Law & Politics at University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK

Course Description: Law & Politics at University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK

📘 Program Overview

The Cambridge Law & Politics Summer School for ages 16–18 introduces students to the powerful intersection of law and politics, providing the perfect first step toward a legal career. Focused on emerging global issues, this immersive programme fosters critical debate, discussion, and case analysis—from human rights and globalisation to terrorism, trade, and protectionism.

Students gain insights into Criminal, Civil, Business, Contract, and Human Rights Law, while sharpening public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy skills. A highlight is the Mock Trial Simulation, where students will apply their knowledge in a hands-on courtroom setting.

Collaborating with like-minded peers from across the globe and guided by expert faculty, participants explore legal systems, political frameworks, and practical strategies in negotiation, mediation, and public policy.

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✅ What’s Included

✔️ Residential stay at the University of Cambridge (Clare College)

✔️ Inspiring programmes taught by subject experts

✔️ Graduation ceremony, personalised report card, and certificate

✔️ Full accommodation, meals, tuition, and cultural excursions

✔️ International student community from over 170 countries

✔️ Supervised 24/7 residential care and on-campus support

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📚 Academic Highlights

• Understand the UK’s constitutional system and compare it to global frameworks

• Explore contract, criminal, public, tort, and human rights law through real-world examples

• Analyse and critique democratic processes in the UK and beyond

• Participate in negotiation, mediation, and trial simulations

• Build communication skills via group work, mock trials, and public debates

• Collaborate on a Political Campaign Simulation – design mock speeches, posters, and manifestos

• Gain practical insights into legal reasoning, ethics, and advocacy

• Develop a roadmap to pursuing Law and/or Politics at university

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🧠 Key Skills Developed

• Public Speaking & Debate

• Critical Thinking & Legal Reasoning

• Research & Political Strategy

• Collaborative Leadership

• Ethical Analysis & Advocacy

• Legal Communication Techniques

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🗓️ Sample Timetable

Week 1:

Sunday

🕒 Arrival, Check-in & Orientation at Clare College

Monday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Introduction to Law & UK Constitutional System

🕐 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Case Law Analysis Workshop

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Welcome Social & Team Building

Tuesday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Political Structures & Public Law

🕐 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mediation & Conflict Resolution

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Public Speaking & Debate Society

Wednesday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Criminal Law & Ethical Dilemmas

🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Excursion to Cambridge Courts or Legal Landmark

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Movie Night or Talent Show

Thursday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Political Campaign Simulation

🕐 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Group Presentations & Feedback

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Night Navigation or Games Night

Friday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Trial Preparation Workshop

🕐 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mock Trial Simulation

🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Awards & Quiz Night

Saturday

🕗 Full-Day Cultural Excursion (e.g. London or Oxford)

🕖 Evening: Campfire, Marshmallows & Reflection

Week 1

The Law and Politics Summer School starts by exploring and understanding how the law works, justice, morality and the legal systems around the world. Students expand their knowledge with seminars that cover tort, family, contract, criminal, medical and international law. Students will also spend time understanding law careers and their path into the profession. Students finish the week preparing for trial. In the evening, there will be workshops, study support, social and sporting activities, and the opportunity to develop public speaking and debating skills. At the end of the week, students will enjoy a tour to sites of cultural interest and significance in the great city of London. 

Week 2

In the second week, students will take part in a mock trial and explore leadership styles, international politics, public speaking, inequality, and wealth, as well as the essentials of public administration. In addition to practical and academic workshops, students will take part in further debates, all building up to the Debate Grand Final. In the evenings, they will enjoy social and sporting activities with their peers and participate in the ‘Shaping your Future’ seminar series, which delivers insights into university applications and skills for life and work applicable across all disciples. Their second week finishes with the Challenge Day – a chance for students to demonstrate what they have learnt – and the famous Oxford Royale Graduation.

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🎤 Guest Speakers from Previous Summers

• Baroness Shami Chakrabarti – Human Rights Lawyer & House of Lords Member

• Lord William Hague – Former Foreign Secretary & Leader of the House of Commons

• Dr. Kerry McInerney – AI Ethics Advocate & Political Analyst

🍽️ Meals & Dining

Students enjoy full board accommodation, with all meals provided on campus throughout the programme.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily in the university dining facilities

• Meals are designed to be balanced, nutritious, and suitable for active students

• Vegetarian options are always available

• Other special dietary requirements (including allergies and religious diets) can be accommodated on request, provided details are shared in advance

Meal times also provide an important opportunity for students to socialise, relax, and connect with peers after a busy day of lessons and activities.

🌍 Excursions & Cultural Experiences

Students enjoy a carefully curated programme of cultural excursions and local experiences, designed to complement their academic learning while allowing them to explore some of the UK’s most iconic destinations in a safe, supervised setting.

🇬🇧 Explore London

Students take an exciting trip to London, just a short journey from Cambridge. This full-day excursion introduces them to the capital’s most famous landmarks and cultural highlights. Typical sights may include Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and world-class museums such as the Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Students also have time to experience London’s vibrant atmosphere, from bustling shopping areas to lively food spots.

🚶 Walking Tour of Cambridge

A guided walking tour helps students discover the historic city of Cambridge. They explore the famous university colleges, admire centuries-old architecture, and learn about the city’s academic heritage. Along the way, students uncover hidden streets, local cafés, and cultural landmarks, bringing the city’s rich history to life.

🚣 Punting on the River Cam

A classic Cambridge experience, punting allows students to relax and enjoy the city from the water. Gliding along the River Cam, students take in views of stunning college buildings and picturesque bridges, offering a memorable and uniquely British cultural activity.

🧭 Educational & Social Focus

All excursions are fully supervised by experienced staff and are designed to:

• Encourage cultural awareness and curiosity

• Build friendships in an international environment

• Provide real-world context to classroom learning

• Offer a balanced mix of exploration, relaxation, and fun

Excursions may vary slightly depending on availability, weather, and operational requirements, but always maintain a strong educational and cultural focus.

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👩‍🏫 Sample Tutor

Kelly Thornton

– First Class Law Degree from Queen Mary University of London

– Master’s from BPP University

– Law Lecturer in Family Law & Corporate Crime

– Qualified Civil & Commercial Mediator

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🎨 Activities & Social Life

• 🎤 Karaoke & Talent Shows

• 🧠 Quiz Nights & Board Games

• 🎭 Improv Theatre

• 🧘 Yoga, Football & Ping Pong

• 🎨 Arts & Crafts

• ♟️ Chess Tournament

• 🎓 Graduation Celebration Party

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🏫 Campus Experience

Enjoy educational excellence at Clare College, University of Cambridge—one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in the city. With 24-hour residential supervision, historic surroundings, and vibrant social spaces, students will enjoy the full Cambridge experience in a safe, inspiring environment.

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🚗 Transportation

Transfer Fee: £265 one-way from London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

• Arrivals must land between 06:00 and 18:00 BST

• Departures must take off between 08:00 and 22:00 BST

Included in the price:

• Airport pick-up and drop-off

• Supervision at the airport

• Transport booking & tracking

• Welcome package with snacks and water

• Assistance with unaccompanied minor paperwork

• Dedicated helpline for travel queries

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🎓 Graduation & Certificate

Students will be honoured at an illustrious graduation ceremony held on campus, where they’ll receive certificates recognising their academic achievements. The celebration continues with a final graduation party with classmates and staff.