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    Politics Summer School
    In-person Program

    Politics Summer School

    by King's College London

    Explore political theory, institutions and contemporary debates through university-style teaching and assignments at King’s College London.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Politics Summer School at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Final three years of high school

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-17

    Location / Region

    London, United Kingdom

    Cost

    £3,295; £4,095

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Applications open

    9 November 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PoliticsPhilosophy
    Language: English
    Accommodation: Single en-suite university residence rooms
    Meals: Residential breakfast and dinner
    Certificate / Outcome: Participation and conditional completion certificates
    Campus facilities: Library, classrooms and catering facilities
    Academic credit: Not for credit
    Academic schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

    Politics Summer School summary

    King’s introduces politics as both a philosophical subject and a study of real institutions, practices and movements.

    Lectures, seminars, workshops and assignments offer a taste of degree-level study, with tutor feedback and compulsory attendance.

    The strongest reason to choose it is to test whether political ideas and institutional analysis hold your interest beyond current affairs.

    What is Politics Summer School?

    Politics Summer School is King’s College London’s introduction to the theory and practice of politics through its Pre-University Politics course. Students explore philosophical views alongside real-world political institutions, practices and movements. Possible topics include political thought, democracy and its alternatives, and the relationship between politics and economic life.

    The course uses university-style lectures, seminars, workshops and experiential learning. Students complete assignments and receive tutor feedback while experiencing campus study and a wider social program. It is designed to help students understand the subject through active academic participation.

    Why Succeed highlights Politics Summer School

    • The course connects political philosophy with the workings of real institutions, giving students two complementary ways to investigate politics.

    • Western and non-western political philosophy broaden the intellectual frame beyond a single tradition.

    • University-level assignments and tutor feedback make the academic experience more substantive than attending talks alone.

    • Both residential and non-residential students can participate in the wider social program.

    Who is Politics Summer School for?

    Best for

    Students who want to move from following political news to examining political arguments, institutions and competing ideas.

    Not ideal if

    You want a relaxed sightseeing week or academic credit, because attendance and assignments are expected and the course is not for credit.

    Is Politics Summer School worth it?

    The strongest value is the chance to test your interest in politics through university-style study and feedback. Connecting abstract arguments with institutions can help you decide which parts of the subject you want to pursue further.

    A short introductory course cannot provide the depth of sustained study, and its certificate does not carry academic credit. The substantial fee makes it most worthwhile when the teaching experience and campus setting are clear priorities for your family.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £3,295; £4,095; includes Academic tuition and course materials., Campus Wi-Fi and library, classroom and catering-facility access., Dedicated staff support during the academic day., Academic and extracurricular activities., Certificate of Participation on course completion., Residential package: single en-suite accommodation, linen and towels., Residential package: breakfast, dinner and accommodation Wi-Fi., Residential package: 24-hour staff support and social activities..

    Accommodation

    Single en-suite university residence rooms

    Meals

    Residential breakfast and dinner

    Provider details

    Review the King's College London provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; London, 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.

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    How much preparation does Politics Summer School need?

    Effort level

    Intensive academic and social participation.

    Best started

    Begin gathering grades, language evidence and your statement a few weeks before the November application opening; allow longer for international travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Moving between philosophical arguments and real-world political analysis.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose one political debate and practice separating claims about what should happen from claims about what does happen.

    • Draft a personal statement explaining your interest in politics and the questions you want to explore.

    • Discuss independence, supervision, budgeting and residential expectations with your parent or guardian.

    Useful if

    You want to test whether degree-level politics suits you.

    What do students do on Politics Summer School?

    You investigate political ideas and institutions through university-style teaching, then demonstrate your understanding through course assignments. Tutor feedback helps you identify strengths and areas to improve.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend the welcome session and learn the campus expectations.

    2. 2

      Participate in lectures, seminars, workshops and experiential learning activities.

    3. 3

      Explore political philosophy, contemporary debates and institutional comparisons.

    4. 4

      Complete assigned work and use tutor feedback to improve.

    5. 5

      Join the social activities alongside other summer students.

    Politics Summer School dates and deadlines

    Programme dates

    5-9 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    9 November 2026

    King’s summer school application opening for the 2027 cycle.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Remain aged 16 or 17 throughout the course and residential stay.

    • Be starting or enrolled in high school's final three years.

    • Have English proficiency at CEFR B2 or equivalent.

    • Provide official confirmation of recent high school grades.

    • Submit a personal statement.

    • Provide parent or guardian permission and signed consent.

    How much does Politics Summer School cost?

    Tuition-only course

    £3,295 — 2027 one-course fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Residential package: £4,095 — 2027 one-course package with tuition and accommodation.
    • Application fee: £65 — Separate, non-refundable fee payable when applying.
    • Early application tuition: £3,195 — Applies when the application is made by 29 January 2027.
    • Early application residential: £3,995 — Applies when the application is made by 29 January 2027.

