International Relations Summer School
Advanced pre-university course in International Relations in Cambridge colleges
International relations is an academic discipline that focuses on the study of the interaction of the actors in international politics, including states and non-state actors. The study of IR raises questions such as: What powers does the United Nations actually have? What influence does the security council have over the rest of the world? Which treaties and trade agreements have shaped relationships between countries who only decades ago were at war? You will explore these questions and global issues, group discussions, and others like them over two weeks of dynamic tutorials.
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:
Ann Kristin Glenster
Guest speakers from previous summers
Dr Lynda Shaw
Abi Oyepitan
Dr Nigel Warburton
The most inspirational thing about studying with Immerse was being taken seriously by our tutors and having interesting discussions with them, being seen as a student instead of as a high school kid. Overall, studying with Immerse was a really fun experience, in which I met a lot of new people, learned many interesting things and participated in a lot of cool activities. I would love to go back to Cambridge again, as it is a really beautiful and fun city. Furthermore, I am now probably more likely to start a conversation with new people, I have definitely become less shy.
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™ International Relations Sample Modules
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Module 1 - The Middle East In International Relations
Home to the world’s three great religions and harbouring massive quantities of oil and gas, the Middle East seems to invite geopolitical attention almost by default. Nowhere else are the failings of economic and political development so closely intertwined in producing international conflict. In this module, you will explore the key international actors in this region. -
Module 2 - The Role Of Ideas In International Relations
As new global priorities have emerged in recent decades, nation states and other global actors have increasingly demonstrated their ‘social’ side in such fields as climate change, international human rights, and international aid. This class explores the role of ideas in IR, an approach that is typically captured by the term “Constructivism”. -
Module 3 - The Project of a European Union
Today, the EU has a total population of more than 500 million people. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the European Union in today’s increasingly globalised world? This module focuses on understanding the internal structure of the EU and assesses its capabilities as a political actor in internal and external affairs. -
Module 4 - United Nations Simulation
You will be assigned a country to represent at a high-level diplomatic meeting of the UN Security Council and to write a position paper about your country’s foreign policy regarding a topical political scenario. You must then present and defend your country's position on the matter, working to form alliances in accordance with its goals.
Request syllabus overview
Request syllabus overview
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7th – 20th July 2024
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21st July – 3rd August 2024
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4th August – 17th August 2024
