Philosophy Summer School
Advanced pre-university course in Philosophy in Cambridge colleges
Philosophy is a broad subject that permeates many fields across the humanities and social sciences. Students interested in pursuing philosophy will gain an insight into what philosophy at university level entails: from the introduction of new material, writing excellent essays, to forming and defending an argument.
The programme, designed and taught by experts from the world’s leading universities, not only introduces the historical context and areas of philosophical discussion but also the theories of famous philosophers who have shaped the thinking for centuries after them.
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:
Cathy M
Guest speakers from previous summers
Dr Lynda Shaw
Abi Oyepitan
Dr Nigel Warburton
Studying with Immerse was an experience that I will never forget. It massively influenced my university application in terms of where I applied to do at the chosen subject. I really value the friendships that I made and the realisation that studying in such an environment isn’t as daunting as it seems, but actually very encouraging. My mentors were both such an inspiration to me and I have kept in contact with my closest friends from the course as well as my tutor. Next year I will start at university and also embark on my second charity trip to Africa. I would strongly encouraged others to sign up to Immerse – I now know what I want to study at university and have taken the necessary steps to do so, with the help of everything I learn from the programme.
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™ Philosophy Sample Modules
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Module 1 - Origins: The Presocratics
In this module, you'll examine the so-called Presocratics, Greek philosophers at the foundation of Western philosophical thought. Instead of relating to god-like entities in Ancient Greece, they looked to the four elements - water, air, fire, and the earth - to explain the nature of existence. -
Module 2 - Beyond Truth And Morality: Nietzsche
For Friedrich Nietzsche humanity is anything but innocent. In this module you will examine Nietzsche's notion that what fundamentally drives us is our ‘Will to Power’, our desire to dominate, even to enslave our fellow men. You will also examine how Nietzsche’s views were distorted by 20th century Nazi propaganda. -
Module 3 - The Unconscious: Freud
Sigmund Freud claimed that our actions and thoughts are motivated by unconscious plans and desires. In this module, you will explore his belief that one could access the unconscious mind through dream analysis and verbal slips, as well as his tripartite structure of the mind - the id, ego and superego. -
Module 4 - Personal Project
This is one of the most exciting parts of the course. In this module, you will get the opportunity to give a presentation on an area of interest in the philosophy programme, engage in discussions with your peers, and receive important feedback from your tutor, an expert in the field of philosophy.
Request syllabus overview
Request syllabus overview
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7th – 20th July 2024
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21st July – 3rd August 2024
