Advanced Summer Research Programme in Law and International Relations for Older Teens at Cambridge

Course Description: Advanced Summer Research Programme in Law and International Relations for Older Teens at Cambridge

Programme Overview

Law and International Relations Advanced Research Programme is an advanced and research-focused intensive programme which welcomes individuals with strong academic background to extend your research interest. It offers an opportunity to strengthen and showcase your ability with the guidance from the best scholars. The programme comes with a wide array of advantages:

• Experience the pinnacle of intellectual discourse with the advanced lectures and talks, featuring esteemed Cambridge Professors*.​

• Be engaged in hands-on learning through workshops and supervision led by current Cambridge scholars*.​

• Discover the latest and most important research on specific subjects. Learn about the most up-to-date discoveries and developments in a chosen field by renowned professors.​

• Compose a customised research proposal by applying the knowledge from the tremendous resources of the University Library.

• Opportunity to be invited to submit a research paper and included in the Conference Proceeding (subject to performance and quality).​

• ​​Study and live like a Cambridge student with other like-minded individuals from around the world in the traditional and world-leading academic atmosphere in Cambridge and the UK.

Student Intake:

This programme represents a higher tier of admission standards compared to the other research programmes, as it is limited to a selected group of 20-25 students.

Certification & Rewards

This Provider takes immense pride in celebrating the achievements of students who complete our programme. As a recognition of the dedication and hard work, here are the rewards and benefits that participants will receive:

• Recommendation Letter from Cambridge Professor for the top 50%

For those who excel and rank in the top 50% of the programme will receive a recommendation letter from the Cambridge Professor who delivers the academic lectures in the programme. This letter will not only acknowledge outstanding performance but also open doors to future academic and professional opportunities.

• Programme Recommendation Letter from Programme Director at Cambridge

A reference letter from our Programme Director at Cambridge will highlight students’ participation and accomplishments during their time in the programme, serving as a valuable addition to the academic portfolio.

• Certificate of Attendance

Students will receive an official Certificate of Attendance, co-issued by a Cambridge College and This Provider, to recognise their commitment to academic excellence.

• Programme Report Card

A report card to reflect a comprehensive evaluation of students' learning progress achieved during the programme with individual feedback.

• Reviewed Research Proposal

Students’ research proposals will undergo a thorough review, providing valuable feedback and insights from our experienced faculty. Completing a full research paper based on the research proposal is available through our optional continuation programme, if interested.

• UCAS Points

Completion of the Advanced Research Programme will award students 8 UCAS points, providing a meaningful boost to their university applications.

• University Application Guidance

We offer students professional advice and guidance from Cambridge professors and existing Cambridge students to help them prepare for university applications, especially Cambridge, Oxford and other top universities.

Academic Content

Leading Professor:

Prof. Catherine Barnard

• Professor of European Law, Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge

• Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge

This course explores how states think, act and cooperate in the international system while introducing the legal rules that shape their behaviour. It begins with core theories of world politics and a short history from empires to the modern state system, then examines regional economic integration with comparisons between the European Union and other regions. Students study war and security with focused cases on the Middle East and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and analyse the rise of non-Western powers and debates about a multipolar order. The course concludes with international law, its limits and enforcement, including the role of the International Criminal Court, equipping students to evaluate global events with conceptual clarity and legal awareness.

Lectures:

Lecture 1: Basic Theories of English Law: Cornerstones and Evolutionary Trajectory

This session will introduce students to the core ideas that underpin English law, including key principles of the common law tradition, precedent, and judicial reasoning. It will trace how these foundations have evolved over time, highlighting major turning points and debates about continuity, reform, and modernisation.

Lecture 2: Analysis of the Structure and Operating Mechanism of the British Legal System 

This session will provide a clear overview of how the British legal system is organised and how it functions in practice. It will cover the court hierarchy, the roles of judges and legal professionals, and the relationship between legislation and case law. The session will also introduce how legal decisions are made and appealed.

