-downing college-
in the university of Cambridge International Advanced Programme

Downing College International Advanced Programme (15-18 years)

The original international summer school at a University of Cambridge College

A four-week academic programme both in Cambridge and online, delivered by world-class academics in the iconic Downing College. 

What to expect

The College’s four-week course consists of a two-week online fundamental skills course and two weeks’ subject-specific residential study at Downing College in the University of Cambridge. During the residential, students attend four 90-minute classes per day, taught by different Academic Tutors. This makes up around 60 hours of teaching across the two-week in person programme. Each day blends lectures, discussions, and workshops with opportunities for independent study.

Fundamental skills course (two weeks online)

A precursor to the residential programme, students will attend two weeks of virtual classes related to their chosen subject. This builds the foundational knowledge required to engage with our advanced in-person curriculum after they arrive in Cambridge.

The virtual courses on offer are:

Online	Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics	Humanities and Social Sciences
Residential	Biological and Medical Sciences	Arts and Literature
	Engineering	Economics
	Mathematical Sciences	Education and Psychology
	Physical Sciences	Human, Social and Political Sciences and Law

Virtual lessons are a mix of live and pre-recorded sessions on our bespoke online platform, giving students the flexibility to attend and engage with course content as their schedule allows. Students will also be set a number of assessed assignments over the two-week period.

In addition to grading coursework, Academic Tutors will be available to answer any questions that may arise from the lesson.

Subject-specific study (two weeks in-person)

Following completion of the virtual programme, students will attend a two-week course living and studying at Downing College, University of Cambridge. As a member of the International Programme at the College, students will have unparalleled access to our world-class teaching facilities, as well as a unique Cambridge College experience.

Teaching hours and timetable

Students will attend four 90-minute classes per day, each taught by a different Academic Tutor. This means a regular day on the programme comprises 6 hours’ class time, for a total of 60 hours of class time with subject specialists and academics over the two-week course.

All course curricula and materials have been developed to reflect the teaching style at the University of Cambridge, and will challenge students to their academic limits.

Research project

As part of their daily classes, students will spend time completing a research project in their field, guided by a specialist Academic Tutor. 
Over the two-week course, students will be guided through the process of producing a written report or essay using their own academic research. Students will be expected to complete this written report as well as a 15-minute presentation which is given at the end of the programme and is graded by their Academic Tutor. 
Find out more about the research project. 

Programme dates for 2026

June Programme: 7 June - 20 June 2026 (online course opens 10 May 2026)
Programme A: 12 July – 25 July 2026 (online course opens 15 June 2026)
Programme B: 26 July – 8 August 2026 (online course opens 29 June 2026)
Programme C: 9 August – 22 August 2026 (online course opens 13 July 2026)

The online course will open to students no later than 4 weeks before the beginning of the residential programme. Details of the online course will be shared with students well in advance.

Note: Students interested in studying more than one subject may choose to attend two or three consecutive residential sessions. In this case, they will select additional programme dates and subjects in their application.