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Bring your design ideas to life at one of the richest artistic and architectural locations in the world, on campus at our Cambridge Summer School. You’ll apply the core principles of architecture, including planning, design and spatial mapping as you fast track your future to becoming a world-class architect.
Immerse yourself into the University of Cambridge’s buildings, colleges, art collections and museums, observing ‘case studies’ which illustrate the development of art and architecture in Europe between the Roman and Norman Conquests, to the architecture of the University in the 20th and 21st centuries. Produce a range of architectural drawings and build your professional portfolio as you practice technical drawing and model construction in both manual and digital formats.
| Location | Cambridge |
| For Ages | 16-18 years |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Price | |
| Start Dates | 30 Jun, 14 Jul |
Watch our Architecture Summer School trailer to see students in the process of making their design projects. Listen to students and teachers reflect on the different perspectives our international student body brings to our classrooms, and the breadth of architectural knowledge that is covered in the two week programme.
Watch our Cambridge Summer School trailer to hear from our students about living on campus in the colleges of Cambridge University and the chance to experience university student life. See beautiful college building and the ceremonies and events we run for our students whilst students and teachers speak about the life-changing academic experience our programmes provide.
Our Architecture Summer School for 16-18-year-olds has been expertly developed to school students both in the principle tenets of the field, and the necessity for creative thinking to offer solutions as changes in modern life represent novel challenges for architects.
Having welcomed students from over 175 nations, we are pleased to be able to call ourselves the world’s most international summer school. For students of architecture, this variety of perspectives offers a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity, as each individual will come with unique insight into their country’s traditions of architecture and urban planning. The spirit of collaboration fostered in our interactive classrooms helps students form friendships to last a lifetime – and these connections could even bear fruit in the form of shared architectural projects later down the road.
We have the great privilege of being able to offer attendees access to world-leading experts in the field, whose collective years of experience as professors and practising architects and urban planners offer a profound depth of knowledge rarely afforded to pre-university students. Under the aegis of these expert guides, students will:
– Develop observational and technical drawing and scale modelling skills
– Gain an overview of architectural history from Ancient Greece to the present day, including the latest trend and discourse surrounding our constructed environments
– Explore local buildings and urban environs, treating these as architectural case studies
– Examine the variety of pathways available to early career architects
– Gain an understanding of the level of ambition and commitment that is expected of architecture undergraduates
Despite appearances, architecture isn’t all technical: the very best architects will have highly attuned interpersonal skills, enabling them to work fluently as they transform into design the needs and ambitions of their clients. As such, there is an emphasis on interaction and collaboration both within and outside the classroom to help students develop crucial ‘soft skills.’ Over the two weeks, attendees will:
– Refine their active listening skills, working closely with expert tutors both in 1:1 tutorial sessions and wider classroom discussions
– Learn to respond to constructive criticism of their work productively and professionally as they develop their architectural portfolios
– Master public speaking and develop confidence through our public debating society
– Articulate ideas effectively as they present on an urban planning project at the end of the programme
These are exciting times to become an architect, as global interconnectivity and technological reliance augments, creating a need for design which reflects changing social, commercial, and domestic organisation. To discover how well suited they are to this fast-paced professional environment, students will:
– Work on an industry-grade project, putting theories surrounding the modern built environment as they design their own ‘City of the Future’
– Learn about sustainable design in the context of climate change and other existential risks
– Learn to conduct a site survey, an essential component of any architectural or interior design project
– Benefit from subject-specific sessions on preparing for a future in architecture, as well as general academic enrichment workshops which form part of our extracurricular calendar
Students of our Architecture summer programmes will not only benefit from the very best education in their field; they will also have the summer of a lifetime, as they explore novel locations with newfound friends and are spoiled for choice with our action-packed extracurricular calendar. Throughout the duration of their course, students will:
– Partake in exciting enrichment activities, including museum visits, walking tours, and a day trip to London to explore quintessential British culture
– Enjoy a stimulating range of challenges, such as fact-finding scavenger hunts and photography competitions
– Socialise with students on other programmes through recreational activities such as karaoke nights, bowling, and sporting events
– Enjoy talks from talented motivational speakers across a range of industries and professions
All excellent architects draw on the history of their trade, both to draw inspiration and to rebel against the status quo. Students will be guided by expert faculty through a history of architecture, beginning with the Ancient Greeks and culminating with a thorough examination of emerging trends in the industry.
