International Relations for High School Students at Cambridge University

Course Description: International Relations for High School Students at Cambridge University

Unlock Global Perspectives: International Relations Course for Aspiring Leaders 🌍

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will shape your understanding of the world? Our International Relations course, designed for high-achieving 16–17-year-olds, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of global political dynamics. Engage with pressing global issues, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and gain insights from expert tutors—all while exploring iconic locations steeped in history.

Course Highlights 🎓

• Dynamic Learning Experience: Tailored curriculum that adapts to students’ interests, ensuring a relevant and engaging learning journey.

• Expert Guidance: Learn from distinguished tutors with extensive backgrounds in international relations and conflict studies.

• Certificate of Achievement: Receive a certificate and a personalized letter of recommendation upon course completion.

Engaging Curriculum 📚

Throughout this course, students will:

• Explore the origins of nationalism and the role of states in the international community.

• Analyze theoretical approaches to international relations, focusing on the causes of conflict and diplomacy.

• Examine real-world cases of conflict to understand the nuances of preventing and pre-empting war.

• Participate in a masterclass on critical thinking and a reflective session to track progress and set new goals.

Teaching Methodology 🧠

Experience the renowned tutorial-style teaching approach:

• Small Group Seminars: Interact in groups of no more than 8 students to foster meaningful discussions.

• Independent Work: Complete two pieces of independent work, receiving personalized feedback in 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials to enhance your learning.

• Collaborative Learning: Gain diverse perspectives from classmates, enriching your understanding of complex subjects.

Meet Your Tutors 👨‍🏫

• Guy F: An MPhil graduate in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Oxford, Guy specializes in migration and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. His multilingual abilities and passion for understanding complex issues ensure a rich learning experience.

• Dr. Nicholas B: With a DPhil in International Relations from Oxford, Nick focuses on armed conflict and political violence, bringing real-world fieldwork experience from challenging environments to the classroom.

Exceptional Accommodations 🏨

Reside at the historic Sidney Sussex College, providing a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive.

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom �*

Students live and study in the historic city of Cambridge, home to more than 800 years of academic tradition. Known for its poets, scholars, and pioneering thinkers, Cambridge offers an inspiring environment where creativity and scholarship come together. Its libraries, colleges, and literary heritage make it the perfect setting for students who want to explore how literature reflects and shapes society.

Life in Cambridge 🏛️

Students stay in comfortable single or twin bedrooms depending on their tier selection. Cambridge accommodations offer shared social spaces, historic courtyards, and calm environments ideal for study and relaxation. Rooms are safe, welcoming, and staffed by on-course support teams who ensure the wellbeing of all students throughout their stay.

Meals and Catering 🍽️

Meals are provided on a half-board basis, including daily breakfast and dinner served either at the accommodation or at carefully selected local restaurants. Students purchase their own lunch. Dietary requirements and preferences are fully accommodated.

Certificates and Tutor Feedback �*

Every student receives a certificate of achievement, detailed written tutor feedback, and a personalised Letter of Recommendation to support future academic, school, or programme applications.

Airport Transfers ✈️

Transfers operate from London Heathrow Airport on official arrival and departure days and are included in the programme price. Staff are stationed at Heathrow between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to welcome students, coordinate transfers, and ensure a smooth arrival. Families are encouraged to book flights arriving before 3:00 PM so students can join the last transfer of the day.

What’s Included – Tier Overview ⭐

Plus A complete academic and residential experience with half-board meals, small seminars, workshops, and single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Includes scheduled Heathrow transfers.

Superior Includes all Plus features, with private ensuite accommodation, enhanced insurance, and greater flexibility for families.

Premier The premium option with concierge-selected rooms, platinum-level insurance, flexible arrival transfers, and a future coaching session for academic or university guidance.

Signature Outings 🌆

Enhance your learning with exciting excursions, including:

• Westminster, London: Explore iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

• British Museum: Discover over 8 million historical artifacts covering 2 million years of human history.