    What's included

    Academic tuition and course materials., Campus Wi-Fi and library, classroom and catering-facility access., Dedicated staff support during the academic day., Academic and extracurricular activities., Certificate of Participation on course completion., Residential package: single en-suite accommodation, linen and towels., Residential package: breakfast, dinner and accommodation Wi-Fi., Residential package: 24-hour staff support and social activities.

    How to apply to Politics Summer School

    1. 1

      Complete your personal details and ask your parent or guardian to complete their sections.

    2. 2

      Select Politics and choose the residential package if you want university accommodation.

    3. 3

      Provide recent grades, English proficiency evidence and your personal statement.

    4. 4

      Enter your education details, pay the application fee and add the payment reference.

    5. 5

      Review the application with your parent or guardian and submit it.

    6. 6

      Following a successful assessment, pay the course fee and complete the required parent consent documentation.

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    What does Politics Summer School cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Political philosophy

    Build foundational understanding of western and non-western political philosophy.

    Democracy and alternatives

    Examine arguments about democracy, liberalism and alternative political arrangements.

    Politics and economic life

    Consider contemporary debates about markets and inequality.

    Institutions and practices

    Explore how central political institutions work and differ across the world.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Politics Summer School?

    A typical day during the program.

    Campus teaching

    Lectures, seminars, workshops and course activities take place within the published teaching window.

    Academic day support

    A dedicated staff member provides support and supervision during the academic day.

    Example evening activities

    Previous examples include a walking tour, theater trip, London Eye visit, neighborhood exploration and chill time.

    Example late week evenings

    The example runs 6:15pm-9:30pm Thursday and 5:45pm-9pm Friday, with a social event and Leicester Square exploration.

    Who teaches on Politics Summer School?

    King’s provides research-enriched teaching through lectures, seminars, workshops and experiential activities. Tutors give feedback on assignments, and King’s commits to appropriately qualified teaching staff.

    King’s does not guarantee that a particular individual will teach the course.

    Where do students stay on Politics Summer School?

    Residential plan

    • Stamford Street Apartments: Single en-suite rooms on dedicated pre-university blocks and floors include linen and towels.
    • Breakfast and dinner: Both meals are included; students should budget for other meals and consumables.
    • Residential support: Dedicated staff provide 24-hour support, with a maximum 1:12 residential assistant ratio in the published parent guidance.
    • Arrival and facilities: Check-in is on the preceding Sunday, and the package includes accommodation Wi-Fi and campus facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Day-student option: The tuition-only option includes academic-day support and access to campus facilities.
    • Social activities: Non-residential students can join extracurricular activities, with attendance recorded for activities they sign up to attend.

    Students may have scheduled independent time; families should discuss the maturity expected in a mainly adult university environment.

    What happens after Politics Summer School?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build foundations for further study of political philosophy.

    Develop a clearer understanding of political institutions across countries.

    Use assignment feedback to identify academic strengths and areas for improvement.

    Gain participation recognition, with completion recognition tied to course requirements.

    The course does not carry academic credit.

    Where does Politics Summer School take place?

    Students study on campus at King’s College London, with residential accommodation at Stamford Street Apartments in central London. Students arrange their own airport transfer; London airports connect to the city by public transport and taxi.

    Politics Summer School FAQs

    It introduces political theory and practice, including philosophical views, institutions and movements. Possible topics include political thought, democracy and its alternatives, and politics and economic life.

    Students learn through lectures, seminars, workshops and experiential activities. Assignments reflect university-level assessment, and tutors provide feedback.

    No. The course is not for credit, although King’s lists participation recognition and a Certificate of Completion linked to assignments and attendance.

    Residential students stay at Stamford Street Apartments in central London. Rooms are single and en-suite, with linen and towels provided.

    The residential package includes breakfast and dinner. Students should budget for other meals and personal spending.

    Yes. Both residential and non-residential students are encouraged to participate, and attendance is recorded for activities day students sign up to attend.

    Summer Assistants support scheduled activities, and residential students have 24-hour support. Scheduled independent time may occur, and students are expected to behave maturely in a mainly adult university environment.

    Yes. They complete sections of the application and give permission to attend. Signed parent consent is required before an under-18 student's place is confirmed.

    Alternatives to Politics Summer School

    Compare broader social-science study, an interdisciplinary politics course and an online option.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Information for applicants | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Summer at King's | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Pre-University Summer School | Summer Programmes | King’s College London
    • Summer Programmes Student Code of Conduct
    • Information for Parents and Guardians
    • Terms and Conditions for Summer School, Winter School and Bespoke Programming 2027
    • Pre-University Politics (Session 1)

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Application opening verified

    • Age requirements reviewed

    • Fees and inclusions checked

    • Residential support reviewed

    • Certificate conditions reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.