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    In-person Programme

    Politics & International Relations

    by Reach Cambridge

    A residential Cambridge summer course exploring political systems, global issues and diplomacy through debate, simulations and university-style study.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Politics & International Relations

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    Politics Cambridge Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    International students

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, England

    Cost

    From £6,295

    Duration

    2, 4 or 6 weeks

    Format

    Residential, in-person

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Politics

    Language: English

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Meals: Half board

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and course report

    Academic tuition: 20 hours weekly

    Accreditation: BAC Short Course Provider

    Politics Cambridge Course summary

    A residential academic course introducing national and international political systems, political thinkers and major global problems.

    Students debate complex issues, examine real-world cases and apply ideas through mock Parliament, Model United Nations and diplomatic role-play.

    It suits students considering politics or international relations at university, as well as curious learners who enjoy discussion and argument.

    What is Politics & International Relations?

    Politics & International Relations is a Reach Cambridge residential summer course introducing national and international political systems. Students explore political thinkers, global problems, state power and the international system through university-style teaching.

    The practical experience includes debate, case studies, mock Parliament and Model United Nations exercises. Researchers and experienced practitioners connect political theory with decision-making in government, European institutions and the United Nations.

    Why Succeed highlights Politics Cambridge Course

    • Mock Parliament and Model United Nations turn political theory into active learning.

    • Teaching draws on Cambridge politics researchers and experienced public-sector practitioners.

    • Twenty hours of weekly tuition provides substantial subject depth.

    • College living, lectures, activities and excursions create a broader university-style experience.

    • BAC accreditation provides external quality assurance for the provider.

    Who is Politics Cambridge Course for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy debate, current affairs and comparing competing explanations of global problems.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, formal academic credit or a programme focused only on lectures.

    Is Politics Cambridge Course worth it?

    The course can be worthwhile for a student who wants an intensive test of politics or international relations before university. Its strongest features are active simulations, substantial tuition and exposure to teachers with academic and practitioner experience.

    The fee is significant, and the certificate is not a formal qualification or guaranteed university advantage. Its value depends on engaging seriously with the debates, reflecting on the experience and using the course to guide later reading or study choices.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    From £6,295; includes Cambridge University college accommodation, 24-hour onsite supervision, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Two meals daily on most days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Travel insurance, certificate and course report.

    Accommodation

    Cambridge college residence

    Meals

    Half board

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2, 4 or 6 weeks; Cambridge, England.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Politics Cambridge Course need?

    Effort level

    High

    Best started

    Begin the application two to four weeks before 3 August.

    Main challenge

    Discussing complex political questions confidently in English.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the session length that fits your academic and travel plans.

    • Draft the personal statement in your own words, explaining your motivation and subject interests.

    • Review a range of current global issues and practise presenting both sides of an argument.

    • Plan travel, visa or ETA requirements and spending for meals not included.

    Useful if

    You already follow current affairs and enjoy evidence-based argument.

    What do students do on Politics Cambridge Course?

    Students combine morning academic study with political discussion, simulations and a full residential activity programme.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Examine political systems, ideologies, thinkers and institutions.

    2. 2

      Analyse global issues through case studies, discussion and debate.

    3. 3

      Take part in mock Parliament and Model United Nations exercises.

    4. 4

      Attend guest lectures, workshops and interdisciplinary activities.

    5. 5

      Join supervised cultural excursions and afternoon or evening events.

    6. 6

      Receive a certificate and course report at the end.

    Politics Cambridge Course dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 in the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Able to study and communicate in academic English

    • Personal statement submitted within 30 days

    • Transcript or English test if requested

    How much does Politics Cambridge Course cost?

    Two-week programme

    £6,295 — Main residential programme fee

    Funding or discounts

    • Four-week programme: £12,395 — Main residential programme fee
    • Six-week programme: £18,495 — Main residential programme fee
    • Deposit: £500 — Per two-week programme; separate from course fee
    • Refer a friend: £100 off — For both eligible students
    • Sibling discount: £300 off — Published year-round discount
    • Scholarship route: Essay competition — Highly selective financial assistance

    What's included

    Cambridge University college accommodation, 24-hour onsite supervision, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Two meals daily on most days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Travel insurance, certificate and course report

    How to apply to Politics Cambridge Course

    1. 1

      Complete the online application form with parent and student details.

