"There's something for everyone" on this year's Summer Programme

Cambridge is once again throwing open its doors and welcoming students to its mind-expanding Summer Programme. Designed for adults of every age and stage in life, the Summer Programme is a unique opportunity to experience life and learning in one of the world’s leading universities – and one of its most beautiful small cities.

After two years of COVID-19, the sense of excitement is palpable, according to Claire Henry of the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education: “Everyone’s looking forward to welcoming students back to the Summer Programme; there’s a real buzz about the place. Whether you’re 18 or 80, it’s an amazing opportunity to experience student life in Cambridge.”

This year, there are 104 one-week courses on offer, including the timeless as well as the timely. Students can build their own one- to four-week personalised study programme – from the ‘essentials of astronomy’ and ‘the art of looking slowly’ to ‘social media’s global challenge’ and ‘writing non-fiction’. And of course all courses are taught by academics who are leaders in their field.

“There’s something for everyone,” says Claire. “Whether you’re an 18-year old student building your CV, a mid-career professional looking for new knowledge and ideas, or a retiree wanting to re-engage with education by returning to past passions or trying something new, the Summer Programme is for you.”

At Cambridge, opportunities for learning extend well beyond the classroom. You can immerse yourself in its art and architecture or relax and rejuvenate in its green spaces and riverside. The city centre is a cornucopia of history and culture. The University’s museums and collections span archaeology and anthropology, earth sciences, history of science, polar science and zoology; the Fitzwilliam Museum houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million works of art and artifacts, and the Botanic Garden holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world.

But it’s the students themselves who make the Summer Programme so special. 

Through social events in informal settings from College dining halls to garden parties, the programme provides space to get to know fellow students from diverse backgrounds, countries and cultures, says Claire: “It’s a fabulous way to explore new ideas and new knowledge, become part of a supportive and enquiring community, and develop new connections and enduring friendships.”

Learn more

The University of Cambridge Summer Programme runs from 10 July to 6 August 2022, find out more and apply now.