Architecture Summer School
Architects in the Making: Unleash Your Architectural Potential This Summer
Expand your Architectural horizons this summer with Minds Underground's Architecture Summer School, offering Year 12 students an opportunity to delve into the creative world of Architecture, guided by inspiring Oxbridge-educated tutors.
Spanning from July to August, our online Architecture Summer School includes engaging 1.5-hour sessions every week, led by Oxbridge-educated Architecture graduates. Delve into a wide range of topics such as the history of art and architecture, the history of landscapes, urbanism, ecology and leading sustainability science and immerse yourself in the exploration, discussion, and critical analysis of key buildings and debates.
Enrolling in our Architecture summer course will provide you with exposure to first year university level material and hone essential critical analysis skills, mastery of high level concepts and ideas, and the ability to engage in insightful discourse. Tailored for those preparing for top-tier UK university applications, such as Oxbridge and UCL, our tutors will guide you in articulating your reasoning and engaging in high level critical discussion ahead of potential university interviews.
Location: Online
Student Age: 15 - 18
Duration: 8 Weeks
Hours: 12 hours (Weekly 1.5hr session)
Dates: July - August
Why Join the Minds Underground Architecture Summer School for Top UK & Oxbridge Architecture Applicants?
Expand Your Knowledge of Architecture, Gaining Exposure to University Material
Discover a wealth of knowledge via exposure to a range of cutting edge topics within Architecture, enriching your academic portfolio and setting yourself apart in university applications. The online Architecture Summer School aims to give students exposure to first year university level material to enhance their applications.
Hone Critical Analysis and Argument Building Skills
Learn to critically analyse key buildings throughout history, form insightful opinions, and engage in thought-provoking discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. Each weekly session will aim to stimulate argument and debate, setting you up for success in potential Oxbridge and top UK University Architecture interviews.
Gain Confidence In Analysing Buildings and Architectural Drawings
Our Architecture Summer School will help you become confident in analysing Architectural drawings and designs ahead of potential interviews for Architecture university applications. We will hone skills such as ‘visual sensitivity’ - ensuring students develop acute attention to detail, curiosity, and critical analysis.
Hone Communication and Critical Discussion Skills For Potential Interviews
Enhance your communication and presentation skills through highly interactive classes, where you can confidently voice your ideas and engage with subject experts. Our Architecture tutors mimic the form of an Oxbridge seminar for the Summer School sessions, ensuring prospective Oxbridge and top Russell Group University Architecture applicants are set up for natural success in their interviews.
Gain Original, High Level Content Ideas For Your Architecture Personal Statement
We aim to provide students with high level, exciting ideas that they can mention in their university application's personal statement, showcasing their passion for Architecture and the skills acquired during our Architecture summer programme. For students also interested in 1-1 Architecture personal statement preparation, we offer tutorial sessions.
Navigating Critical Theories in Architecture Today
Our Architecture tutors will guide you through some of the critical theories that shape our understanding of Architecture today, equipping you with high-level tools for critical analysis. You will debate a range of exciting questions such as ‘What does the emergence of digital technologies mean for architectural representation today?’ or ‘How have design interventions of the past sculpted both physical and socio-political landscapes of cities today?’
A Taster of Architecture Summer Course Topics
Introduction to Urban Studies
Delve into the significance of the urban environment for architects and unravel the intricate relationships between individual buildings, groups of structures, and the broader cultural contexts that shape them. Engage in a thoughtful examination of how design interventions from the past have not only moulded the physical landscapes of cities but also played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political fabric of contemporary urban spaces.
Heritage and the Built Environment
How can we understand heritage in regard to the built environment? Examine how historical perspectives have shaped our understanding over time and look at the significance of heritage in shaping the character and identity of our surroundings. Engage in a reflective inquiry into the potential of alternative understandings of heritage, contemplating their utility in guiding the future development of our cities and fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of history in shaping the cities we inhabit today.
Introduction to Landscape Architecture
Why are landscapes important in the study of architecture? Probe the significance of landscapes in the study of architecture, unravelling their integral role in shaping the built environment. Trace the evolution of landscape design through key movements that have left an indelible mark on the field, providing a historical context to understand the contemporary landscape architecture.
Exploring Environmental Design
Delve into the fundamental questions of what environmental design entails and the valuable lessons to be drawn from both historical and contemporary vernacular architecture. Explore the interdisciplinary nature of architecture and its potential role in addressing critical environmental challenges. Uncover key principles of environmental design through an examination of leading projects that exemplify innovative approaches. This session promises to inspire a deeper understanding of environmental design and its crucial intersection with architecture, providing a foundation for creative exploration and problem-solving in this dynamic field.
A History of Architecture Through Five Buildings
In this session we’ll look at five buildings – the Pantheon, Westminster Abbey, the Palazzo Ricardo Medici, the Gropius House, and the Jewish Museum in Berlin – to chart the broad course of architectural styles and movements and to consider how developments in architectural design, materials and processes have shaped the changing world around us. This session will also give an overview of the theory which has informed centuries of architectural design. This will instil students with an understanding of the fundamentals which underpin architectural practice.
The Future of Architecture: Answering Topical Questions at Interview
This session will cover examples of commonly asked interview questions (and answers!) on topical issues. The session will be focused on a central interview question, 'what do you think the future of architecture will look like?', using the climate crisis as a case study. What does the climate crisis mean for architectural design? What role can architects play in this crisis? What are some examples by those currently in the profession who are helping aid a response to this crisis?
