Cambridge Chemistry Summer School
Advanced pre-university course in Chemistry in Cambridge colleges
The chemistry summer school is the ideal introduction to university level chemistry, where you will develop both the skills and knowledge of enthusiastic young scientists through a programme designed and taught by expert chemistry tutors from leading universities.
The curriculum explores stimulating topics such as sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, and their implications on everyday life. Move beyond a mere theoretical understanding of chemistry to appreciate its crucial role in the world around us. You will emerge with the crucial pre-university knowledge and skills to excel in Chemistry.
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. Immerse™ is an unrivalled academic experience.
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Average class size of 7
Maximum class size of 10 students -
1:1 tutorials
Supportive, challenging and engaging -
Academic workshops
Develop a practical understanding of your subject -
World-class tutors
Academics from Oxford and Cambridge
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, Immerse allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.
This programme 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 advisor@immerse.education.
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Certificate & detailed participant evaluation
All participants receive an individual report from their tutor -
Personal project or Creative portfolio
Develop a personal project or a creative portfolio to present at the end of the course -
Experience Oxbridge life
Live and learn like an Oxbridge undergraduate -
Enhance key academic skills
Interview skills, academic writing and presentation
Example tutor:
Kimberly B
Guest speakers from previous summers
Dr Lynda Shaw
Abi Oyepitan
Dr Nigel Warburton
My favourite part was the conversations we had with our tutor that really served to broaden our knowledge of a specific subject. I think my tutor had an amazing way of pushing me past my own knowledge and integrating new, complex information into what I already knew.
Work hard, play hard.
Action-packed social programme
Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Cambridge. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college.
There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping. Those who choose not to travel to London are invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.
Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment.
Work hard, play hard.
A unique social programme.
Experience traditional 'Formal Hall'
Formal Hall is a traditional weekly meal that takes place in every college. This is an opportunity for students to dress up, dine by candlelight in the magical surroundings of a Cambridge college’s dining hall.
As an Immerse student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay – once per week in Cambridge, as well as in an Oxford University college on the excursion day.
Formal hall is truly a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!
A unique social programme.
Live and study in a
Cambridge University College
Experience life as a Cambridge University undergraduate
All participants will be allocated to a college a few weeks before arriving, based on their dates and subject choice.
If you would like to stay in the same location as a friend/sibling – please let us know and we will do our best to arrange this, where possible.
Males and females have separate accommodation in every college, and there is wi-fi available throughout.
For more information, please visit this page.
Student Welfare & Safety
An accredited provider of academic short courses
Immerse Education is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the leading mark of educational quality for the academic sector. Our accreditation with the BAC sends a positive and clear message to students and partners that they are studying with a trusted and reliable provider who has met a series of globally recognised quality assurance standards, both in terms of academic provision and student welfare.
The safety and well-being of our participants is our number one priority, and all staff undergo enhanced background checks and receive thorough safeguarding training before interacting with any students.
For more information, please visit our Pastoral Information page.
Meet some of our mentors and
college managers
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FreyaFreya is a third year Medical student at St John's College, Oxford University. She is a keen runner and cyclist and has recently enjoyed taking up college rowing. -
JemMentor
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Lily-MaeMentor
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PoppyMentor
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SophieMentor
Immerse™ Chemistry Example Modules
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Module 1 - Atomic Structure And Periodicity
You will take a closer look at the atom, by discussing some of the earlier models of atomic structure, including the Thompson, Rutherford, and Bohr models. Explore the atom, which forms the foundation of Chemistry and learn about the mole concept to perform important chemical calculations. You will also analyse the modern periodic table and discuss the fascinating trends that arise from this ordering. -
Module 2 - Thermodynamics
in this module, the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics, and the concepts of enthalpies and entropies of chemical reactions are introduced. Hess’s law of chemical thermodynamics is discussed as well as the use of the heat of formation for forming compounds. Participants also discuss more abstract, but engaging, ideas, such as spontaneous and nonspontaneous reactions. -
Module 3 - Compounds, Hybridisation and VSEPR Theory
Twenty years prior to the development of quantum mechanics, G. N. Lewis introduced an organising principle in bonding known as the Lewis structures, which helps predict the covalent bonding pattern of atoms. It is also a means of visualising the atoms in a bond, and allows us to conceptualise bonding between different molecules. Molecular orbital theory (based on quantum mechanics) and hybridisation (combining of atomic orbitals) are other indicators of how molecules are structured, and provide a more detailed look into the mechanisms they may use to form compounds. Participants will also employ the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to determine the angular inclinations of molecular structures. -
Module 4 - Personal Project
Throughout the fortnight, participants will be working on their own personal project. Having been provided with a brief, participants should research and prepare a presentation for their peers. This will build upon an aspect of the theory that they have learnt over the course of the programme and is also an opportunity to showcase the academic research skills they have developed. The presentation is followed by questions from the audience and wider class discussion of particular points of interest.
Download syllabus overview
Download syllabus overview
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7th – 20th July 2024
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21st July – 3rd August 2024
