Specialist Subjects
Choosing your degree course is one of the most important academic decisions you will make and will set you on your potential career path. During our summer school, the specialist subject options give you an introduction to a particular university course, combining interactive tuition with hands-on activities and guidance about subject-specific university requirements and degree modules, so that you can make more informed choices and feel more prepared for your university application. We include professional talks and visits to bring the subject to life and give students a taste of what it would be like to work in this field.
At registration, students select one from a choice of 4 specialist subject areas:
- Business, Economics and Law
- Medicine and Bio-Medical Sciences
- AI and Computer Science
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
All students (16-18 years) have twice-weekly supervisions (Oxbridge-style discussion classes), led by Cambridge Undergraduates and Graduates in their chosen specialist subjects. Students are taught at an appropriate level for their age group (12-15 years or 16-18 years).
For the younger students, the emphasis is on introducing some of the key aspects of the subject and providing the opportunity to explore interesting subject-related topics.
The older students will have more advanced academic tuition and undertake challenging projects to gain a more in-depth understanding of graduate-level studies and careers in their chosen field.
Business, Economics and Law Course
During this course students (16-18 years) are taught the principles of business management, economics, finance, marketing and law, and apply what they have learned in a series of practical tasks. They will be introduced to the principles behind macro and micro economic theories and how they are applied in a modern, global business environment. Working in small teams, they have the opportunity to:
- examine the significance of globalisation and interdependence in modern economies
- practise their entrepreneurial skills by developing a new product or service idea
- present a mini-business plan
- pitch for investment to a panel of ‘dragons’
- attend a talk by a legal professional
- learn about finance internships.
Medicine and Bio-Medical Sciences Course
For students aged 16-18 years, this course provides an introduction to these subjects for prospective medical or bio-medical sciences students and explains how they are taught at various UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. This will help students to understand what it is like to study medicine or bio-medical sciences and pursue a career in this field. During the programme, students will:
- learn what is covered in admissions tests
- work on writing their personal statement
- do a mock interview and receive constructive feedback
- gain insights into the content and structure of degree courses
- learn some basic medical procedures, such as administering first aid and measuring blood pressure
- discuss some of the ethical problems that can arise for medical practitioners
- learn about recent groundbreaking research in Cambridge being used to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
AI and Computer Science Course
For students aged 16-18 years, this course is an introduction to both Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. The mixture of complementary and overlapping aspects make Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science a good study combination.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the construction of artificial systems that have intelligent behaviour. Computer science concerns understanding, designing, implementing and using computing systems. These systems range in scale, and complexity, from the tiny components of a single processor to the globe-spanning internet.
During the programme, students will have an opportunity to explore topics such as machine learning, programming and robotics. They will also look at how AI and Computer Science are taught at various UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and will be introduced to first-year university degree content.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Course
For students aged 16-18 years, this course aims to introduce students to the different branches of science, engineering, technology and mathematics, which they could study at university, as well as future career opportunities.
During the programme, students have the opportunity to develop their scientific knowledge and test out theoretical concepts. They will be encouraged to draw on their knowledge of science and mathematics to develop solutions to real-life engineering problems through practical problem-solving tasks.
Students will attend interactive STEM lectures and talks by guest speakers from Cambridge University, in wide-ranging fields such as artificial intelligence, climate resilient communities and marine conservation.
Hands-on projects, professional talks, visits and interactive workshops
Throughout the programme, the older students (16-18 years) will work on projects and case studies relevant to their chosen specialist subject, both individually and in teams. They will also take part in subject-specific visits, whenever this can be arranged within the timetable, and have talks from professionals practising in their chosen subject area to find out more about what it is really like to work in this field.
In the final session they will present the results of their research and project work and receive feedback from their tutors. This offers an exceptional opportunity to gain introductory university-level insights that go beyond the school syllabus and to discover particular areas of interest that they can confidently discuss during their university applications. Older students will also receive a graded subject-specific reading list so that they can continue their wider reading after returning home.
As well as university-level workshops and supervisions (Oxbridge-style discussion classes) related to their chosen specialist subject, the older students (16-18 years old) will have hands-on university preparation masterclasses to help them with subject-specific personal statements, interview practice and personal development planning. They will also have visits to faculties and companies related to their chosen subject areas, and receive one-to-one advice about university selection and degree choices.
Instead of university preparation masterclasses and university-level workshops, the younger students (12-15 years) will work in mixed-nationality teams on exciting STEAM*-focused projects and workshops, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, 3D design and print, which are designed to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need for future academic and career success.
All our students also have the opportunity to attend a higher education seminar and interactive lectures by guest speakers in university subjects, which they may not be so familiar with, such as astronomy, archaeology, virtual reality and marine conservation.
*Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics