In-person Programme

    Academic Insights – Computer Science

    by Immerse Education

    Academic Insights – Computer Science is a two-week residential summer programme from Immerse Education, combining university-style computing study, a personal project and small-group teaching in Oxford or Cambridge.

    Last verified: 31 Jul 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Academic Insights – Computer Science

    Academic Insights Computer Science at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    School students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 13-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge; Oxford

    Cost

    From £5,995

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced

    Save programme
    Computer ScienceCoding & AIArtificial Intelligence

    Class size: 7-10 students

    Accommodation: 13 nights available

    Certificate: Certificate of attendance

    Teaching time: 40 hours

    Academic Insights Computer Science summary

    Academic Insights – Computer Science is Immerse Education’s residential, university-style summer programme for students exploring computing before further study.

    Students combine academic sessions with a personal project, individual tutoring, mentoring and guest-speaker sessions.

    It suits motivated students who want structured exposure to programming, algorithms and problem-solving in a small cohort.

    What is Academic Insights – Computer Science?

    Academic Insights – Computer Science is an Immerse Education summer programme that introduces students to university-style computing study. Participants develop their understanding through academic sessions, project work and individual support.

    The programme is offered in Oxford and Cambridge, with age-specific courses. Younger students focus on computational thinking and programming foundations, while older students explore data structures, algorithmic complexity, software engineering, AI and machine learning.

    Why Succeed highlights Academic Insights Computer Science

    • It combines subject teaching with a personal project students can develop into evidence of academic curiosity.

    • Small classes of 7-10 students make the teaching format more personal than a large lecture-style summer school.

    • The programme provides 40 hours of teaching and coaching across two weeks.

    • Residential packages include university accommodation, meals, activities and dedicated programme support.

    Who is Academic Insights Computer Science for?

    Best for

    Students aged 13-18 who want a structured introduction or deeper exploration of computer science alongside a residential university-city experience.

    Not ideal if

    You need a low-cost option, want a fully online programme, or prefer a narrowly focused coding bootcamp.

    Is Academic Insights Computer Science worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who will make active use of the project, tutoring and subject exposure to test whether computer science is a serious next-step interest. The smaller classes and residential setting add value beyond an ordinary short course.

    The limitation is price: this is not a substitute for sustained independent coding or formal qualifications. Its strongest value comes when students reflect on what they learned and carry the project forward afterwards.

    How much preparation does Academic Insights Computer Science need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Four to six weeks before the chosen July or August session.

    Main challenge

    Keeping up with academic sessions while developing an independent project.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the age-appropriate Oxford or Cambridge course and compare residential options.

    • Refresh basic programming concepts or try a beginner Python exercise before arrival.

    • Bring a shortlist of computer science questions or project interests to discuss with your tutor.

    Useful if

    You are ready to explore ideas beyond a standard school syllabus.

    What do students do on Academic Insights Computer Science?

    Students work through university-style computer science topics, receive personalised tutoring and develop a project. The residential timetable also includes excursions, activities and evening events.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend in-depth academic sessions with an expert tutor.

    2. 2

      Explore programming, algorithms and digital problem-solving.

    3. 3

      Develop a self-directed personal research or programming project.

    4. 4

      Use one-to-one support to clarify ideas and receive feedback.

    5. 5

      Present the project to peers and tutors.

    6. 6

      Join guest-speaker sessions, activities and excursions.

    Academic Insights Computer Science dates and deadlines

    Oxford session

    5 July 2026 to 18 July 2026

    Ages 13-15.

    Past

    Oxford session

    19 July 2026 to 1 August 2026

    Ages 13-15.

    Past

    Cambridge session

    19 July 2026 to 1 August 2026

    Ages 16-18.

    Past

    Cambridge session

    26 July 2026 to 8 August 2026

    Ages 13-18.

    Past

    Cambridge session

    2 August 2026 to 15 August 2026

    Ages 16-18.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 13-15 or 16-18, depending on course.

    • No previous computer science experience required.

    • An active interest in the subject is helpful.

    • A parent or guardian enrols students under 18.

    How much does Academic Insights Computer Science cost?

    Non-residential

    £5,995 — Two-week programme without accommodation.

