We’ve brought together the most exciting internships in Leicester and the surrounding region for students and graduates ready to explore and apply for hands-on roles supporting real-world projects in space science, engineering, and technology.
Internships are updated regularly, so check back often for new opportunities. Each listing includes key details about the role, how to apply, and application deadlines.
“The skills that I have developed will directly support me in my final year of my undergraduate degree and further education or career prospects.”
Oscar Keep – BSc Physics
Role/Programme: Graduate Internship Programme 2026
Location: Various
Starting Date: August 2026
Apply by: Ongoing
Role/Programme: Materials & Processes Placement
Location: Filton (Bristol)
Starting Date: August 2026
Apply by: Ongoing
Role/Programme: Defence and Space Communications Placement
Location: Stevenage
Starting Date: July 2026
Apply by: Ongoing
Role/Programme: Software Engineer – Summer Placement
Location: Edinburgh
Starting Date: June 2026
Apply by: Ongoing
Role/Programme: Skills for Space
Location: Across the UK
Starting Date: July 2026
Apply by: 3rd April 2026
Role/Programme: FOSTER Fusion Energy Summer Internship
Location: Varies
Starting Date: June 2026
Apply by: Ongoing
1. Browse
Review the current opportunities and select the role that best suits your interests and skills.
2. Prepare
Prepare a CV and short cover letter – check each listing for specific requirements.
3. Apply
Follow the application instructions carefully for each listing.
A University of Leicester physics student who entered through Clearing is helping inspire future scientists through his growing experience in research and industry.
Oscar Keep chose Leicester after an inspiring phone call with a physics lecturer who convinced him it was the right place to study. Since starting his degree, he has completed two industry internships, gained international research experience, and is now aiming for a career in fusion and particle physics.
In summer 2025, Oscar completed an eight-week internship with Zeeko, an award-winning global leader in ultra-precision polishing based at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100 million space research and innovation hub.
Funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), he worked on ultra-precision optical surfaces. His work included polishing a large mirror, carrying out metrology, completing a MATLAB mini-project, and producing a technical poster for UKAEA.
Impressed by his ability and enthusiasm, Zeeko supported Oscar in securing a follow-on project at SAG-tek in Coalville. There, he prepared customer components and received specialist training in robotics and tooling.
This experience led to a Zeeko-funded second internship at Keio University in Yokohama, Tokyo, where he contributed to EUREKA nuclear fusion research. During this project, he tested silicon-fused ceramics and analysed sub-surface damage.
Reflecting on his experience, Oscar said:
“I was delighted to get involved in ultra-precision research at SPL with many excellent and supportive supervisors, while gaining insight into how research translates into industry applications. The skills that I have developed will directly support me in my final year of my undergraduate degree and further education or career prospects.”
Dr Hongyu Li, a Researcher at Space Park Leicester, said:
“During his internship, Oscar actively contributed to several projects on ultra-precision optical surfaces, both scientific research and commercial applications. He consistently demonstrated self-motivation and strong enthusiasm for laboratory work. This experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into the collaborative nature of academia-industry partnerships, particularly in translating research into industrial innovation and fusion-related applications.
“Through the combination in software development, experimental practice, he is better prepared for a future career in optics, precision engineering, and nuclear fusion technologies.”
Alongside his studies, Oscar is an active committee member of the Physics Society and is passionate about inspiring younger students.
He recently spoke at an engagement event with Winstanley College in Braunstone, sharing his career journey with prospective students. He also took part in the National Space Academy (NSC) Careers Conference at the National Space Centre, giving students insight into studying physics and pursuing a career in science.
Oscar now plans to study a Master’s degree in Particle Physics, with the long-term ambition of working at CERN (The European Organization for Nuclear Research) – one of the world’s leading centres for scientific research.