Exceptional Pre-College Economics Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University
Economics class
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Economics Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

age icon 16-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Economics Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

📊 Pre-College Economics Summer Program (Ages 16–18)

Location: Cambridge University Colleges

📖 Course Description

This fantastic two-week camp at the University of Cambridge is the perfect gateway into the world of Economics for ambitious high schoolers aged 16–18.

Through a curriculum developed by expert tutors from world-leading universities, you will:

  • Learn the essentials of modern economic theory,

  • Explore advanced topics such as trade, fiscal policy, and development economics,

  • Gain insights into whether to pursue economics at university level,

  • Develop both theoretical and practical understanding through lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects.

All of this takes place in the inspiring academic surroundings of a Cambridge University college, with small-group teaching and expert guidance.

***

📚 Academic Experience

  • 30 hours of academic sessions led by Oxford & Cambridge tutors.

  • Average class size: 7 (maximum 12) for personalized attention.

  • 1:1 career coaching and tutorials to support your ambitions.

  • Develop a Capstone Project and present findings at a mini-conference.

  • Receive an individual written evaluation from your tutor.

  • Learn first-year business and political economics topics.

Tutors come from world-class universities including Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard, ensuring the very highest teaching quality.

***

🛠 Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside core economics modules, participants take part in workshops designed to:

  • Unlock academic potential.

  • Enhance study skills and productivity techniques.

  • Prepare for independent, university-level study.

  • Learn transferable skills like critical thinking, presentation, and argumentation.

Past topics have included:

  • Productivity Tips for Students

  • 21st-Century Technology Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Analysis

***

📝 Sample Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Econometrics

  • Learn multiple regression techniques and hypothesis testing.

  • Explore causal inference tools like natural experiments, regression discontinuities, and instrumental variables.

Module 2: Development Economics

  • Understand why some countries are wealthier than others.

  • Study poverty traps, the role of education and nutrition, and interventions like microfinance and cash transfers.

Module 3: Auction Theory

  • Analyze auctions using game theory.

  • Study first- and second-price auctions, all-pay auctions.

  • Conduct live auctions in class to test predictions.

Module 4: Project Presentation

  • Work independently on a Capstone Project.

  • Present findings in a mini-conference on the final day.

  • Participate in a workshop on applying for economics and management degrees and future career paths.

***

🎭 Activities & Excursions

Beyond academics, students enjoy a vibrant social program:

  • On-campus activities: punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, quiz night, movie night, talent show, and a murder mystery night.

  • Excursions:

  • Day trip to Oxford and its colleges.

  • Optional day trip to London (landmarks + shopping).

  • If not joining London, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Cambridge.

🎩 Formal Hall

Experience Cambridge University’s Formal Hall:

  • A traditional candlelit dinner in historic dining halls.

  • Students attend two formal dinners during the program.

    👉 A memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

All activities are supervised by friendly mentors focused on your wellbeing.

***

🏛 Accommodation & Meals

  • College Allocation: Assigned a few weeks before arrival based on subject and dates.

  • Central, historical colleges (many over 500 years old, designed for study not luxury).

  • Rooms:

  • Single occupancy bedrooms.

  • Shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students).

  • Limited ensuite options (priority for medical needs).

  • Gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

  • Wi-Fi available throughout.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner daily in College Hall.

  • All dietary and religious requirements accommodated with advance notice.

***

✈️ Transportation & Arrival

  • Arrival Time: Between 2 pm–5 pm on the first Sunday (rooms ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Transfers:

  • Shared transfer service from Heathrow Terminal 3.

  • Pick-up times: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival Sunday.

  • Return times: 07:00, 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Fee: £180 each way.

  • Alternative arrivals via other airports/train stations: details in the Welcome Pack.

***

🎓 What’s Included

  • 13 nights’ accommodation in a Cambridge college.

  • Breakfast & dinner daily.

  • 30 hours of economics tutorials with expert tutors.

  • Carefully designed study materials.

  • Mentor program & social activities.

  • All excursions (Oxford, punting, croquet, etc.).

  • Two formal dinners in Cambridge Colleges.

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • Graduation ceremony & certificate.

  • Detailed tutor evaluation.

  • Notebook & pen.

  • Mentor family photograph.

***

💷 Fees & Pocket Money

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way (optional).

  • Recommended Pocket Money: £80 per week (for lunches + souvenirs).

  • ATMs widely available; Visa & Mastercard accepted.

Activities

  • Outside of lessons, enjoy a busy and diverse social program including punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show and a murder mystery night at the college.
  • All activities and excursions are led by our team of friendly mentors, dedicated to maximizing your enjoyment.

Accommodations

  • College allocation based on dates and subject choice, assigned a few weeks before arrival.

  • All colleges are central, historical, with unique culture and character.

  • Accommodations designed for study, not luxury; many buildings over 500 years old, no air conditioning.

  • Accommodation requests for friends/siblings considered where possible.

  • Separate male and female accommodations in each college; wi-fi available throughout.

  • Single occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms (one per four participants); some ensuite facilities available, prioritized for additional needs.

  • Mixed-gender corridors for ensuite facilities; gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

  • Welcome Pack includes possible college details for program dates.

  • Rooms secured with locks, housekeeping access for maintenance.

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Host venues accommodate all dietary requirements, special attention to religious observances and medical needs (Please let us know if you need to follow any particular religious observances or have any medical requirements that we need to know about.)

  • As a student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay: once per week in Cambridge and at an Oxford University college on the excursion day, making formal hall a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

Excursions

  • Two excursions offered: a day trip to visit Oxford and its colleges, and an optional day out in London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.
  • If you opt out of the London trip, you're invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival (accommodation ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £180 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials
  • Mentor program and access to support material

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
  • Focus on enhancing study skills
  • Support for university-level learning
  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
  • Unique learning experience outside traditional schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Econometrics

  • Learn multiple regression techniques to control confounding variables
  • Explore hypothesis testing and causal effect estimation
  • Study natural experiments, regression discontinuities, instrumental variables

Module 2: Development Economics

  • Understand why economic disparities exist between countries
  • Focus on poverty traps, education, nutrition
  • Learn about economic interventions like microfinance and cash transfers

Module 3: Auction Theory

  • Analyze auctions using game theory
  • Study first and second-price auctions, all-pay auctions Conduct auctions in class to test game-theoretic predictions

Module 4: Project Presentation

  • Conclude with a mini-conference
  • Present findings on assigned Capstone Project
  • Discuss university applications and career options in economics, business, and management

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Su Min L:

  • Teaching Fellow at the University of Cambridge

  • Holds MPhil and BA in Economics from Cambridge

  • Teaches microeconomics with a focus on real-world applications

  • Also specializes in political economics (interaction between politics and economics)

  • Research interest: Influence of political maneuvers, especially election wins, on economic policy

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Requirements

  • This program is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact with our advisor.

Video

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