Exceptional Pre-College Philosophy Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University
Philosophy lecture
University of Cambridge Campus, UK

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

Well-rounded that offers exceptional enrichment programmes led by top tutors, propelling students from 13-18 to academic success through rigorous and stimulating curriculum at prestigious universities worldwide.

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.

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 7/19/2026
End 8/1/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/19/2026
End 8/1/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Day

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

July - Boarding

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

August - Day

Start 8/2/2026
End 8/15/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

August - Boarding

Start 8/2/2026
End 8/15/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

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

🧠 Pre-College Philosophy for High Schoolers

📍 Oxford University Colleges | Ages 16–18

This fantastic pre-university camp at the Oxford University campus is the perfect gateway to Philosophy for curious and ambitious students.

Philosophy is a broad subject that permeates many fields across the humanities and social sciences. This advanced program introduces you to university-level philosophy, from exploring historical foundations and the works of famous philosophers to building strong academic skills in essay writing and argumentation.

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📚 Academic Experience

  • Learn directly from world-class academics from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

  • Small classes (avg. 7, max. 12 students) encourage discussion and debate.

  • Engage with the theories of philosophers who have shaped human thought for centuries.

  • Build academic confidence through workshops on critical skills like productivity and technology in learning.

  • Complete a Personal Project (essay or presentation), with feedback from your tutor.

  • Designed for students with at least upper-intermediate English (B2 level).

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📌 Key Facts

  • 👥 Average class size: 7 students

  • 👩‍🏫 Maximum class size: 12 students

  • 🎓 1:1 Career Coaching included

  • 💼 Professional development workshops

  • 🤝 Personal support and guidance for success

  • 🌍 Study alongside ambitious peers from around the world

  • ⭐ Unrivalled academic experience led by expert tutors

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🔑 Sample Modules

  1. Origins – The Presocratics 🏺
  • Study Greek philosophers at the foundation of Western thought.

  • Explore how they used the four elements — water, air, fire, earth — to explain existence.

  1. Beyond Truth and Morality – Nietzsche
  • Examine Nietzsche’s concept of the Will to Power.

  • Discuss his critiques of morality and the distortion of his ideas by Nazi propaganda.

  1. The Unconscious – Freud 🛌
  • Explore Freud’s theories of the unconscious, dreams, and verbal slips.

  • Understand the id, ego, and superego structure of the mind.

  1. Personal Project 🎤
  • Present your own philosophical research topic.

  • Engage in peer discussions and receive detailed tutor feedback.

***

🏛 Accommodation & Dining

  • 13 nights in a central Oxford or Cambridge college.

  • 🛏 Single bedrooms (shared bathrooms: 1 per 4). Limited ensuite facilities (priority for medical/additional needs).

  • 🔒 Rooms secured with locks; housekeeping available.

  • 📶 Wi-Fi throughout colleges.

  • 🍽 Breakfast and dinner provided in College Hall.

  • 🕌 All dietary needs supported (medical & religious).

  • Note: buildings are historic (500+ years old), designed for study not luxury. Most do not have air conditioning.

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🍽 Formal Hall Tradition

  • Twice during your stay, attend Formal Hall — a traditional Oxbridge candlelit dinner.

  • ✨ A cultural highlight of the program.

  • 👔 So remember to bring some smart clothes for these occasions!

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🎉 Social & Cultural Activities

  • A busy and diverse social program led by mentors, including:

  • 🚣 Punting on the River Cam

  • ⚽ Zorb football

  • 🎲 Games night

  • 🎥 Movie night

  • ❓ Quiz night

  • 🎤 Talent show

  • 🕵️ Murder mystery night

  • Designed to help you build lifelong friendships with peers from around the world.

***

🚌 Excursions

  • 🌟 2 full-day trips:

  • Visit Oxford University and its colleges.

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

  • 🍰 If you don’t go to London, enjoy a classic afternoon tea in Cambridge instead.

***

✈️ Travel & Arrival Details

  • 🕑 Arrival: Sunday between 2–5 pm (rooms ready by 3 pm). Orientation upon arrival.

  • 🚐 Shared Airport Transfers from London Heathrow (Terminal 3):

  • Departures at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival Sunday.

  • Return transfers at 07:00 & 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Pastoral team meets students at all Heathrow terminals.

  • 💷 Transfer Fee: £180 each way (booked after enrollment).

  • ✈️ Alternative arrivals supported (details in the Welcome Pack).

***

✅ What’s Included

  • 🏛 13 nights in a Cambridge/Oxford college.

  • 🍴 Breakfast and dinner daily (lunch included for 13–15 age group).

  • 📚 30 hours of academic sessions with Oxford & Cambridge tutors.

  • 📖 Carefully designed study materials.

  • 👩‍🏫 1:1 Career Coaching + professional development workshops.

  • 🎉 Full social and cultural activities programme.

  • 🚌 2 excursions (Oxford + London/afternoon tea).

  • 🍽 2 Formal Dinners (bring smart clothes!).

  • 🧾 Comprehensive summer school insurance.

  • 🎓 Graduation ceremony + certificate.

  • 📝 Detailed tutor evaluation.

  • 📔 Notebook & pen.

  • 📸 Mentor family photograph.

***

💰 Pocket Money Advice

We recommend ~£80 per week for lunch, souvenirs, and personal expenses. ATMs and banks are widely available, and Visa/Mastercard are accepted everywhere.

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