• Canterbury: Step back in time at Canterbury Cathedral and immerse yourself in medieval England.

• Greenwich: Visit the Royal Observatory and the historic Cutty Sark, learning about navigation and exploration.

• Warwick Castle: Experience medieval history firsthand with jousting tournaments and falconry displays.

• Tower of London: Discover the rich history of this castle, home to the Crown Jewels and fascinating stories of infamous prisoners.

• Portsmouth: Learn about the UK’s maritime history at the historic dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum.

Session Availability & Pricing 📅

Join us for one of the following sessions:

• 28 Jun - 11 Jul 2026: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995)

• 5 Jul - 18 Jul 2026: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 12 Jul - 25 Jul 2026: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 19 Jul - 1 Aug 2026: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

A Life-Changing Experience Awaits! ✨

This course is not just about learning; it's about personal growth, building lifelong friendships, and preparing to be a leader in a complex world. Rest assured, your child will be supported every step of the way in a safe and nurturing environment. Enroll today and watch them thrive!

Day Students / Non-Residential Schedule Overview 🌞

High school day students follow a structured and engaging daytime schedule, giving them the full academic and enrichment experience while returning home each evening. Each morning begins with drop-off between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, followed by academic seminars, tutorial preparation, or study blocks. Sessions usually run until 12:30 PM, with short breaks built in so students can recharge and socialise. 📘☕

Afternoons offer a variety of activities designed to build confidence, broaden understanding, and inspire curiosity. Depending on the day, students may take part in goal-setting workshops, tutorial Q&A sessions, supervised study, city tours, enrichment activities, or reflection periods. These run from early afternoon until about 4:30–5:00 PM, giving students a balanced mix of academics and exploration. 🌿✨

In the early evening, students have dinner included, allowing them to enjoy meals with their peers in a relaxed, social environment. After dinner, students participate in optional or included evening activities such as welcome talks, group events, or socials, depending on the day. Pick-up usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, unless there is a special event like a celebratory dinner or end-of-week social, which may run slightly later. 🌙🎉

Arrival and Departure for Day Students 🚗

Parents or guardians are responsible for morning drop-off and evening pick-up within the designated windows shown on the weekly timetable.

Typical times are:

• Drop-off: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Pick-up: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

On certain days (such as celebratory dinners or Friday socials), pick-up may be later, and families will be notified in advance. Staff are always present at the meeting points to welcome students, take attendance, and ensure safe handover at the end of the day. 📅🤝

What High School Day Students Receive 🎒

High school day students enjoy nearly all the same elements as residential students, including:

• Daily academic seminars in small groups

• Tutorial work and scheduled tutorial slots (Thursday or Friday depending on group)

• Guided study and supervised reflection time

• Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, 21st-century skills workshops (Week 2)

• City tours, enrichment sessions, and curriculum-building activities

• Participation in daytime excursions and college visits

• Dinner included each evening

• Access to tutors, study support, learning spaces, and programme staff

The only elements not included for day students are:

🛏️ Accommodation

🍳 Breakfast

✈️ Airport transfers

🛡️ Insurance

Weekly Structure at a Glance 📘

Week 1

Students begin with orientation, academic seminars, goal-setting activities, and hands-on tutorials. The week includes a city tour, afternoon study blocks, enrichment time, and evening events such as the welcome talk and a celebratory dinner.

Wednesday is an optional (“opt-out”) day, where students may choose not to attend the independent study and curriculum enrichment running from 9 AM–7 PM.

Week 2

Students take part in advanced study sessions, 21st-century skills masterclasses, tutorials, enrichment activities, and (in Oxford) a university fair. The week builds toward graduation on Friday afternoon, followed by optional events such as a formal dinner or campus social (“bop”). 🎓✨

Across both weeks, the schedule balances academic challenge, exploration, and social connection — designed specifically for high school learners developing independence and preparing for future study. 🌟🏫