Journalism Summer Experience in Cambridge

Course Description: Journalism Summer Experience in Cambridge

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 14–18 who are interested in exploring journalism, media, and communication in a global context.

Set in one of the world’s leading academic environments, the programme combines:

• Structured academic learning

• Practical media experience

• Cultural exploration

• A highly international student community

Students gain hands-on experience in researching, writing, and presenting stories while developing critical thinking, communication skills, and confidence.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, within a secure and self-contained residential environment.

• Located just 10 minutes from Cambridge city centre

• Easy access to cafés, shops, and cultural attractions

• Surrounded by extensive private gardens, offering a peaceful setting

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country, creating a truly international experience.

🌐 English Language Requirement

This programme is suitable for students with a minimum English level of B2 (Upper-Intermediate) or above.

Students are expected to:

• Engage with academic discussions and written content

• Participate in workshops and collaborative projects

• Communicate ideas clearly in both written and spoken English

Students with English as a second language will complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival to ensure appropriate class placement.

📚 Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• Journalism (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of classes each weekday morning

• Interactive workshops and practical assignments

• Real-world case studies and media projects

Teaching is delivered by experienced educators with backgrounds in journalism and media.

🧠 What Students Will Learn

Over the three weeks, students gain a comprehensive understanding of journalism and modern media.

Journalism Foundations:

• How to research, write, and structure compelling news stories

• Understanding what makes a story newsworthy

• Developing clarity, accuracy, and engagement in writing

Media & Communication Skills:

• Interview techniques and active listening

• Note-taking and information gathering

• Editing and meeting deadlines

Critical Thinking:

• Analysing current affairs and global issues

• Understanding bias, misinformation, and media responsibility

Media Formats:

• Print journalism

• Photojournalism

• Video storytelling

• Audio content such as podcasts and radio

Ethics & Responsibility:

• Freedom of the press

• Media ethics

• The role of journalism in society

Students also explore investigative journalism, learning how to develop deeper and more complex stories.

🗓️ Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance academic learning with activities and social engagement.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 07:30 – Wake-up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 12:00 – Journalism Classes

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Cultural Trips

• 16:00 – Free Time / Optional Activities

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day cultural excursions

• Sunday: Workshops and relaxed activities

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students are housed in university residence halls at St Edmund’s College, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

• Safe and secure residential environment

• On-site staff providing 24/7 supervision

• Designed to support independence and community living

🛏️ Bedrooms

Rooms are either:

• Single occupancy, or

• Shared with one other student

Shared rooms are arranged with:

• Same gender

• Similar age group

• Different nationality (to promote cultural exchange)

🏫 Classrooms & Facilities

• Classes take place within walking distance on campus

• Electives use specialised facilities where appropriate

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full Wi-Fi access is provided

🍽️ Meals

All meals are included:

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

🎭 Activities & Evening Programme

Students take part in a wide range of organised activities designed to build friendships and enhance the experience.

Activities include:

• Sports and recreational activities

• Creative workshops

• Team competitions

• Social events and themed evenings

• Quizzes and entertainment

Students also participate in larger cultural events, including Highland-style games and group activities.

🧩 Weekend Workshops

On Sundays, students can choose from a variety of workshops, such as:

• Sports activities

• Creative sessions

• Skill-based workshops

These sessions provide a relaxed and engaging addition to the weekly programme.

🌍 Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks.

Full-Day Trips:

• Oxford – Guided walking tour and free time to explore

• Windsor – Visit to Windsor Castle, including the Changing of the Guard, followed by town exploration

Half-Day Trips (choice-based):

• Aqua Park (strong swimmers required)

• Ely Cathedral and historic town

• Indoor climbing experience

• Cambridge city tour and punting on the River Cam

All trips are fully organised and supervised.

🎯 Elective Programme

Students choose one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week, allowing them to develop new skills alongside their academic studies.

🎾 Tennis

Students of all levels:

• Work with professional coaches

• Develop technique, match play, and fitness

• Learn rules and sportsmanship

Programme concludes with a tennis tournament.

🌿 Outdoor Leadership

Students develop leadership and teamwork skills through:

• Outdoor activities and challenges

• Team-building exercises

• Communication-focused workshops

🎭 Theatre

Students:

• Develop performance skills through workshops and masterclasses

• Explore voice, movement, and improvisation

• Create and perform a final production

📸 Photography

Students:

• Learn camera techniques and composition

• Capture landscapes, portraits, and daily life

• Edit and present their work

Final work is showcased in a creative exhibition.

🌟 Elective Experience

All electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Develop practical skills

• Provide a balance between academic and experiential learning

🚌 Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: London Stansted (STN)

2026 Dates:

• Arrival: 8 July

• Departure: 29 July

Recommended Times:

• Arrivals: 08:00 – 15:30

• Departures: 06:00 – 17:00

Transfers within these windows are included.

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Fully supervised activities and excursions

📦 What’s Included

The programme is fully inclusive and covers:

• Academic tuition (Journalism + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (all meals)

• Course materials and equipment

• All excursions and trips

• Evening activity programme

• Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Academic report and certificate

• Programme materials

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

🌟 Overall Experience

This programme offers a complete introduction to journalism and media within a world-class academic setting.

Students leave with:

• Stronger writing and communication skills

• Improved critical thinking and analytical ability

• Greater confidence in expressing ideas

• A deeper understanding of global media and storytelling