The Silk Route

Course Programme

The course begins at 1.00pm with lunch on Monday 17th August and check-in for accommodation is available from 2.00pm, before the first session at 2.30pm. Closing dinner is at 7.00pm on Friday 21 August.

The tuition fee includes served buffet lunches, college-style dinners and tea/coffee. Tea and coffee making facilities are also available in the study bedrooms.

Invited speakers will address a wide range of topics relating to the challenges we face today, expanding on, and adding to, the subjects addressed in the seminars.  Subject areas are likely to include, but are not limited to:

The Silk Road and before: Afro-Eurasian interactions

The discovery of the Kingdoms of the Eastern Silk Road

Roll out the Carpet - Silk Road carpets in late Medieval and early Renaissance art

The truth about Marco Polo

The architecture of the Umayyads and Seljuks

Precious stones and precious metal for Tang China

Castles of the Crusades

Food and the foreign in ancient China

Ottoman architecture, the end of the road

Dietary requirements

If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies please inform our Admissions Team on ice.admissions@ice.cam.ac.uk or +44 (0)1223 746262 if you have not already advised us of your requirements.

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.

Further information about student support.

Course materials

A booklist, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents. You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Entry requirements

No academic qualification is required of applicants, and most courses are suitable for students who are new to the subject.

All teaching is in English (unless a foreign-language course). If your first language is not English, you need to satisfy yourself that you have the required near-native command of the language to get the maximum benefit from studying with ICE.

This course takes place at Madingley Hall, home to the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education.

As a student at Madingley Hall, you will enjoy award-winning cuisine in our elegant Dining Hall and first-rate facilities in an atmospheric and inspiring setting. You can choose to stay at the Hall in comfortable en-suite accommodation for the duration of your course, or attend as a non-resident.

Residential fees cover tuition, accommodation and full board, including morning coffee and afternoon tea during teaching hours, and travel on excursions. The non-residential fee includes all meals on the course except breakfast.

About Madingley Hall

Built in the 16th century, Madingley Hall is a Grade 1 listed building, and is set in eight acres of landscaped gardens designed in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown. It is just four miles from the centre of Cambridge, and only 60 minutes from London, with excellent links to London airports.

Getting here

For more information on getting to Madingley Hall, see How to find us.

We now have a free ICE Shuttle bus service which runs between the Railway Station and Madingley Hall at various times throughout the week. Please follow the link above for the current timetable, or contact the reception desk at ICE by calling +44 (01)1223 746 222.

Accommodation

Accommodation for residential students is provided in single, twin or double study bedrooms in the Hall, with attractive views over the woods, gardens and courtyard.

Each room has internet access, digital television and a direct-dial telephone, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities and a safe for your valuables. Rooms are centrally heated and all have en-suite facilities.

A special lift gives access to two rooms adapted for wheelchair users, and all areas on the ground floor can be reached once inside the building. If you would like us to make any special provision for your stay, please contact us beforehand and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

We are usually able to offer accommodation before and after your course should you wish to extend your stay. Please indicate if you would like to stay an extra night when booking your place.