Philosophy Summer School (In-Person)

Our lives and our world are full of deep unanswered questions. The very nature of knowledge, of consciousness, of morality, of how we perceive and understand the world around us, and ultimately, what, if anything, is the meaning of our lives.

Philosophy, although it has taken many forms over the centuries, consistently represents humanity’s best efforts to tackle these most profound of mysteries, using insight, logic and discipline.

If you are someone who is drawn to be curious about such matters (and if you are, then you will likely know it), and you would like to sharpen your own skills of intellectual exploration and expression, then this Summer School is for you.

For 2024, the in-person Philosophy Summer School will include seminars on:

Personal Identity – Applied Ethics – Epistemology – Philosophy of Mind – Political Philosophy – Phenomenology – Cultural Theory

See a more detailed outline for this course.

Together with your seminar group fellows, you will walk alongside some of the greatest Philosophers from across history, analysing their methods and conclusions, and trying your own hand at tackling some of the really big questions.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for sharing what they love about philosophy – see our tutors page for some example profiles.

Class sizes are kept small (maximum 14 students), to enable everyone to have their say and give plenty of opportunities to develop and express individual ideas and questions – as well as being a great chance to make some new friends who share your academic interests.

The social side of the Philosophy Summer School is always a highlight, and students often end up making lasting connections which they carry forward into university life.

For full booking and practical details just scroll down past the reviews.

Maze in the shape of a brain (illustrating the Philosophy Summer School)Our lives and our world are full of deep unanswered questions. The very nature of knowledge, of consciousness, of morality, of how we perceive and understand the world around us, and ultimately, what, if anything, is the meaning of our lives.

Philosophy, although it has taken many forms over the centuries, consistently represents humanity’s best efforts to tackle these most profound of mysteries, using insight, logic and discipline.

If you are someone who is drawn to be curious about such matters (and if you are, then you will likely know it), and you would like to sharpen your own skills of intellectual exploration and expression, then this Summer School is for you.

For 2024, the in-person Philosophy Summer School will include seminars on:

Personal Identity – Applied Ethics – Epistemology – Philosophy of Mind – Political Philosophy – Phenomenology – Cultural Theory

See a more detailed outline for this course.

Together with your seminar group fellows, you will walk alongside some of the greatest Philosophers from across history, analysing their methods and conclusions, and trying your own hand at tackling some of the really big questions.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for sharing what they love about philosophy – see our tutors page for some example profiles.

Class sizes are kept small (maximum 14 students), to enable everyone to have their say and give plenty of opportunities to develop and express individual ideas and questions – as well as being a great chance to make some new friends who share your academic interests.

The social side of the Philosophy Summer School is always a highlight, and students often end up making lasting connections which they carry forward into university life.

For full booking and practical details just scroll down past the reviews.

‘The Philosophy Summer School was an incredible insight into the discipline of Philosophy. It was incredibly varied, and left me wanting more at the end of each session. It really does not matter if you have not previously studied philosophy; the summer school lays a greater foundation that cannot be paralleled to A-Level lessons. The tutors and the other students were incredibly supportive; the emphasis was not on what you knew, but how well you tackled what you didn’t know. Never have I learnt so much but felt like I knew so little. If you want to develop your mind this is for you!’

‘It’s such a good course to really spark an interest in the subject. Not only did I learn some key philosophical arguments, I also developed the ability to find the flaws in them which is invaluable.’

‘I found the five days very rewarding, challenging and interesting.  The tutors were all enthusiastic and the tuition was pitched at exactly the right level. I have been considering studying Philosophy at university but my school does not offer it as an A level option.  I wanted to find out what the subject would involve at degree level and the summer school certainly provided an excellent introduction.  As a result, I will definitely be applying to study Philosophy when I start the university application procedure next term.’

‘The Philosophy Summer School was an incredible insight into the discipline of Philosophy. It was incredibly varied, and left me wanting more at the end of each session. It really does not matter if you have not previously studied philosophy; the summer school lays a greater foundation that cannot be paralleled to A-Level lessons. The tutors and the other students were incredibly supportive; the emphasis was not on what you knew, but how well you tackled what you didn’t know. Never have I learnt so much but felt like I knew so little. If you want to develop your mind this is for you!’

Practical Details

Please note that is the page for the in-person course – click here for the online programme.

The Philosophy Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18. The course is five days in length, and will take place on the 5th – 9th August 2024.

Teaching hours on each day will run from 10.30am till 4.30pm, with a lunch break and the venue will be Woburn House in Bloomsbury, Central London – see more location details. Please note that this event is non-residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The cost for this five-day course is £745, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [email protected].

We offer a limited number of full and partial bursaries (of up to 80% of fees) to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.