Subjects

All you need to know about our academic offering.

Subjects overview (STEM pathway)

Combining expert-led lectures and workshops, with excursions

to laboratories, museums, and more, this programme is designed to challenge students and deepen theoretical understanding to a deeper level. Key aims include emphasising interdisciplinary learning and the practical application of materials to real-life scenarios.

Biological Natural Sciences 

These sessions introduce students to a range of the foundational concepts found in biology, chemistry, and medicine at the undergraduate level. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles that underpin biological and medical research, as well as the application of research methodologies in the laboratory.

Key learning outcomes:

• Develop an understanding of core principles in biology and chemistry, as well as how these underpin modern medicine.

• Gain practical experience in laboratory methods used in biological, chemical and medical research.

• Explore how scientific research translates into real-world technological and healthcare applications.

Engineering 

The Engineering sessions introduce students to the fundamental concepts that underpin a wide range of engineering disciplines, with additional focus on the application of computer science and artificial intelligence to the field. Covering core areas such as civil, aerodynamic and mechanical engineering, alongside algorithmic thinking and the role of AI in modern engineering, the emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of engineering today puts students in good stead for future study.

Key learning outcomes:

• Understand fundamental principles across core engineering disciplines, including the civil, mechanical, and aerodynamic fields.

• Explore the role of computer science and artificial intelligence in advancing engineering solutions.

• Develop analytical and design skills by applying interdisciplinary methods to real-world engineering problems.

Computer Science 

The Computer Science sessions are an introduction to advanced mathematical thinking, with particular emphasis on its application in computer science. Covering a wide range of topics throughout both pure and applied mathematics, as well as the discrete mathematics and algorithms at the core of computer science, students will have the chance to engage with formal problem-solving techniques, proofs, and abstract reasoning, all of which form a large part of the way undergraduate students learn at the university level.

Key learning outcomes:

• Strengthen skills in abstract reasoning, logical thinking, and mathematical proofs at the undergraduate level.

• Explore applications of mathematics in computer science, particularly algorithms and discrete mathematics.

• Apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to both theoretical and practical challenges.

Physical Natural Sciences 

These sessions offer students a structured introduction to key areas in physics, chemistry, and some of the mathematical frameworks that underpin the theoretical aspect of the field. By considering core topics such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and more, students will develop a deeper understanding of the conceptual and quantitative methods used in the physical sciences at the university level.

Key learning outcomes:

• Understand key concepts in physics and chemistry, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.

• Apply mathematical frameworks to analyse and explain physical phenomena.

• Build problem-solving skills through the study of theoretical and experimental approaches in the sciences.

 

Subjects overview (Humanities pathway)

Combining expert-led lectures and workshops, with excursions to

laboratories, museums, and more, this programme is designed to introduce students to the range of subjects on offer within the field of humanities and social sciences. Students will be introduced to the exploratory, independent style of learning that would be expected from them at the University of Cambridge.

Arts and Literature 

The Liberal Arts summer programme offers students a fascinating glimpse into the key disciplines that form the humanities at the advanced level, including subjects such as history, philosophy, classical civilisation, and English literature. The course encourages critical engagement with primary texts, historical sources, cultural artefacts, and literary classics, fostering close reading and analytical and interpretative skills. By exploring the major intellectual traditions and movements throughout a range of global civilisations, students will gain a clear picture of the critical methods that define humanities study at the university level.

Key learning outcomes: 

  • Engage critically with literature, philosophy, history, and other humanities disciplines through close reading and analysis.
  •  Explore cultural and intellectual traditions from a range of historical and global perspectives.
  • Develop interpretative and analytical skills essential for humanities study at the university level.
Economics 

The Economics sessions are designed to give students a challenging yet fascinating gateway into the principles and analytical methods central to the study of economics at the undergraduate level. The course covers core areas including both micro- and macroeconomic theory, market structures, and global outlooks, as well as giving students the opportunity to engage closely with the real-world implications of economic study.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Acquire a solid foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomics,including key theories and models.
  • Analyse how markets, policies, and institutions shape economic outcomes at local and global levels.
  • Apply economic reasoning to contemporary real-world issues through case studies and site visits.
Education and Psychology

These sessions provide students with a structured introduction to key theories and research in the psychological, behavioural, and educational sciences, such as early development and mental health. The course examines topics from cognitive and social development in early childhood, to core concepts in clinical psychology. Students will draw on empirical research and case students to explore the psychological mechanisms underlying behaviour, emotion, and learning, helping them to understand their relevance in modern educational and clinical practice.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Understand major theories of cognitive, social, and emotional development.
  • Explore research in education and clinical psychology, including case studies and applied examples.
  • Analyse how psychological principles inform learning, behaviour, and mental health in real-world contexts.
International Relations

These sessions offer students an academically grounded introduction to the study of society, political institutions, legal systems, and human behaviour. The course explores key themes in political theory, sociology, and international relations, and links those themes to the concepts of legal reasoning and human rights in the modern British legal system. Seminars and discussions give students the tools to develop their critical interpretative skills, providing a rigorous foundation for future study in these areas.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Gain insight into how societies, political systems, and legal frameworks function and interact.
  • Develop critical thinking skills through the study of political theory, sociology, and international relations.
  • Understand the role of law and human rights in shaping contemporary political and social issues.

 

Research Methodology and Academic Writing

All students will receive daily tuition designed to develop the principles and practices of high‑quality academic work. This includes expert guidance on conducting rigorous research, understanding the process of academic publication, and producing high‑quality, university‑style written work. These sessions introduce advanced skills typically encountered at university level and provide a strong foundation that will be relevant across all subjects offered in the programme.

Timetable 

Week 1
  Morning Afternoon Evening 
Monday

Orientation

College Tour: Exploring Downing College

 Research Methodology and Academic Writing course introduction Pop Quiz Night
Tuesday  Academic component A Research Methodology and Academic Writing session BBQ Night
Wednesday Academic component A Research Methodology and Academic Writing Board Game Night
Thursday  Academic component B Research Methodology and Academic Writing session Movie Night
Friday Academic component B Research Methodology and Academic Writing session Karaoke Night
Saturday & Sunday      
Week 2
  Morning Afternoon
Monday Academic component C Research Methodology and Academic Writing session
Tuesday Academic component C Research Methodology and Academic Writing session
Wednesday Academic component D Research Methodology and Academic Writing session
Thursday Academic component D Research Methodology and Academic Writing session
Friday Final session Graduation and Formal Dinner at Downing 
Saturday & Sunday Airport transfer and return flight