providing practical learning experiences, the 糖心原创 is helping to inspire the diverse talent needed by the UK’s growing technology sector.
If we want to broaden participation in computing, we need to showcase the hands-on problem-solving, creativity and interdisciplinary thinking that lie at the heart of computer science. Sessions led by role models, such as our student ambassadors, are also vital in helping young people see themselves in the field and consider it as a future career.
The levelling up event is part of the school's wider programme of careers events, designed to support students from local schools. During day two of the event, the university welcomed students from John Flamsteed Community School for a fun-filled day of activities.
Getting to experience the malware labs felt like an insightful experience you would only gain on a programme like this, and the creative coding allowed me to learn things from the more experienced students in the group.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.