Psychology Summer Programme at the University of Toronto, Canada

Course Description: Psychology Summer Programme at the University of Toronto, Canada

🧠 Explore Psychology at the University of Toronto

Dive into the fascinating science of the mind and behaviour with this pre-university Psychology Summer Programme for students aged 15–18. Hosted at the University of Toronto, this enriching experience combines academic exploration with hands-on learning and cultural discovery, offering a glimpse into undergraduate-level psychology in one of Canada’s top institutions.

Set across the historic and vibrant campuses of the University of Toronto, participants enjoy a balance of academic rigour, interactive workshops, and cultural immersion—while forming lasting friendships with like-minded peers from around the world.

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📚 Programme Highlights: What You’ll Learn

Students in this programme will strengthen their academic foundations and practical understanding of psychology by:

✅ Exploring key university-level topics such as cognitive, social, biological, and behavioural psychology

✅ Gaining insight into real-world applications of psychology in healthcare, education, therapy, and the workplace

✅ Understanding social dynamics, group behaviour, prejudice, and leadership through social psychology

✅ Practising how to conduct and present psychological research using experiments, questionnaires, and data analysis

✅ Developing confidence and communication skills through critical discussions and presentations

✅ Completing a Personal Project, guided by expert tutors, to showcase their learning through a research paper or presentation

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🧪 Key Modules

Highlights of the academic content include:

• *� Introduction to Psychology & the Brain – Discover how brain structure relates to major psychological fields

• *� Cognitive Psychology & Neuroscience – Investigate perception, memory, and behaviour through the lens of biology

• *� Prejudice, Bias & Social Influence – Understand how stereotypes form and influence society

• *� Behavioural Psychology – Explore how behaviour is learned and applied in therapy and education

• *� Family & Developmental Psychology – Examine the psychological impact of evolving family structures

• *� Data, Bias & Research – Learn to conduct and interpret psychological research while avoiding common biases

• *� Ethics & Experimentation – Practise designing ethical experiments and presenting findings

• *� Final Project – Choose a research topic and present your work to peers and tutors at the end of the programme

Sample Immerse Tutor:

Chloe Sainsbury: Chloe Sainsbury is a PhD candidate in Psychology at the University of Cambridge, working at Queens' College. She has tutored Psychology at GCSE, A-Level, and degree level, as well as mentored undergraduate students. Chloe has received the Alexander Crummell Scholarship for her Masters and PhD. Her research focuses on social cognition processes in Zoom meetings, with broader interests in social and cognitive Psychology.

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🧭 Location: University of Toronto, Canada

Students will stay in college-style accommodation on the prestigious University of Toronto campus. Specifically, students stay at Victoria College. They're in either single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Students are supervised by trained residential staff 24/7, and the college front desk is manned 24/7 also. Access to all modern amenities including campus Wi-Fi.

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🌍 Cultural & Social Highlights

Beyond the classroom, students will enjoy a variety of cultural activities and excursions designed to broaden their global perspectives and foster friendships:

• 🗼 Explore the CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum

• 🌊 Day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls

• 🎨 Improv theatre and team-building challenges

• 🎤 Karaoke nights, quiz competitions, and student cinema

• 🌍 Meet and connect with peers from around the world

These experiences provide a well-rounded summer packed with learning and unforgettable memories.

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A Day in the Life – Toronto Academic Insights

• 8:00–9:30 – Start the day with breakfast and connect with fellow students from around the world.

• 9:30–11:30 – Attend a morning academic session led by expert tutors, covering key subject content and university-level thinking.

• 11:30–13:30 – Enjoy a relaxed lunch break and recharge for the afternoon.

• 13:30–15:30 – Join an afternoon academic session or take part in 1:1 tutorials or independent study time for personalised feedback.

• 15:30–18:00 – Participate in enrichment activities, such as debate workshops, cultural visits (e.g. CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum), or creative sessions.

• 18:00–19:30 – Dinner time, often with themed events like a formal dinner or BBQ.

• 19:30–21:00 / 22:00 – Evenings are filled with social events like guest speakers, talent shows, murder mystery nights, and more.

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Weekend Adventures in Toronto

Spend your weekend exploring the natural wonders and vibrant attractions that make Toronto one of Canada’s most exciting cities. Over two days, students will enjoy a dynamic mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation—with plenty of time to take in the sights that matter most to them.

One day features an unforgettable excursion to Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. Experience the breathtaking views, explore the surrounding area, and capture incredible photos of this powerful natural wonder.

The second day offers the choice between two Toronto highlights: take a scenic ferry ride to Centre Island to enjoy beaches, bike trails, and skyline views, or dive into discovery at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, home to thousands of fascinating sea creatures.

Some activities are optional, ensuring you’ll also have free time to explore the city and check off the tourist attractions that interest you most. Whether you're soaking in the mist of the falls or exploring downtown gems, this weekend promises iconic sights and unforgettable memories.

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🎓 Graduation & Recognition

At the end of the programme, students will attend a formal graduation ceremony where they’ll receive:

• A personalised certificate of achievement

• A report card detailing academic progress

• Recognition of their personal research project

This celebration marks the culmination of an inspiring and academically rich summer.