Succeed
    Minds and Machines
    In-person Program

    Minds and Machines

    by UBC Future Global Leaders

    Minds and Machines explores philosophy, psychology and artificial intelligence through thought experiments, interactive activities and debates about consciousness.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

    Get the full picture before you decide

    See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    Minds and Machines at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed grade 10

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada

    Cost

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PhilosophyPsychologyArtificial IntelligenceNeuroscienceComputer Science
    Accommodation: Optional single campus room
    Meals: Weekday lunch; residential full board
    Certificate / Outcome: Letter of Completion
    Tutors / faculty: Alexandra Jewell, PhD
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday: 3-hour classes, 1.5-hour workshops
    Residence support: 24/7 staff; 10:1 student-to-staff ratio
    Assessment style: No exams

    Minds and Machines summary

    Minds and Machines connects philosophy, psychology and artificial intelligence through questions about consciousness, thinking and animal experience.

    Students work with thought experiments, accessible readings and interactive activities, alongside university preparation workshops.

    It suits curious students who enjoy testing arguments and exploring difficult questions about minds and technology.

    What is Minds and Machines?

    Minds and Machines is a UBC Extended Learning course within the Future Global Leaders on-campus program. It brings philosophy, psychology and artificial intelligence together to explore what minds are, whether machines can think and how consciousness might be understood.

    Students examine puzzles such as the Chinese Room and the zombie argument through accessible readings, interactive activities and discussion. Morning academic classes are followed by university preparation workshops, linking subject exploration with a practical introduction to university study.

    Why Succeed highlights Minds and Machines

    • Its combination of philosophy, psychology and AI helps students connect conceptual questions with contemporary technology.

    • Named thought experiments give students concrete arguments to analyze and discuss.

    • Alexandra Jewell's teaching and research directly relate to philosophy of mind and cognitive science.

    • University preparation workshops add practical context to the academic experience.

    • Commuter and residence options give families different ways to experience the campus.

    Who is Minds and Machines for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy philosophical questions, psychology and debates about whether AI or animals could have conscious experiences.

    Not ideal if

    You mainly want a coding project or a direct university admission pathway; the course centers on conceptual exploration.

    Is Minds and Machines worth it?

    Minds and Machines is worth considering if you want to test your interest in philosophy of mind while making connections to psychology and AI. Thought experiments and interactive activities provide a useful setting for practicing careful reasoning, while the workshops introduce expectations for university study.

    The value depends on whether you will engage with open-ended questions and discussion. Families should weigh the academic and campus experience against the course fee and optional residence cost, without treating participation as an admission advantage or a direct route into UBC.

    Sean, founder of Succeed

    Sean

    Founder, Succeed

    Talk it through with Sean

    Want to talk it through?

    “I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”

    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

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

    Cost and what is included

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD; includes Morning academic classes and afternoon university preparation workshops., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card, including swimming and drop-in sports., Weekday afternoon campus activities., Residence add-on: single room and three meals daily., Residence add-on: scheduled airport pickup and drop-off., Residence add-on: weeknight and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students., Residence add-on: two laundry loads with detergent..

    Accommodation

    Optional single campus room

    Meals

    Weekday lunch; residential full board

    Provider details

    Review the UBC Future Global Leaders provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, Canada.

    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 programs

    How much preparation does Minds and Machines need?

    Effort level

    Moderate, with a full weekday academic routine.

    Best started

    Once a course session is announced, allow several weeks for registration and campus planning, and longer for international travel.

    Main challenge

    Explaining and evaluating arguments about unfamiliar ideas.

    Typical preparation

    • Read a beginner-friendly introduction to consciousness and note questions you would like to discuss.

    • Practice explaining both sides of a debate about whether machines can think.

    • Discuss commuting or residence with your family and prepare separate parent and student email accounts.

    Useful if

    You want to explore university-level philosophy before choosing further study.

    What do students do on Minds and Machines?

    Your academic day combines exploration of minds and consciousness with preparation for university study. Readings, thought experiments and interactive activities help you examine competing explanations and apply them to questions about AI and animal experience.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend morning classes on theories of mind, consciousness and related debates.

    2. 2

      Analyze thought experiments such as the Chinese Room and the zombie argument.

    3. 3

      Discuss real-world questions about AI decision-making and animal sentience.

    4. 4

      Join afternoon university preparation workshops.

    5. 5

      Take part in campus social and recreational activities.

    Minds and Machines dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Programme dates

    3-14 August 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students ages 15-18.

    • Completed grade 10 or equivalent.

    • No previous philosophy background required.

    • Canadian and international students may participate.

    • Recommended academic standing: 78%, 3.5 GPA, B average or IB 5+.

    • English learners: recommended IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or equivalent.

    How much does Minds and Machines cost?

    Course fee

    $1,940 CAD; $2,620 CAD — Canadian/permanent-resident and international students respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Optional residence: $2,650 CAD — Single room, full board and residential services.
    • Registration deposit: $500 CAD — Part of the 2026 course payment.
    • UBC President Bursary: Needs-based support — For eligible British Columbia grade 11 students.

    What's included

    Morning academic classes and afternoon university preparation workshops., Weekday lunch in the residence dining hall., UBC Recreation Card, including swimming and drop-in sports., Weekday afternoon campus activities., Residence add-on: single room and three meals daily., Residence add-on: scheduled airport pickup and drop-off., Residence add-on: weeknight and weekend activities., Residence add-on: local medical insurance for international students., Residence add-on: two laundry loads with detergent.