Learn From Inspiring Architecture Tutors From Cambridge
Example Cambridge History of Art tutor: Emilia
Emilia graduated from the University of Cambridge with a first-class architecture degree, placing 2nd in her entire cohort. She is currently working as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant for her design tutor. Emilia gained recognition in being awarded the Andre Fu Design Award by Robinson College for innovation and excellence in digital design in an academic context. Although Emilia's degree was not in History of Art specifically, within her architecture degree she often attended lectures given by the History of Art department for her own research. Her dissertation, which was awarded a first-class mark for research into 'on ‘Artistic Representations of Manchester’s Urban Pastoral’, was praised for its interdisciplinary nature that allowed it to equally hold its ground in a Sociology, Art History, or Geography departments.
Booking the Architecture Summer School
Book now to ensure your spot in the Summer School. Our booking page includes 2024 dates and pricing. We limit class sizes to facilitate group discussion, tailored support and individual feedback.
Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Architecture University Application?
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The Summer School is designed to provide exciting talking points for your personal statement. If you are looking for some one-to-one tuition tailored to your specific application, contact us to arrange sessions with an Oxbridge Architecture tutor! We can also provide support for your portfolio.
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We offer specialised preparation for the Architecture Admissions Assessment at Cambridge University. Visit our Admissions Test page on the U2 Tuition website to learn more.
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Are you preparing for future interviews at Cambridge or other top universities such as UCL? Our Oxbridge Architecture tutors prepare students for all formats of interview questions, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ – Architecture Summer School
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The Minds Underground Architecture Summer School is an enriching online educational programme designed for students passionate about Architecture. Led by top Oxbridge-educated Architecture graduates, the summer school delves into a diverse range of topics, providing an in-depth exploration of various debates and analyses of architects and buildings throughout history.
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Participating in the online Architecture Summer School can significantly enhance the university application of prospective Architecture students. Beyond traditional classroom learning, you will engage with stimulating debates, critically analyse buildings and architectural drawings, and develop crucial skills in critical thinking and analytical discussion. This experience showcases your genuine passion for Architecture, providing a valuable addition to your university application.
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Yes, the Architecture Summer School is designed to accommodate students at various stages of their academic journey in Architecture. Whether you're a Year 12 student looking to enhance your university application or a passionate younger student aiming to broaden your understanding of the Architecture, this programme offers a diverse and enriching learning experience.
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Absolutely. The Architecture Summer course covers a range of thought-provoking topics, such as Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design and Urban Studies. These discussions not only enrich your Architecture knowledge but also enhance your analytical skills and deep interest in the subject, crucial for prospective Architecture university applications.
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Registration details and enrolment information can be found on the Summer School booking page. Complete the registration process and we will send you logistical details a month or so before the course commences.
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The Architecture online Summer School sessions take place weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The course runs from July to September, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
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Participants who successfully complete the programme are able to request a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your academic achievements and university applications.
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Absolutely. Our Year 12 Architecture online Summer School is designed to provide personal guidance and support. We keep class sizes small to ensure lots of interaction and individual attention. You'll have the opportunity to interact with our team of experts, ask questions, and receive assistance with your academic and university preparation needs.
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Yes, we understand that scheduling conflicts can arise. We offer an offline programme option where students unable to attend live sessions can receive full session recordings and materials. This allows you to engage with the content at your own pace and convenience.
How does the offline programme work, and what materials will I receive?
Students opting for the offline programme will receive access to recorded sessions, lecture materials, assignments, and resources related to each session. You can review the content at your own convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable information.
Can I still interact with instructors and ask questions if I choose the offline option?
While the offline Summer School doesn't provide real-time interaction with instructors, we encourage participants to reach out with questions through email. Our team is committed to providing support and addressing queries to enhance your learning experience.
Are there specific deadlines or timelines to follow for the offline programme?
The offline programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own pace within the programme's overall duration. However, we recommend staying on track with the programme schedule to ensure you have ample time for completion and any potential follow-up questions.
How do I enrol in the offline programme, and is there a separate registration process?
To enrol in the offline programme, simply follow the same registration process as for the live sessions on our website. During registration, you can indicate your preference for the offline option. You will receive access to the programme materials upon completion of each session.
Is there a difference in the cost between the live and offline programme options?
The cost for both the live and offline programme options remains the same. We aim to provide a flexible learning experience that accommodates different needs and schedules without additional cost considerations.
Can I switch from the live programme to the offline programme (or vice versa) if my circumstances change?
Yes, you can switch between the live and offline programme options based on your circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss any changes or transitions in your programme participation.
How do I access the recorded sessions and materials for the offline programme?
After registering for the offline programme, you will receive instructions on how to access the recorded sessions and materials through our online platform. This information will be provided to you before the start of the programme.
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The summer school primarily focuses on immersive learning and skill development rather than formal assessments. The emphasis is on exploring advanced topics, critical discussion and debate, as well as honing essential skills for future academic pursuits.
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All you have to do is cultivate an inquisitive mindset for advanced curriculum engagement. Come prepared to actively participate, ask questions, and collaborate with peers to make the most of the learning experience.
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If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us through the contact form on our website or send an email to enquiries@mindsunderground.com, quoting your contact number in case your email ends up in our Spam folder! Our team will be happy to assist you with any queries.