    Funding or discounts

    • Classic residential: £7,495 — Includes 13 nights’ university accommodation.
    • Residential plus online research: £9,516 — Two weeks residential plus 10 hours online.

    What's included

    40 hours of teaching and coaching., Tuition by an academic expert., Designated mentor support and one-to-one support., Guest-speaker sessions and a personal project., Certificate of attendance., Residential packages include meals, 13 nights’ accommodation, activities and dedicated support.

    How to apply to Academic Insights Computer Science

    1. 1

      Choose the Academic Insights pathway, Computer Science subject, location and session.

    2. 2

      Complete the student and parent or guardian details where required.

    3. 3

      Submit the enrolment form and await programme details and a secure payment link.

    4. 4

      Confirm payment to complete enrolment.

    What does Academic Insights Computer Science cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Programming foundations

    Build computational thinking and basic programming skills through practical problem-solving.

    Algorithms and data structures

    Explore key algorithms, data structures and algorithmic complexity at an age-appropriate level.

    AI and machine learning

    Older students gain an introduction to AI and machine learning through hands-on projects.

    Personal project

    Develop an independent project with tutor guidance and present it to peers and tutors.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Academic Insights Computer Science?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Mornings

    The sample timetable shows breakfast followed by academic sessions.

    Afternoons

    The sample timetable includes academic sessions, tutorials and personal project supervision.

    Evenings

    Sample activities include talks, masterclasses, quiz nights and social events.

    Who teaches on Academic Insights Computer Science?

    Teaching is delivered by academic experts, typically PhD-level tutors associated with Oxford, Cambridge or Ivy League institutions. Students also receive designated mentor support and one-to-one guidance.

    The Academic Advisory Panel advises on curriculum, tutor recruitment and assessment.

    Where do students stay on Academic Insights Computer Science?

    Residential plan

    • University accommodation: Residential packages include 13 nights at university accommodation.
    • Meals: Ages 13-15 receive full board; ages 16-18 receive breakfast and dinner.
    • Campus amenities: College accommodation provides Wi-Fi and separate male and female accommodation.
    • Support and activities: Packages include cultural and social activities plus dedicated Immerse team support.

    Accommodation is offered through the residential package; non-residential places do not include it.

    What happens after Academic Insights Computer Science?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Build a personal computer science project for future applications.

    Receive a personalised tutor evaluation.

    Earn a certificate of attendance.

    Use the experience to explore whether computer science is a suitable university subject.

    Students aged 14+ may opt into an additional UCAS-points opportunity.

    UCAS points are an optional add-on, not included automatically.

    Where does Academic Insights Computer Science take place?

    The programme runs in Oxford and Cambridge, giving students a residential experience in historic university-college surroundings. Cambridge participants also have two full-day excursions to Oxford and London, while Oxford participants take a full-day London trip.

    Immerse Education is not affiliated with Oxford University, Cambridge University or their constituent colleges.

    Academic Insights Computer Science FAQs

    The programme has courses for students aged 13-15 and 16-18. It is designed for motivated students interested in exploring computer science before university.

    No. Previous computer science skills or experience are not required for the residential course, although an active interest in the subject is helpful.

    Topics include programming, algorithms and digital problem-solving. Older students also explore data structures, algorithmic complexity, software engineering, introductory AI and machine learning.

    Classes have 7-10 students, creating a small-group learning environment.

    The programme includes 40 hours of teaching and coaching, tutor and mentor support, a personal project, guest-speaker sessions and a certificate of attendance. Residential packages add accommodation, meals and activities.

    The host venues accommodate vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, halal, gluten-free and allergy-related requirements when these are provided after enrolment.

    Alternatives to Academic Insights Computer Science

    Consider these options if you want an online computer science route or a broader academic preparation programme.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • If I have to cancel, will I get my money back?
    • Oxford | FAQs
    • Cambridge | FAQs
    • Terms & Conditions - Immerse Education
    • Enrol | Academic Summer Schools & Online Courses - Immerse Education
    • Book a Consultation - Immerse Education
    • Computer Science Cambridge Summer School 2026
    • Oxford Computer Science Summer School 2026
    • Computer Science Summer School 2026 for High School Students

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 31 Jul 2026)

    • Programme format checked

    • Age groups reviewed

    • Session dates checked

    • Package costs reviewed

    • Curriculum reviewed

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Safeguarding reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.