    2. 2

      Choose the summer dates and Politics & International Relations course.

    3. 3

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to availability.

    4. 4

      Upload a student-written 500-1000 word personal statement within 30 days.

    5. 5

      Complete the remaining online-account sections and balance payment.

    6. 6

      Provide a school transcript or English test if requested.

    What does Politics Cambridge Course cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Political systems

    Compare governance models, ideologies and principles of the state.

    Global issues

    Analyse climate policy, international trade and conflict resolution.

    Political thought

    Examine influential thinkers and fundamental questions of political life.

    Diplomacy simulations

    Apply theory through Model UN and diplomatic role-play.

    Debate and argument

    Build critical thinking, oracy and evidence-based argumentation.

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

    What is a typical day on Politics Cambridge Course?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic classes

    Four hours of subject tuition, seminars and workshops.

    Activities and tasters

    Supervised activities, Cambridge exploration or optional taster courses.

    Lectures and socials

    An evening lecture is followed by organised social activities.

    Excursion days

    Supervised cultural visits replace the usual weekday pattern.

    Who teaches on Politics Cambridge Course?

    The subject course is taught by researchers from the University of Cambridge Department of Politics and International Relations and practitioners with experience in national administration, EU institutions and the United Nations. The wider teaching team includes professors, researchers, postgraduates and specialists from leading universities.

    Reach Cambridge is independent of the University of Cambridge.

    Where do students stay on Politics Cambridge Course?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in central Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room setup: Same-sex single or twin rooms use shared bathrooms as standard.
    • Meals: Half board is included, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Residential support: Resident supervisors, welfare staff and 24-hour support provide structure.
    • Campus experience: College dining, lectures, activities and city access support university-style living.

    Single-room and ensuite guarantees are optional paid upgrades subject to availability.

    What happens after Politics Cambridge Course?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the course to test interest in politics or international relations degrees.

    Build confidence in debate, discussion and academic English.

    Develop a stronger understanding of political systems and global issues.

    Receive a certificate of attendance and detailed course overview.

    Continue with the suggested academic reading in the course report.

    The course does not award formal credit or guarantee university admission.

    Where does Politics Cambridge Course take place?

    Students live and study in central Cambridge college accommodation, within a compact university city known for historic architecture, museums and the River Cam. Academic classes may use Cambridge-style lecture halls or laboratories, while supervised activities extend into the city.

    Reach Cambridge hires college accommodation and facilities but is independent of the University of Cambridge.

    Politics Cambridge Course FAQs

    You will explore political systems, ideologies, political thinkers, global problems, the state and the international system. Case studies include climate policy, international trade and conflict resolution.

    It combines academic classes with debate, discussion and practical simulations. Activities include mock Parliament, Model United Nations and diplomatic role-play.

    The residential programme includes 20 hours of academic tuition per week, plus guest lectures and practical workshops.

    Teaching includes Cambridge politics researchers and practitioners with experience in national administration, EU institutions and the United Nations.

    Students stay in central Cambridge college accommodation. Standard rooms are single or twin rooms in same-sex residential areas, with shared bathrooms.

    The programme is generally half board, providing two meals on most days. Excursion days include breakfast only, so families should budget for other meals.

    Students receive a certificate of attendance and course report, but the course does not award formal academic credit or a Cambridge University qualification.

    Yes. The programme welcomes all nationalities, but families are responsible for passports, visas or ETAs and should review UK entry requirements early.

    Alternatives to Politics Cambridge Course

    Compare these Succeed-listed programmes if you want a different balance of politics, diplomacy, leadership or London study.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • International Student Travel Insurance - Reach Cambridge
    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Brochure
    • Politics & International Relations Course - Reach Cambridge

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

    What we verified (on 3 Aug 2026)

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    • Fees cross-checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

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    How Succeed uses this information

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