2027 sessions
Late June to mid-August 2027
Multiple two-week start dates are planned.
Media Studies Summer Course
Explore how film, news, advertising and social media shape audiences through seminars, independent study and practical media projects.

Explore how film, news, advertising and social media shape audiences through seminars, independent study and practical media projects.

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Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Interest and good English
Age range / Year group
Ages 13-15
Location / Region
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Cost
From £5,495
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Class size: Typically 8-10 students
Accommodation: Residential and day options
Meals: Full board for residential students
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate, feedback and recommendation
Latest verified cycle: 2027
Sessions / cadence: 4 x 3-hour teaching days weekly
A discussion-led introduction to film, news, advertising, social platforms and the ways media influences audiences and society.
Students combine small seminars with independent research, case studies and practical challenges such as campaign design or digital media production.
It suits curious students who want academic depth without needing previous Media Studies experience.
Atlas Summer Courses’ Media Studies Summer Course introduces students to how film, television, journalism, advertising, social media and digital culture create meaning and influence society. The tutor-led syllabus can examine representation, persuasion, audiences, bias and digital information.
Students learn through seminars, discussion, case studies, independent research and practical challenges. The wider Cambridge experience combines academic study with cultural activities, social events and supported residential life.
Small seminar groups give students regular opportunities to contribute, question ideas and receive feedback.
The course connects familiar media such as film, news and social platforms with rigorous analysis of representation, persuasion and audiences.
Independent research is balanced with practical challenges, including possible campaign design and digital media production.
Residential packages combine teaching, meals, accommodation, cultural activities and pastoral support.
Students receive a certificate, tutor feedback and a personalized recommendation letter.
Curious students who enjoy discussing film, news, advertising or social media and want to develop stronger analysis, research and communication skills.
You want a fixed, exam-focused syllabus or a guaranteed production portfolio, because tutors adapt topics and projects to each group.
The course offers a strong combination of academic media analysis, small-group discussion and supported independence. It is particularly valuable for students testing an interest in Media Studies, journalism, communications, film, marketing or digital media.
The main limitation is flexibility: the exact syllabus, projects and tutor vary, so families should not treat the example topics as guaranteed. It is also a substantial financial commitment, especially for residential packages.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
From £5,495; includes Small-group academic teaching, Academic materials, Residential accommodation when selected, Breakfast, lunch and dinner for residential students, Social activities and excursions, Certificate of completion, Tutor feedback and recommendation letter, Heathrow transfers and insurance on eligible packages.
Accommodation
Residential and day options
Meals
Full board for residential students
Provider details
Review the Atlas Summer Courses provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Cambridge, United Kingdom.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsEffort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before your preferred summer session, allowing time for the personal statement, package comparison and travel planning.
Main challenge
Moving from consuming media to analyzing its purpose, representation and audience effects.
List two or three media topics you would enjoy discussing.
Draft the English personal statement around your interests and goals.
Practice analyzing one news story, advertisement or film scene from different audience perspectives.
Review package, accommodation, travel and visa requirements with a parent or guardian.
Useful if
You already follow news, film, advertising or social platforms with curiosity.
Students investigate how media messages are made, interpreted and used, then apply their ideas through discussion, research, presentations and practical challenges.
Explore concepts through small-group seminars, case studies and interactive discussion.
Analyze film, news, advertising, social media and other media forms.
Complete reading, research, media analysis or presentation preparation between sessions.
Discuss homework and practice tasks with the tutor and group.
Apply learning through creative challenges such as campaign design or digital media production.
Reflect on goals, progress and the skills developed during the course.
2027 sessions
Late June to mid-August 2027
Multiple two-week start dates are planned.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2027 sessions | Late June to mid-August 2027 | Local | Date not confirmed |
Aged 13-15 at the course start
Genuine interest in the chosen subject
Good spoken and written English
Personal statement written in English
Parent or guardian details provided
Current school details provided
Program fee
From £5,495 — Non-residential and three residential tiers are listed.
Funding or discounts
What's included
Small-group academic teaching, Academic materials, Residential accommodation when selected, Breakfast, lunch and dinner for residential students, Social activities and excursions, Certificate of completion, Tutor feedback and recommendation letter, Heathrow transfers and insurance on eligible packages
Enter the student’s date of birth and select Media Studies, preferred dates and a package.
Provide the student’s contact details, country of residence and parent or guardian information.
Write a short English personal statement explaining subject interests, goals and motivation.
Add the student’s current or most recent school details.
Review the course, dates, package preferences and fees before submitting.
Wait for the admissions review and, if offered a place, pay the required deposit.
The program covers the following focus areas.
Media and audiences
Examine who media targets and why audiences interpret messages differently.
Representation and influence
Analyze how media represents people, communities, events and ideas.
News and persuasion
Explore messaging, bias, persuasive techniques and evaluating online information.
Film and digital culture
Consider storytelling across film, television, games and social platforms.
Practical media projects
Apply ideas through presentations, campaign design or digital media production.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
A typical day during the program.
Students join small, discussion-based lessons led by subject tutors.
Directed study, masterclasses, projects, workshops or excursions follow.
Supervised social events, cultural activities and team challenges are scheduled.
Each published teaching session lasts three hours.
Courses are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists with relevant expertise in academia, industry or education. Tutors use interactive discussion, practice tasks and individualized guidance while adapting the syllabus to the group.
Tutor profiles are examples of previous faculty; the course tutor is confirmed closer to summer.
Room type, bathroom arrangement, transfers, insurance and added services depend on the selected package.
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Explore future study in Media Studies, communications, journalism or film.
Build analytical and research skills for school and independent projects.
Develop clearer evidence-based speaking and presentation skills.
Receive a certificate, detailed feedback and a recommendation letter.
Continue through Atlas alumni workshops, guidance and future-course discounts.
The course is generally not credit-bearing, and recognition documents come from Atlas Summer Courses.
The course takes place in Cambridge using college facilities hired by Atlas Summer Courses for the summer. Students experience the city’s historic colleges, cultural institutions and academic atmosphere alongside their subject study.
Atlas Summer Courses is an independent provider and is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge or its colleges.
Compare these related in-person programs if you want a different balance of journalism, writing, politics or media analysis.
Journalism, ethics and writing in Cambridge
Best for
Students drawn to news, reporting and written communication.
Creative writing and literature in St Andrews
Best for
Students more interested in creating stories than analyzing media.
Psychology, statistics and media-related study
Best for
Students curious about audiences, behavior and persuasion.
Politics, debating and media in London
Best for
Students interested in news, politics and global narratives.
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