Politics Summer School

Where Ideas Shape the Future: Our Beyond the Syllabus Politics Summer School Awaits

Our Minds Underground's Politics Summer School is designed for Year 12 students eager to delve into political theories and governmental systems beyond school curricula.

Elevate your university applications for top UK Politics degree courses in 2024 with our Politics Summer School. Students will have the opportunity to widen their knowledge beyond the school curriculum and gain analytical and critical discussion skills in a stimulating and challenging environment over the summer period.

Our summer school, led by a Cambridge HSPS graduate and an Oxford PPE graduate, is tailored to enhance your chances of university application success. Students will delve into university level topics such as theoretical approaches to international relations, comparative government: legislatures and party systems, and universal basic income, broadening their political understanding and establishing a strong foundation for their personal statement and potential Oxbridge Politics 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 Politics Summer School for Top UK & Oxbridge Politics Applicants?

Expand Your Political Knowledge

The Politics Summer School offers an exploration of political concepts and developments beyond the standard classroom curriculum. It ensures students acquire a profound understanding of political ideologies and events, which is crucial for excelling in university-level politics courses.

Elevate Your Personal Statement Content

Designed to enrich university applications in the field of politics, the summer school provides participants with high level content for their personal statements. This will help to highlight their passion for politics and demonstrate a deep engagement with the course.

Kickstart Your University Application Preparation

Tailored for students applying to university for Politics, the sessions will teach you to articulate and discuss key political theories, ensuring your application stands out in a competitive admissions process.

Build Effective Communication and Persuasion Skills

Through interactive classes and engagement with subject experts, the summer school hones students' communication and persuasion skills within the political context. You will gain the confidence to articulate your ideas persuasively, a critical skill for success in both academic discourse and political advocacy.

Tailored Specifically for Year 12 Students

Our Politics Summer Course is customised for Year 12 students (age 16-17) who have a keen interest in politics. We also welcome younger, high-performing students keen to learn more about Politics ahead of future potential university applications.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills Development

With a focus on critical analysis and discussion, the summer school equips students with the skills to dissect political ideologies and events. You will learn to form informed opinions and engage with complex political issues and academic debates.

A Taster of Politics Summer Course Topics

Theoretical Approaches to International Relations

In this session we will learn to apply the three key lenses in the study of international relations: rationalism, liberalism and constructivism. These lenses will allow us to take an informed look into international current affairs, and begin to question how concepts such as culture and identity influence conflict.

Comparative Government: Legislatures and Party Systems

The field of comparative government looks to explain why different political systems have similarities or differences and how this came to be. This session will focus in on comparative questions around legislatures and party systems. Drawing on data and case studies from around the world, we will ask questions such as ‘what explains why parties vote unitedly?’, ‘what motivates political parties?’ and consider what explanation there is for the wide variations that exist in the design of modern legislatures.

Universal Basic Income

In this session we will be discussing universal basic income. The coronavirus pandemic has renewed calls from economists, policy wonks and politicians across the world to introduce UBI schemes. Basic incomes consist of periodic cash payments that are given to all individuals in a society, unconditionally. Some praise UBI as a way of ending poverty, fighting gender inequality, and protecting people against technological revolution. Others think that introducing UBI would spell disaster. In this session we will break down the philosophical and practical arguments for and against this radical policy idea that is making waves in modern politics.

Politics and Democracy: Are We Currently in a Democracy?

This session will involve a debate on what we mean by democracy, its different definitions and practices. Is it an idea, a system or a structure? Here we will consider the different schools of thought and debate the current state of democracy, its future, or lack of.

The Politics of Economics

A discussion on economics and its relation to the political discourse, structures and systems. How is economics interconnected with politics, and why are they so closely related? Is one study more fundamental than the other? Here we will explore economic liberty, theories, and our current practices, and how they have evolved as a response to real-world problems.

The Politics of Religion

A comparative exploration of religion and politics in the EU. How secular are our structures and our laws? Do religious symbols really threaten democracy? Here we will try to explore and debate what religion is, what politics is and how that relates to state power and authority. We will focus mainly on religion and politics within the EU, focusing on the context, the idea of secularism and why our notion of it varies from state to state. We will tackle difficult questions on integration, weaponisation and conflict.

Learn From Inspiring Oxbridge Politics Graduates

cambridge politics tutor

Example Cambridge Politics Tutor: Shormee

Shormee graduated from the University of Cambridge in Human, Social & Political Science (HSPS). Shormee specialised in Politics and International Relations and studied modules in relation to social theory, behavioural sciences, political theory, statistics and philosophy. Her areas of specialised interest include the application of economic theory to politics, the interconnectedness of technology and political systems and the discourse on the structures of society and practice. Shormee currently works in the tech industry and is the recipient of McKinsey's Future Generation Women Leaders Award 2020.

oxford politics tutor

Example Oxford Politics Tutor: Isobel

Isobel is a Bachelor of Arts - BA, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) graduate from the University of Oxford, where she studied at Worcester College. Whilst at Oxfrord, Isobel specialised in Politics and Philosophy. Her areas of specialist interest include political justice theories, the philosophy of Plato, international relations, and comparative theories of government. She currently works as a Commercial Officer for Cabinet Office on the Civil Service Fast Stream.

Booking the Politics 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.

politics building

Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Politics Application?

  • 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 Politics tutor!

  • We offer specialised preparation for Politics admissions tests, including the Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). Visit our Admissions Test page on the U2 Tuition website to learn more.

  • Are you preparing for future interviews at Oxford, Cambridge or other top universities such as LSE? Our Oxbridge Politics tutors prepare students for all formats of interview question, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ – Politics Summer School

  • The Politics Summer School is an educational programme designed to provide in-depth knowledge and insights into the field of politics. It offers a comprehensive exploration of political theories, ideologies, and historical developments beyond the standard classroom curriculum.

  • The summer school is particularly suitable for Year 12 students (age 16-17) with a keen interest in politics. However, it is also open to younger, high-performing students who aspire to excel in the field of politics and are enthusiastic about engaging with the subject at an advanced level.

  • The goals of the Politics Summer School include widening knowledge beyond the classroom, enhancing critical analysis and discernment skills, and learning to discuss key developments in political thought throughout history to the present day. Additionally, it aims to improve communication and presentation skills, enabling students to articulate their ideas effectively.

  • The Politics Summer School equips students with cutting-edge content and insights essential for their university applications. It helps them craft compelling personal statements by showcasing their passion for politics and providing sophisticated talking points for interviews.

  • 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.

  • The Politics 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Absolutely. Our 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.

  • 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 program 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.

  • The summer school primarily focuses on immersive learning and skill development rather than formal assessments. The emphasis is on exploring advanced topics, problem-solving, and honing essential skills for future academic pursuits.