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    In-person Programme

    Social & Political Sciences

    by Reach Cambridge

    An interdisciplinary Cambridge summer course exploring politics, psychology, sociology, economics, international relations and social justice through debate, research and case studies.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Social & Political Sciences

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    Social Sciences Cambridge at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Students worldwide

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, England

    Cost

    From £6,295

    Duration

    2, 4 or 6 weeks

    Format

    In-person residential

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PoliticsSocial SciencesPsychology

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Meals: Half board

    Certificate: Certificate of attendance

    Academic tuition: 20 hours per week

    Accreditation: BAC short course provider

    Social Sciences Cambridge summary

    A residential interdisciplinary course for students exploring where their interests lie across politics, psychology, sociology, economics and international relations.

    Morning academic study is complemented by debate, research methods, contemporary case studies, lectures, activities and UK excursions.

    It best suits curious students who want to compare several social-science disciplines before choosing a university direction.

    What is Social & Political Sciences?

    Social & Political Sciences is an interdisciplinary residential summer course run by Reach Cambridge. It introduces psychology, philosophy, politics, sociology, economics and international relations through expert-led teaching in Cambridge.

    Students examine governance, inequality, migration, human rights and climate change from different disciplinary perspectives. Debate, discussion, research methods and real-world case studies turn the course into an active exploration of how societies function and change.

    Why Succeed highlights Social Sciences Cambridge

    • The interdisciplinary structure helps undecided students compare several social-science pathways without committing to one narrow field.

    • Debates, discussions and case studies encourage students to test ideas rather than only absorb theory.

    • Practical research-method teaching provides useful preparation for independent school and university projects.

    • Residential Cambridge study combines substantial academic tuition with lectures, activities and cultural excursions.

    • BAC accreditation provides external quality assurance for the short-course provider.

    Who is Social Sciences Cambridge for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy debating global issues and want to compare politics, psychology, sociology and international relations before choosing a university subject.

    Not ideal if

    You want a narrowly specialised course, a formal qualification or a low-cost non-residential option.

    Is Social Sciences Cambridge worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who values broad subject exploration, seminar-style discussion and the experience of residential study. The combination of academic tuition, research, debate and international peers offers more depth than a purely recreational summer camp.

    The limitation is the substantial fee, particularly for longer stays, and the course does not carry a formal qualification. Its value therefore depends on using the experience to clarify academic interests and develop ideas that can inform later study.

    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, except excursion days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Graduation celebration and course certificate, Course report and suggested reading list, International student travel insurance for individual students.

    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 Social Sciences Cambridge need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high academic engagement.

    Best started

    Begin the application at least four weeks before the closing round to allow time for the personal statement, deposit and travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Engaging confidently with unfamiliar disciplines and competing viewpoints.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose two or three current political or social issues to follow before arrival.

    • Draft the required personal statement in your own words and connect it to the chosen course.

    • Practise discussing an issue from more than one disciplinary perspective.

    • Plan passports, visas or an ETA, travel and spending money well ahead of departure.

    Useful if

    You read current affairs and practise explaining evidence-based opinions.

    What do students do on Social Sciences Cambridge?

    Students study their chosen subject in morning classes, then join a wider residential schedule of activities, lectures, workshops and excursions.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore politics, sociology, economics, psychology and social justice across disciplines.

    2. 2

      Analyse governance, inequality, migration, human rights and climate change through case studies.

    3. 3

      Debate political ideologies, social issues and international challenges with classmates.

    4. 4

      Learn social-science research methods and practise independent analysis.

    5. 5

      Join afternoon activities or optional taster courses after academic tuition.

    6. 6

      Attend evening lectures, social events and supervised UK excursions.

    Social Sciences Cambridge dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 in the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Academic English ability recommended

    • Upper-intermediate or B2 English recommended

    • Student-written personal statement required

    • Transcript may be requested

    • Place subject to eligibility and availability

    How much does Social Sciences Cambridge cost?

    Two-week programme

    £6,295 — Standard 2026 price

    Funding or discounts

    • Four-week programme: £12,395 — Standard 2026 price
    • Six-week programme: £18,495 — Standard 2026 price
    • Booking deposit: £500 per two weeks — Payable with the application; not part-payment
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Conditions apply
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — Conditions apply
    • Scholarship: Essay competition — Very limited awards for exceptional entries

    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, except excursion days, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Graduation celebration and course certificate, Course report and suggested reading list, International student travel insurance for individual students

    How to apply to Social Sciences Cambridge

    1. 1

      Complete the official online application form with parent and student details.

