English Literature
Advanced pre-university course in English Literature in Cambridge colleges
Is Shakespeare the greatest writer ever lived? What makes a piece of literature worthy of the canon? Should there be a literary canon at all? The Immerse English Literature (16-18) programme challenges you to carefully consider what makes great literary works stand out from the rest, but also to question their value and categorisation. By taking this step back, you will have a new framework to analyse, interpret, and discuss some of the most renowned literary works, whilst spending two weeks in the historic city of Cambridge.
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.
-
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.
-
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:
George M
Guest speakers from previous summers
Dr Lynda Shaw
Abi Oyepitan
Dr Nigel Warburton
The Immerse Creative Writing programme has been great. Lesson times are a perfect 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon, with lots of time to go and experience the town and have activities in the evenings.
I’ve really enjoyed being around people who have the same interests as me. Being able to share opinions and listen to feedback has been really valuable.
My tutor has been great. He’s very passionate about writing and he’s very engaging with the class. He listens to all our thoughts and our opinions on everything that we study – he’s been brilliant.
The programme has been a very good opportunity to get a grasp on what university is like – It gives us an opportunity to make new friends, which is good for your social skills, and you get an idea of what university classes might be like.
The curriculum is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, which is great. It’s nothing like what I do at school, which means I have the ability to experiment, and learn new things and along the way just improve my general skills.
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
-
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
-
Lily-MaeMentor
-
PoppyMentor
-
SophieMentor
Immerse™ English Literature Sample Modules
-
Module 1 - What Is Literary Criticism?
This module examines the purpose of literature, and hence, the role of literary criticism. You will explore how individuals and societies have interpreted literature from the days of Aristotle to the present day. By the end of this module, you will have crafted your very own manifesto of literary criticism. -
Module 2 - Great Poets
This module invites you to analyse how two key poets, John Milton and T. S. Eliot, used poetry to engage with Biblical stories and themes. Specifically, you'll be asked to evaluate how Milton and Eliot’s poetry enabled provocative philosophical debates on heroism, government, and hope. -
Module 3 - Influencing Meaning
In this topic, you will consider how literary structures, and physical formats of books and prints, influence their meaning. Study three different textual forms: a sonnet; an excerpt from a young children’s book from the 1780s; and a selection of texts from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence. -
Module 4 - Articulating Ideas
This session will focus on the presentation of your final projects and a discussion regarding presentation, following some analysis of famous historical speeches. The discussion will encourage you to ask questions about formal essayistic structures and ask for individual feedback on your work.
Request syllabus overview
Request syllabus overview
-
7th – 20th July 2024
-
21st July – 3rd August 2024
