Architecture & Design at University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK

Course Description: Architecture & Design at University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK

Program Overview

The Cambridge Architecture & Design Summer School for ages 16–18 brings design ideas to life at one of the world’s richest artistic and architectural locations. Students will apply the core principles of architecture, including planning, design, and spatial mapping, as they fast-track their future to becoming world-class architects.

Students will immerse themselves in University of Cambridge's buildings, colleges, art collections, and museums, observing case studies that illustrate the development of art and architecture in Europe from the Roman to Norman Conquests, to the 20th and 21st centuries.

They will complete the programme by producing a range of architectural drawings and building their professional portfolio, practicing both manual and digital model construction.

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📚 What’s Included

✔️ Residential stay at the prestigious University of Cambridge (Clare College)

✔️ Expert-led lessons on architecture, urban design, and sustainability

✔️ Graduation ceremony, report cards, and a graduation certificate

✔️ International student community with over 170 nationalities represented

✔️ Accommodation, meals, tuition, and cultural programmes included

✔️ Cultural excursions to historic UK locations

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🎓 Program Highlights

• Architectural Design & Model Making: Develop observational and technical drawing skills and learn scale modelling techniques.

• Architectural History: Gain an overview of architectural history from Ancient Greece to the present day, including modern developments.

• Sustainability & Climate Change: Learn about sustainable design and its context in climate change and other existential risks.

• Case Study Analysis: Explore local buildings and urban environments, treating these as architectural case studies.

• Creative & Critical Thinking: Develop creative thinking and the ability to respond to feedback as you refine your architectural portfolio.

• Urban Planning Project: Work on an industry-grade project, designing your ‘City of the Future’.

• Public Speaking & Presentation: Enhance your presentation and communication skills by presenting an urban planning project at the end of the programme.

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🧠 Key Topics Covered

• Architectural Design & Planning

• Urban Environments & Case Studies

• Sustainable Architecture

• Architectural History & Theory

• Scale Modelling & Digital Design

• Project Management & Professional Portfolio Development

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🗓️ Sample Timetable

Week 1:

Sunday

🕒 Arrival & Transfer – Orientation & Staff Meet-and-Greet

Monday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Introduction to Architecture & Design Principles

🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Architectural Drawing Techniques Workshop

🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Team Icebreakers & Socials

Tuesday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Sustainable Architecture & Urban Planning

🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Case Study Analysis & Architectural History

🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Sports Tournament

Wednesday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Digital Design & Modelling Workshop

🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Full-day Excursion (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge)

🕖 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Relaxation (Late Return)

Thursday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Project Management & Presentation Skills Workshop

🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Urban Planning Project Work

🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Night Navigation Challenge

Friday

🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Architecture Critique & Feedback Session

🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Marketing & Branding for Architects Workshop

🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Aqua Fun �*

Saturday

🕗 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Full-day Excursion

🕖 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Campfire & Marshmallows �*

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🚗 Transportation

Transfer Fee: Available from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) at £265 one-way.

• Arrival flight must land after 06:00 BST and before 18:00 BST.

• Departure flight must take off no earlier than 08:00 BST and no later than 22:00 BST.

Price includes:

• Transport to campus

• Welcome on arrival

• Transport booked for you by our head office team

• Dedicated transfers line to call if any queries

• Information emails in advance

• Monitoring of flight delays/diversions and auto-adjustment of transport

• Supervision at the airport

• Unaccompanied minor paperwork (if needed)

• Connection with your transport, water and snack on arrival, and more.

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📜 Graduation & Certificate

Students will be invited to an illustrious graduation ceremony to receive their certificates in an amazing venue on campus, followed by a graduation party to celebrate their achievements.

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🎤 Guest Speakers from Previous Summers

• Simon Morris – Chief Creative Officer at Amazon

• Jason Bradbury – Presenter, Author, Channel 5's The Gadget Show

• Helen Sharman – Astronaut, Scientist, the first British Astronaut to orbit Earth

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🎨 Activities

• Karaoke

• Quiz Night

• Arts & Crafts

• Sports (Football, Ping Pong, Yoga)

• Improv Theatre

• Chess Tournament

• Graduation Party

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🏫 Location

Enjoy educational experiences at the prestigious University of Cambridge (Clare College). All programmes take place in a secure environment, with 24-hour campus supervision by staff. Students must check in regularly during the day: at breakfast roll-call; at morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops, or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. Each campus has a safe where students can deposit items of value such as passports, bank cards, and travel documents.

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👩‍🏫 Sample Tutors

• Dr. Ameer Janabi – A researcher at the University of Cambridge, entrepreneur with successful ventures in electric mobility and power electronics.

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🔗 Call to Action

Apply Now to secure your place at the Cambridge Architecture & Design Summer School. Explore cutting-edge architectural principles, develop your creative thinking, and build the professional portfolio you need to become a world-class architect while studying at one of the world’s top universities.