    2. 2

      Select the summer dates, duration and Social & Political Sciences course.

    3. 3

      Accept the terms and conditions and submit the completed application.

    4. 4

      Pay the deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to eligibility and availability.

    5. 5

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

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account sections and balance payment.

    7. 7

      Provide a transcript or English-language test if requested.

    What does Social Sciences Cambridge cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Societies and institutions

    Explore politics, sociology, economics and social justice to understand how societies function and change.

    Global political perspectives

    Compare political systems, governance and international relations across different parts of the world.

    Debate and analysis

    Assess ideologies, social issues and global challenges through structured discussion and debate.

    Research and case studies

    Apply social-science methods to migration, human rights, inequality and climate change.

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

    What is a typical day on Social Sciences Cambridge?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic tuition

    Subject classes and workshops normally run from 9am to 1pm.

    Activities and tasters

    Students join activities, explore Cambridge under programme rules or take optional taster courses.

    Lectures and socials

    Dinner is followed by a guest lecture, workshop or organised social activity.

    Excursion days

    Supervised trips replace the normal academic timetable on selected days.

    Who teaches on Social Sciences Cambridge?

    The course is taught by expert instructors, with Reach Cambridge drawing many teachers from academic institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford and London universities. Its teaching body includes professors, researchers, postgraduates, specialists and practising professionals.

    Teachers have autonomy to shape course content around their expertise, so detailed topics may vary.

    Where do students stay on Social Sciences Cambridge?

    Residential plan

    • College residence: Students stay in central Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room arrangements: Same-sex corridors use single or twin rooms grouped by similar age.
    • Meals: Half board is provided, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Residential support: Supervisors live on site with 24-hour senior and welfare support.
    • Campus life: Students use college dining, accommodation and common areas within a structured programme.

    Standard rooms may be single or twin with shared bathrooms; guaranteed single and ensuite options cost extra and depend on availability.

    What happens after Social Sciences Cambridge?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Clarify whether politics, psychology or another social science fits future study.

    Build confidence discussing complex academic and global questions.

    Develop research and critical-analysis skills for independent projects.

    Receive a certificate of attendance and detailed course overview.

    Use the course report and suggested reading to continue subject exploration.

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

    Where does Social Sciences Cambridge take place?

    Students live and study in central Cambridge college accommodation, using the historic university city as the setting for academic and residential life. The programme also includes supervised excursions to cultural destinations elsewhere in the UK.

    Reach Cambridge is a private provider independent of the University of Cambridge and hires college accommodation and facilities.

    Social Sciences Cambridge FAQs

    The course draws on politics, sociology, economics, social justice, psychology, philosophy and international relations. Students examine these areas from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

    Reach Cambridge normally provides at least 20 hours of academic tuition each week. Evening lectures, workshops, activities and excursions sit alongside the core subject classes.

    Yes. Students stay in central Cambridge college accommodation in same-sex residential groups with staff living on site.

    Half board is included, normally breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Only breakfast is provided on excursion days, so families should budget for other meals.

    Reach Cambridge uses expert teachers including academics, researchers, postgraduates, specialists and practising professionals. Many work or study at leading UK universities.

    The standard course does not award formal credit or qualifications. Students receive a certificate of attendance, course overview and suggested further reading.

    Teaching is in English, and students should be comfortable with sophisticated academic language. Reach Cambridge recommends approximately upper-intermediate or B2 ability.

    Supervisors live on site and are available around the clock alongside senior and welfare staff. Activities and excursions are supervised, and students follow curfew and check-in rules.

    Alternatives to Social Sciences Cambridge

    Compare these related in-person programmes if you want a narrower subject focus or a different balance of politics, economics and leadership.

    Alternatives to Social Sciences Cambridge

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    Academic Insights – Philosophy
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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.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • 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
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Program Overview
    • Social & Political Sciences - 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)

    • Course identity checked

    • Dates and fees verified

    • Application deadline checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Inclusions cross-checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Safeguarding information checked

    • Terms and cancellation 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.