Explore Minds: Exceptional Pre-College Psychology January Program for Teenagers at University of Sydney, Australia
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University of Sydney Campus, Australia

Exceptional Pre-College Psychology January Program for Teenagers at University of Sydney Campus in Australia

Immerse Education offers exceptional enrichment programmes led by top tutors, propelling students from 13-18 to academic success through rigorous and stimulating curriculum at prestigious universities worldwide.

age icon 13-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

January - Boarding

Start 1/4/2026
End 1/17/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

January - Day

Start 1/4/2026
End 1/17/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £3,995

Course Description: Exceptional Pre-College Psychology January Program for Teenagers at University of Sydney Campus in Australia

Advanced pre-university course in Psychology held at The University of Sydney campus

This psychology summer program allows you to explore some of the most fascinating topics in this complex and multidisciplinary field, from behavioral genetics to social psychology. Psychologists explore intriguing questions such as: what makes you unique? What makes you different from others? What are the motivations of human behavior?

The Psychology Summer School Program provides you with a forum to study, discuss, and debate these questions alongside a wide range of issues, through a curriculum designed and taught by expert tutors from world-leading universities.

Our accommodation at St. Paul’s College offers the finest collegiate educational experience for our academic summer programme:

  • Participants stay in comfortable single bedrooms with access to common rooms and event spaces for our social and cultural program.

  • Males and females have separate accommodation, and there is wi-fi available throughout.

Small class sizes

Benefit from an intimate learning environment with 7-10 students per class

In-depth academic sessions

Immerse yourself in rigorous academic sessions, led by expert tutors from prestigious universities. These classes go beyond standard curricula, challenging participants to explore complex concepts, engage in critical analysis, and develop a sophisticated understanding that will add weight to any university application.

Personal research project

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your academic identity through a self-directed research project tailored to the subject you’re passionate about. With guidance from your tutor, you’ll craft original research questions, apply university-level methods, and create meaningful work that showcases your curiosity to university admissions teams.

1-on-1 tutoring

Experience personalised academic guidance from tutors who adapt their teaching to your unique learning style and goals. These individual sessions provide the perfect setting to clarify complex ideas, explore advanced topics of interest, and receive focused feedback that will help you grow academically.

Certificate of achievement

Earn a respected certificate that recognises your academic accomplishments and commitment to life-long curiosity. This valuable recognition celebrates your dedication and intellectual development, while providing compelling evidence of your readiness for advanced study in the competitive world of university applications.

Day excursions

Expect excursions during our engineering programme in Sydney, which includes exploringiconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the Australian Museum, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors who are current University of Sydney students and city experts!

Guest speakers from previous summers

Suzanne Williams QPM

Former senior detective

An experienced hostage negotiator who has worked on some of the highest profile and dangerous hostage situations across the world, including negotiating in war zones.

Jody Bragger

Ex military officer and CEO of Midnight Runners

An ex-military officer and CEO of Midnight Runners – the world’s largest independent running community, he is also the founder of the Mogadishu Marathon, the country’s first since the outbreak of war.

Are you worried that your days will be full of studying with no time to see the sites or socialize?

  • Cultural and social activities including Australian Football, Cricket and lots of opportunities for BBQ

  • Engaging lessons,

  • Interactive workshops and a plethora of social fun and discovery!

  • Sydney Harbour Cruise

  • Sports Tournament at Manly Beach

  • Murder Mystery Night at the College

  • Full-Day Excursion:

  • Explore Iconic Sydney Landmarks

  • Sydney Opera House

  • Australian Museum

  • Royal Botanic Gardens

Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors who are current University of Sydney students and city experts.

Arrival Time for the Programme

  • **Recommended: **Between 14:00 and 16:00 on the first day

Upon Arrival:

  • Head to Main Reception at St. Paul’s College

  • Staff assistance for Welcome and Registration

  • Receive Arrival Pack and Room Keys

Airport Transfer Service:

  • For Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) arrivals

  • Shared, chaperoned service

  • Departs from Terminal 1

  • Transfer times: 11:00 and 14:00

  • Cost: £70 per journey

Driving to the Programme:

  • Short-stay visitor parking available on-site

  • Entry via City Road gates, down the driveway

  • Main office: through arched doorway on the left

  • 35+ hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors

  • Academic skills workshops

  • Personal project / presentation

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.

  • Focus on enhancing study skills

  • Support for University-Level Learning

  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.