Lecture 3: Labour Law – Practical Handling of Labour Disputes

This session will explore the legal framework governing employment relationships and workplace rights in the UK. It will focus on how labour disputes arise and how they are managed in practice, including grievance procedures, employment tribunals, settlement negotiations, and the role of trade unions. Students will consider real-world scenarios and how legal rules shape outcomes.

Lecture 4: The Relevant Anti-corruption Systems and Legal Constraints of the European Union

This session will introduce the main EU mechanisms designed to prevent corruption and protect the integrity of public and private decision-making. It will examine key legal tools, enforcement bodies, and compliance expectations, including transparency requirements, procurement rules, and cross-border cooperation. The session will consider how these constraints influence governance and business conduct.

Lecture 5: The Impact of Brexit on UK–EU Legal Relations

This session will examine how Brexit has reshaped the legal relationship between the UK and the EU. It will discuss the main agreements and legal frameworks that now govern trade, regulation, and cooperation, as well as areas of ongoing friction and negotiation. Students will consider questions of divergence, alignment, and the practical implications for individuals and businesses.

Lecture 6: The Role of Parliament in the UK Constitutional Framework: Sovereignty, Scrutiny, and Reform

This session will explore Parliament’s constitutional role, focusing on the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and how Parliament scrutinises government. It will consider how legislation is made, how accountability works in practice, and how constitutional change occurs without a single codified constitution. The session will also examine debates around reform, including the House of Lords and the balance of power between institutions.

Small Group Supervisions:

Supervision is a unique feature of the Cambridge education system. It provides students with the opportunity to explore the subjects more deeply by discussing the work process and receiving regular feedback from their supervisors, including feedback on the preparation for the final projects at the end of the programme.

Research Skill Sessions:

Research Planning & Topic Selection

• Gain understanding about the research and related details

• Select a topic for the research presentation with the support of the supervisor

Presentation Structure & Literature Review

• Familiarise presentation structure

• Acquire knowledge on literature review

• Select and refine research methodology and data collection strategies

Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Know the difference between analysis and interpreting data

• Analyse and interpret collected data

Academic Skill Workshops:

Team Building

• Learn effective communication strategies to ensure clear, open, and respectful dialogue within the team.

• Develop skills for working collaboratively, including active listening, sharing responsibilities, and leveraging diverse strengths.

• Understand techniques for resolving conflicts constructively and maintaining a positive team dynamic.

Academic Writing

• Learn to structure your writing with clear sections and logical flow.

• Master techniques for building strong, evidence-based arguments.

• Understand how to write clearly and formally, and improve through revision and editing.

Presentation skills

• Learn how to structure your presentation with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion to ensure a logical flow and coherent message.

• Master the use of voice modulation, body language, and eye contact to engage your audience and convey confidence.

• Understand how to effectively use visual aids, such as slides and handouts, to enhance your presentation and reinforce your key points.

Master Talks:

This Provider invites a number of world class scholars and academics from various disciplines to give seminars on their specialities to promote academic interests. The speakers include world famous researchers, policymakers, industrial leaders, societies, associations, professional bodies and individuals.

Instructional Model

Law and International Relations Advanced Research Programme goes beyond simply teaching research techniques; as it fosters an unyielding enthusiasm for exploration. Our small, exclusive classes are where serious discussions thrive, and ideas are shared among the best and brightest. This tailored approach allows students to focus their efforts and delve deeper into a specific area of study, fostering a more immersive and fulfilling educational experience.