During their final week, attendees will get involved in a forward-facing urban design project titled ‘City of the Future’. Pulling together everything they have learned over the course of the programme, this is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their learning both to peers and tutors at Oxford Royale, and to future admissions faculty and employers as a unique addition to their portfolios.
Students will enjoy the opportunity to step back from a day’s hard work and explore their local city, all of which boast rich cultural offers. There will be opportunities to visit museums, go punting, snap pictures at sites of interest, and sample local cuisine. There will also be an exciting day trip to the nearby global city of London. This is a fantastic way to be immersed in quintessential English culture as you make lifetime memories with your newfound friends.
Students at the world’s top universities are renowned for their work ethic, but lesser known is their penchant for letting their hair down and celebrating their achievements in style. Students on our programmes get the very best of both academic excellence and fun with friends, as they are rewarded for their efforts through two parties over the two weeks: one on the mid-programme weekend, and the other following an illustrious formal graduation ceremony to mark their completion of the course.
Full Timetable
To download a full sample timetable of our Cambridge Architecture Summer Programme, click here.
A Typical Day
A Typical weekday on our Cambridge Architecture Summer School looks like this:
Week One
The programme kicks off bright and early on Monday with an introductory seminar on architecture and design, followed by the first of a series of seminars on the history of architecture. Through a series of further seminars, workshops, and subject-specific excursions throughout the course of the week, students will develop their theoretical knowledge alongside the practical skills essential to architectural projects, such as sketching, model construction, and site surveys. Students will also attend talks on the ‘Grand Challenges’ facing modern architecture, and towards the end of the week will attend a lecture preparing them to commence their central project: the City of the Future Design Challenge. Over the mid-programme weekend, students will attend a party to celebrate their progress so far, followed by an exciting trip to London.
Week Two
During the second week of the programme, students focus predominantly on their Design Challenge. These sessions will be complemented by early morning seminars on subjects such as sustainable design and emerging trends in architecture, as well as a workshop on developing a professional architectural portfolio. Students will also attend a subject-specific masterclass, which is subject to change year-by-year, but has historically covered subjects such as emerging careers in architecture or hand-drawing techniques. As the programme draws to a close, students will have the opportunity to present on their final design and receive invaluable feedback from their tutors. On the final full day of the programme, students will benefit from two seminars on preparation for their future careers, before getting ready for a show-stopping graduation ceremony to honour their achievements, followed by a party at an venue in Cambridge.
Residential on the prestigious campus of the University of Cambridge
Inspiring programmes taught by experts
Graduation ceremony, report cards and graduation certificate
International student community with over 170 nationalities represented since 2004
Accommodation, breakfast and dinner, tuition and cultural programmes included at the Cambridge Summer School
20 hours of tuition per week
Inspirational cultural programmes
Whatever your motivation, our exceptional, inspiring, world-leading teachers can help you achieve more this summer. Our amazing array of talented tutors includes Oxbridge academics, Ivy League lecturers, groundbreaking medical researchers, glittering industry leaders, acclaimed authors, and more!
Dr Anisa Butt
Business & Entrepreneurship
A member of the Oxford Royale team for 3 years, Dr Anisa Butt is a lecturer in economics at King’s College London. Currently completing a PhD in Economics from the University of Reading, her focus is on gender and ethnic income inequality.
Dr Endrit Shabani
Law and Politics
A trained lawyer, Dr Endrit Shabani has a Doctorate in Politics from the University of Oxford where he studied with a full Clarendon scholarship. He has consulted for multiple international organisations including UNICEF, UN Women and the EU, and has taught Politics internationally.
Dr Claire Keene
Medicine
Health and Tropical Medicine from the University of Oxford. She is an experienced clinical trial manager, recently managing a Médecins Sans Frontières project on HIV and tuberculosis.
Dr Rehan Shah
Engineering
Dr Rehan Shah is a Lecturer in Engineering Education at Queen Mary University of London. He has completed a BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Business Finance at UCL with LSE, an MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Oxford, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics at UCL.
Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.
Hands-on classes designed to help students learn through practical application.
An interactive forum with an expert in the field, giving students valuable insights into related and new topics.
Successful and famous guest speakers offer students the chance to pose their most important questions.
Essential for honing students' reasoning abilities and public speaking skills.