    How to apply to Minds and Machines

    1. 1

      Confirm that you meet the program's age and school-stage requirements.

    2. 2

      Ask a parent or guardian to create or sign into the official Family Account.

    3. 3

      Add the student using a primary email address different from the parent's.

    4. 4

      Add the course and chosen options to the cart, assign the student and complete checkout.

    5. 5

      Select New Application in the Family Account and submit the FGL information package within 48 hours.

    6. 6

      Follow the emailed instructions to set up the student's account and UBC Campus-wide Login.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does Minds and Machines cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Theories of mind

    Explore major explanations of what minds are and how they work.

    AI and consciousness

    Evaluate whether machines can think and examine debates about conscious experience.

    Thought experiments

    Analyze the Chinese Room, zombie argument and puzzles about perception and reality.

    Animal sentience

    Discuss whether other animals might have experiences like ours.

    University preparation

    Join workshops on university applications, study habits, academic expectations and well-being.

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

    What is a typical day on Minds and Machines?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic classes

    Three hours of subject study each weekday.

    University preparation

    A 1.5-hour workshop or lecture follows lunch.

    Campus activities

    Join campus activities or use time for study and recreation.

    Residence activities

    Residence students can join social activities or use study and free time.

    Who teaches on Minds and Machines?

    Alexandra Jewell, PhD, is a UBC philosophy lecturer specializing in philosophy of mind, cognitive science, phenomenology and philosophy of psychiatry. She has also taught in UBC's Cognitive Systems program and at Simon Fraser University.

    University preparation lectures are led by UBC instructors and professionals experienced in advising high school students.

    Where do students stay on Minds and Machines?

    Residential plan

    • Single furnished room: Stay in a private campus room with a bed, desk, chair and bedding.
    • Daily full board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on weekdays and weekends.
    • Residence welfare: Student life staff provide 24/7 support with a 10-to-1 student-to-staff ratio.
    • Residential activities: Weeknight activities and weekend excursions are included with residence.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter lunch: Weekday lunch is served in the residence dining hall.
    • Afternoon participation: Commuters can join campus activities and must leave by 5 pm.
    • Commuter responsibilities: Families arrange travel, and UBC supervision is limited to daily in-class attendance checks.

    Residence rooms have shared bathrooms and no air conditioning or provided fan.

    What happens after Minds and Machines?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Receive a Letter of Completion when attendance and conduct requirements are met.

    Develop a clearer understanding of theories of mind and consciousness.

    Practice evaluating debates about artificial intelligence.

    Explore interests connecting philosophy, psychology, neuroscience and computer science.

    Build familiarity with university expectations and preparation.

    Participation does not provide a direct admission pathway to UBC or another university.

    Where does Minds and Machines take place?

    The course takes place on the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada, with campus dining, recreation and optional student residence. Buses serve the central UBC Bus Loop, and Vancouver International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away.

    Residence airport transfers operate during designated arrival and departure windows.

    Minds and Machines FAQs

    It explores philosophy, psychology and artificial intelligence through questions about minds, consciousness, animal sentience and AI decision-making. Students analyze thought experiments including the Chinese Room and the zombie argument.

    No background in philosophy is required. The course uses accessible readings, interactive activities and thought experiments.

    Academic classes run from 9 am to noon, Monday through Friday. University preparation workshops run from 1:30 to 3 pm, followed by opportunities for campus activities.

    Yes. Commuter students receive weekday lunch and a UBC Recreation Card, and can join afternoon activities. Families arrange commuting, and commuter students must leave by 5 pm.

    Students have single furnished rooms on mixed-gender floors with shared bathrooms. Residence includes breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with vegan, vegetarian and Kosher options.

    Students receive a Letter of Completion when they remain in good standing with program and conduct expectations and miss no more than one class without approval.

    UBC Future Global Leaders is not a direct pathway to UBC or another university. It provides subject exploration, university experience and opportunities to develop academic and social skills.

    Student life assistants live in residence and provide support 24/7, with a 10-to-1 residence student-to-staff ratio. Staff hold first-aid, CPR-C and AED qualifications and undergo criminal record checks.

    Alternatives to Minds and Machines

    Compare these options if you want a different emphasis within philosophy, artificial intelligence or the study of the mind.

    Alternatives to Minds and Machines

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Student life | Extended Learning
    • Information for parents and students | Extended Learning
    • UBC Future Global Leaders | Extended Learning
    • Future Global Leaders on-campus | Extended Learning
    • Refunds, cancellations and transfers | Extended Learning
    • StrongerBC future skills grant | Extended Learning
    • Financial assistance | Extended Learning
    • Registration technical support | Extended Learning
    • Eligibility, admissions and accommodations | Extended Learning
    • How to pay | Extended Learning
    • How to log in or create a Lifelong Learning Student Account | Extended Learning
    • How to register or apply | Extended Learning
    • How online courses work | Extended Learning
    • Registration info | Extended Learning
    • Pre-University Summer Program Code of Conduct and Rules
    • Minds and Machines | Extended Learning

    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)

    • Official course details checked

    • Course-specific dates reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Fees and residence compared

    • Student support policies reviewed

    • Completion requirements checked

    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.