Professor & Supervisor Total Contact Time 45+ hours 

Research Lecture by Cambridge Professor 12 hours

Subject Revision by Cambridge Scholar 6 hours

Project and Proposal Supervision by Cambridge Scholar 8 hours

Research & Academic Workshop by Cambridge Tutor 8 hours

Proposal Writing Session by Cambridge Supervisor 8 hours

Master Talk by Profound Scholars 2 hours

Subject Presentation 3 hours

Cultural & Social Activities 12 hours

London / Oxford Excursion 2 days

Evaluation

The evaluation for our Advanced Research Programme ensures a comprehensive and fair assessment. Experienced lecturers and dedicated supervisors evaluate participants, allowing them to showcase their learning and enhance their presentation skills and research proposal:

• 15-minute group presentations for research evaluation

• Participants must submit a minimum 2000-word research proposal as a programme requirement

• Assessments by Cambridge Professor and dedicated supervisors

• Emphasis on critical findings, methodologies, and effective communication

• Valuable feedback and constructive criticism provided

• Encourages academic growth and excellence in the programme

Admission Requirements

This programme is suitable for

• The High School students who possess excellent academic ability and want to extend research interest with the guidance from the leading scholars at the University of Cambridge

• Age 16 to 18

Accommodation & Dining *�️

To deliver a comprehensive and enriching experience in Cambridge, participants are accommodated in different colleges within the University of Cambridge. Full board dining is provided throughout the programme, with meals served in the college dining halls (apart from weekend trips).

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Living and dining in these iconic settings not only offers a taste of traditional Cambridge life but also enhances the participants' research and academic learning. The immersive environment fosters a deep connection with the university's rich academic heritage, making their time at Cambridge both intellectually and culturally enriching.

Cambridge Colleges

Some of the collaborating Colleges are:

• Clare Hall, University of Cambridge

Clare Hall was founded in 1966 on the initiative of Clare College. It was envisaged as a college with three main classes of members: university teaching officers whose principal focus was research; visiting academics who would stay in Cambridge for between six months and a year; and graduate students. The President, Fellows, Visiting Fellows and graduate students together make up an integrated academic society that is not constrained by hierarchy and is consequently a culturally rich and intellectually diverse environment for advanced study.

• Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

Sidney Sussex College was founded on St. Valentine's Day in 1596 by the legacy of Lady Frances Sidney, Countess of Sussex. The College is in the historic heart of Cambridge, and its beautiful buildings and gardens are home to a dynamic and diverse academic community. Our students, Fellows and staff come from all backgrounds and all over the world, drawn by the University of Cambridge's world-class reputation and Sidney Sussex's commitment to excellence in teaching and research.

• Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge

Murray Edwards College was founded in 1954 as New Hall, later renamed in 2008 to honor Dame Rosemary Murray, its first President, and benefactor Ros Edwards. The college is known for its modernist architecture, featuring the iconic Dome, and a large collection of contemporary art. Academically, it offers a wide range of disciplines with a strong emphasis on supporting women in STEM fields. The college structure includes dedicated tutorial systems, research opportunities, and a library that caters to various academic needs. Murray Edwards fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging intellectual growth, leadership, and social responsibility, aiming to empower women to excel in their respective fields.

What Is Included:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in a College of the University of Cambridge*.

• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinners (except for weekend days), with a memorable distinctive formal dining experience in the Cambridge tradition on the day of the graduation ceremony.

• All academic activities, such as lectures, supervisions, revisions/seminars, master talks with world-class speakers, final group presentations, and access to teaching venues.

• A rich social and cultural schedule, including excursions to London and Oxford.

• Programme awards as outlined in the programme details.

Application Procedure:

1. Gather Necessary Documents

2. Fill and Submit Application Form

3. Receive Conditional Offer

4. Attend Interview (if applicable)

5. Pay Deposit

6. Receive Offer Letter and Invoice

7. Pay Programme Fee (deducted deposit)

8. Receive Programme Invitation Letter and Accommodation Letter (for visa purpose)

9. Receive Pre-arrival Pack 

10. Study Aboard

Airport Transfers

We can arrange a private airport pick-up/drop-off transfer between London Heathrow Airport and Cambridge at a price of £200 per way, per person.