[University of Cambridge, International Summer Schools
1997]


The University of Cambridge first provided specialised periods of study for visitors from all around the world in 1923. Its International Summer Schools now receive world-wide acclaim each year and people from more than 40 countries - not only undergraduate or graduate students, but people of all ages and of many professions - congregate to form a large and lively international community.

Teaching is offered in small seminar classes, normally limited to a maximum of 25 participants, allowing for close and continuing discussion of the subjects studied. The programmes also include plenary lectures by senior members of the University and distinguished visiting speakers. Teaching is at university level. There is no formal qualification for admission, but applicants must satisfy themselves that they can meet the challenge of each programme of study. All teaching is in English. Participants must be fluent in English as there is no instruction in English language or in spoken English.

Students are encouraged to consider combining two Summer Schools to make a six-week programme of study (eg. Terms I and II, or History followed by Medieval Studies, or Shakespeare followed by English Literature).

This gives advance notice of all the courses available in 1997. Full details will be available from January 1997, both online and as brochures.



College Accommodation

Participants live in a number of Cambridge colleges, all within easy walking distance of the city centre and the University teaching rooms. Accommodation is in single bed-sitting rooms with washbasins. Rooms used are those normally occupied by Cambridge undergraduates during the academic year.

For each programme, the Accommodation Fee includes payment for breakfasts and evening meals. Lunch is not included, but the University Centre and Selwyn College near the main teaching rooms, can both provide good, reasonably priced lunches.

For both terms of the International Summer School, the History, Shakespeare and English Literature Summer Schools, some places are available in Trinity College with room only (ie. with no meals at all) at a much reduced fee. A similar arrangement is available at St Catharine's College for a limited number of students on the Shakespeare and English Literature Summer Schools.

Non-residential attendance is also possible for those who prefer to find their own accommodation. The University accepts no responsibility for finding accommodation for those applying for non-residential places, but a list of guest houses and lodgings in Cambridge is available on request.

Leisure Activities

All programmes include evening activities such as concerts and poetry readings. Optional excursions at weekends go to country houses, cathedrals, castles, and to other places of interest. Details of excursions are sent on acceptance. Programmes usually allow opportunities for a performance of at least one Shakespeare play, in London, Stratford or Stamford. Excursion costs are not included in course fees (costs range from about £15 to £38). There is a wide programme of music, art, drama and film in Cambridge during the Summer. Facilities for punting, tennis and swimming are available. London is about an hour away by train.

Credit

Certificates of attendance are given to all participants who fulfil the requirements for each programme of study. Written work may be evaluated (for an additional fee) and certificates may be awarded showing the standard achieved. The University of Cambridge does not itself operate a system of credit, but participants in the Summer School may be able to obtain credits through universities in the United States and other countries. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) has prepared a guidance note suggesting the amount of credit to be awarded for study through the University of Cambridge Summer School. It recommends that students completing a three-week Summer School (63+ hours with one evaluated essay) be awarded four undergraduate semester credit hours. For those who complete a second essay, an additional one undergraduate semester credit hour is suggested. Further details are available. Students undertaking a six-week period of study may enquire about an Honours option, which includes Cambridge-style supervisions.

Contact Information

Telephone international + 44 1954 210636

Fax international + 44 1954 210677

e-mail: rdi1000@cam.ac.uk

or write to this address:

International Division, Madingley Hall,
Cambridge, CB3 8AQ, England

for further details


University of Cambridge International Summer Programmes 1997