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

Lesson Plan

Through a carefully planned curriculum developed by expert tutors from world leading universities, you will spend two weeks learning the essentials of modern economic theory, before diving into more advanced topics like trade, fiscal policy, and developmental economics. The economics summer schools will challenge them to explore new ways of thinking, understand complex concepts, and apply their new knowledge as they solve challenging problems. You will be equipped with insights to help decide whether you should pursue studying economics at the university level. You will learn first-year business and political economics topics and develop both your theoretical and practical understanding through an exciting syllabus designed by expert tutors from the world’s leading universities – all taking place in the inspiring surroundings of a Cambridge University college.

Learn directly from expert academics from world-class universities

You will explore novel concepts and share ideas in small groups of like-minded and ambitious peers from around the world. In small class sizes averaging 7 students, you will be guided by expert tutors who have honed their expertise through teaching undergraduate students at world-class universities, including the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. Our rigorous vetting process guarantees that all participants are taught by engaging and supportive educators who are, most of all, enthusiastic about sharing their expertise to ensure our summer school teaching is of the highest quality. It is an unrivalled academic experience.

Boost your confidence and develop key attributes in academic skills workshops

Our workshops are geared towards unlocking participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals. Build upon existing study skills to support future university-level learning. These workshops explore a diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’. We’re sure that you’ll learn something completely new. Unlike traditional schools, it allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum. This programme is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2).

Example Modules

Introduction to Econometrics: You are taught how multiple regressions allows researchers to control variables that would otherwise confound one’s results, and the most commonly used tools to test hypotheses and estimate causal effects. The session also gives you a chance to learn from methods such as natural experiments, regression discontinuities, and instrumental variables.

Development Economics: You will learn why some countries are vastly richer than others in the context of economic development. Explore answers to this question by focusing on the role of poverty traps, education and nutrition. You'll understand how economic interventions can help to alleviate poverty, with an emphasis on microfinance and cash transfers.

Auction Theory: Auctions can be viewed as a game in which players choose how much to bid without knowing the bids of their opponents. As a result, you'll be asked to extensively analyse auctions using game theory. In this tutorial, you will use these tools to study a variety of auction formats: first and second-price auctions and all-pay auctions. Derive the game-theoretic predictions of how people should bid and test this by conduction auctions in the classroom.

Project Presentation: You'll finish with an exciting one day mini-conference! By working independently over the two-week period, you will spend the last day discussing your relevant findings on your assigned Capstone Project, as well as presenting this to your peers and tutor. The course finishes with a workshop and review session to discuss applying for economics and business and management degrees and subsequent career options.

Key Facts

• Average class size is 7
• Maximum class size of 10 students
• 1:1 Career Coaching
• Personal support and guidance for success
• Professional development workshops
• Building essential skills for success
• World-class experience