One hundred and eighty girls will converge on the University of Newcastle next week to learn about the career opportunities available in the traditionally male dominated fields of maths and science.

The Year 9 girls from around 60 schools across NSW, some from as far away as Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga and Lord Howe Island, will spend five days attending the University's Girls Choices Summer School.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, said this was the second year the University had hosted the highly successful Summer School.

"The Summer School involves science, maths and engineering activities to help young girls realise the pathways to exciting and interesting careers in innovative technical professions," Professor McConkey said.

Across the five days, the girls will hear about the wonders of space science, get hands-on experience in multimedia including podcasting, take a closer look at artificial intelligence, and compete in the science arena.

Professor McConkey said the University had joined with local industry to provide interactive and hands-on site visits for the girls.

"Ampcontrol, Hunter Water Corporation and Newcastle City Council have all opened their doors to provide the girls with the opportunity for a first-hand look at where a career in one of these fields might lead."

Throughout the week, the girls will also hear from young females working as architects, mechanical and chemical engineers, construction managers and physicists.

This year, 74 per cent of the girls attending the Summer School are from country areas. For many, it will be their first visit to a university and their first visit to the Hunter.

Photo opportunities are available across the week, including:

• Monday 8 December from 9am - 11am in room G03, Electrical Engineering Building, Newcastle campus (at Callaghan). Students will learn about artificial intelligence and robotics by manipulating and controlling demonstration robots.
• Tuesday 9 December from 2.30pm - 3pm at Ampcontrol Electronics Cameron Park, 7 Billbroke Close, Cameron Park. The students will tour facilities and witness first-hand how some of Ampcontrol's technologically advanced products are manufactured.
• Wednesday 10 December from 1.45pm - 3.45pm at Hunter Water Corporation, Tomago. The students will be testing water samples and touring water treatment facilities.
• Friday 12 December from 8.45am - 10.15am at The Forum, Newcastle campus (at Callaghan). Students will compete in the Final of the Science and Engineering Mini-Challenge.