  • Unique Learning Experience Outside Traditional Schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: An Introduction to Psychology

  • Explore the complex study of mind and behavior

  • Understand how we think, feel, and make decisions

  • Investigate unconscious processes and neural mechanisms

    Module 2: Behavioral Genetics: Nature vs. Nurture

  • Examine the genetic influence on psychological traits

  • Explore the impact of upbringing and social environment

  • Learn about biotechnology's role in studying behavior and genes

    Module 3: Cognitive Psychology: Seeing and Remembering

  • Challenge perceptions of senses and memory

  • Study cognitive illusions and brain sensitivity

  • Discover how our brains process and interpret information

    Module 4: Personal Project

  • Engage in an area of personal interest within psychology

  • Present and discuss findings with peers

  • Receive feedback from expert psychology tutors

  • Transfer fee: per journey 90 USD _(From Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport Terminal 1, 11:00 and 14:00. Available till November _

  • 10 nights accommodation in a college of the University of Sydney campus

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner in College Hall

  • Accommodation in an individual bedroom

  • 35+ hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors

  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials

  • Mentor program and access to support material

  • Formal hall dinners at University of Sydney campus

  • Visits to iconic landmarks including Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbor and the Taronga Zoo

  • Cultural and social activities including Australian Football, Cricket and lots of opportunities for BBQ

  • Graduation ceremony and certificate

  • Detailed evaluation written by tutor

Activities

Are you worried that your days will be full of studying with no time to see the sites or socialize?

  • Cultural and social activities including Australian Football, Cricket and lots of opportunities for BBQ
  • Engaging lessons,
  • Interactive workshops and a plethora of social fun and discovery!

Accommodations

Our accommodation at St. Paul’s College offers the finest collegiate educational experience for our academic summer programme:

  • Participants stay in comfortable single bedrooms with access to common rooms and event spaces for our social and cultural program.

  • Males and females have separate accommodation, and there is wi-fi available throughout.

Excursions

  • Sydney Harbour Cruise
  • Sports Tournament at Manly Beach
  • Murder Mystery Night at the College
  • Full-Day Excursion:
    • Explore Iconic Sydney Landmarks
    • Sydney Opera House
    • Australian Museum
    • Royal Botanic Gardens

Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors who are current University of Sydney students and city experts.

Transportation

Arrival Time for the Programme

  • **Recommended: **Between 14:00 and 16:00 on the first day

Upon Arrival:

  • Head to Main Reception at St. Paul’s College

  • Staff assistance for Welcome and Registration

  • Receive Arrival Pack and Room Keys

Airport Transfer Service:

  • For Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) arrivals

  • Shared, chaperoned service

  • Departs from Terminal 1

  • Transfer times: 11:00 and 14:00

  • Cost: £70 per journey

Driving to the Programme:

  • Short-stay visitor parking available on-site

  • Entry via City Road gates, down the driveway

  • Main office: through arched doorway on the left

Lesson Plan

  • 35+ hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Personal project / presentation

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
  • Focus on enhancing study skills
  • Support for University-Level Learning
  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
  • Unique Learning Experience Outside Traditional Schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: An Introduction to Psychology

  • Explore the complex study of mind and behavior
  • Understand how we think, feel, and make decisions
  • Investigate unconscious processes and neural mechanisms Module 2: Behavioral Genetics: Nature vs. Nurture
  • Examine the genetic influence on psychological traits
  • Explore the impact of upbringing and social environment
  • Learn about biotechnology's role in studying behavior and genes Module 3: Cognitive Psychology: Seeing and Remembering
  • Challenge perceptions of senses and memory
  • Study cognitive illusions and brain sensitivity
  • Discover how our brains process and interpret information Module 4: Personal Project
  • Engage in an area of personal interest within psychology
  • Present and discuss findings with peers
  • Receive feedback from expert psychology tutors

Sample Tutors

Benjamin F:

  • PhD Candidate and Undergraduate Supervisor, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge.

  • Doctoral Thesis: "Evidence, Bias and Replication in Animal Intelligence" – focuses on research processes in animal minds.

  • Published 5 articles in international peer-reviewed journals.

  • Delivered invited lectures at the American Psychological Association and Stockholm Cultural Evolution Symposium.

  • Taught various undergraduate courses in Natural Sciences and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge.

  • Graduated with a 1st Class degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer fee: per journey 90 USD _(From Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport Terminal 1, 11:00 and 14:00. Available till November _

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Requirements

This program is suitable for:

  • Students with at least a B2 level of English.

  • Students aged 13-18 years old.

  • Students are required to travel to Australia to join the programme in person.

Video

Watch the video to have a sneak peek for your child’s adventures!

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