Escape ordinary classroom teaching and learn through interactive and immersive lessons.
Dynamic lectures given by passionate teachers packed with facts and viewpoints to engage the audience.
An opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, different perspectives.
Working in pairs and small groups, students have plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.
Apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout your two-week programme in an immersive full day simulation event.
Discover the UK’s most exciting city! A short journey from Cambridge, explore the many wonders that London has to offer: from Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Museum of Natural History and National Portrait Gallery, there are endless ways to be entertained. Enjoy luxury shopping, or vibrant markets in Camden, and choose from hundreds of restaurants. London is a unmissable location filled with new opportunities.
Experience the magic of Cambridge on a walking tour of the city. Wander through historic colleges with stunning architecture, see the pub where the discovery of DNA was announced, or uncover hidden gems from coffee shops to art galleries.
Experience an Oxford Royale graduation, on campus at the University of Cambridge. Dress up with your new friends, dine in a magnificent venue, and celebrate everything you have achieved on your programme.
Feel like a real Cambridge student and try your hand at punting, a type of rowing that uses a metal pole to push the boat forward! Relax in the sun and view some of Cambridge’s spectacular colleges as you punt along the River Cam.
“Oxford Royale gave me an insight into a university course I was very interested in and helped me decide I wanted to do that for sure. Apart from the great academic programmes, the activities in Cambridge were extremely enjoyable and unforgettable.”Claudia, Spain
“I think it was a great choice for me to come here this summer, it has given me so much insight into what I want to do in the future, and not only that it has been very fun and very informative, and I would love to come back. ”Kareem, Lebanon
Hannah
I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!
Clara
I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!
Francesca
Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!
Minquan
The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.
Jade
The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.
Katherine
Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.
For the Architecture & Design programme, students live and study on campus in colleges of the historic University of Cambridge, as part of our Cambridge Summer School. Oxford Royale students will stay in accommodation at either Clare College or St Catharine’s College. Both colleges are beautiful, historic institutions situated in the heart of the university town.
Architecture & Design is also available at our other locations, please see our courses page for more details.
Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, and where you would like to study, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the enrolment fee.
We are happy to accept enrolment fees via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.
Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.
A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.
If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.
All enrolments require an enrolment fee to secure the booking. For Summer 2023, enrolment fees are structured as follows:
You may either pay the full programme fee when you book your place, or pay the enrolment fee and then settle the balance at a later date.
The balance clearance is required no later than 90 days before the start date of the programme. Where the student is booking less than 90 days before the start date, the programme fees must be covered in full. We appreciate that, with the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, people may require additional flexibility to these terms, and we are doing our best to accommodate that – please contact us if you have concerns regarding making the balance payment in line with the 90-day deadline.
Enrolments received via our online application form will require a debit or credit card payment of at least the enrolment fee. If you would like to pay your enrolment fee via Bank Transfer or another method, we are happy to facilitate this. Please contact our Admissions team to arrange this.
Balance payments for existing enrolments can be made via a number of methods, including domestic and international bank transfer, credit or debit card, as well as local payment options; please log in to the Oxford Royale Portal and click on the ‘Pay Now’ button on your booking details.
All programme fees include the following:
If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.
Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:
Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:
| Period Before Start Date | Total Refunded (excluding enrolment fee) |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 100% |
| 90-119 days | 50% |
| 45-89 days | 10% |
| 0-44 days | 0% |
Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.
For full information regarding cancellation and refund terms, please see our full terms and conditions, and please contact us if you have any questions.
Our English language requirements are as follows:
Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.
Yes, all students will be awarded an Oxford Royale Graduation Certificate in their chosen programme upon satisfactory completion of the programme. This will be presented in a graduation ceremony on the final evening of the programme. In general, the graduation ceremony is for students only, but in certain cases, it might be possible for parents to attend on request. Due to limited seating and viewing facilities in the colleges, it is essential that parents contact the campus office well in advance to ascertain whether space is available.
All our programmes take place in a secure environment. Our students are supervised 24 hours a day by campus staff. All students must check-in regularly during the day: at breakfast roll-call; at their morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. All campuses have a curfew.
Each campus office has its own safe where students may deposit items of value such as passports, travel documents, bank cards etc.
All campuses have residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day.
It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of subjects. This can be done by enrolling on two different programmes. For example, you may wish to have two weeks on the Film Academy and then two more weeks on Creative Writing.
Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.
