Physics Summer School
“The size and age of the Cosmos are beyond ordinary human understanding. Lost somewhere between immensity and eternity is our tiny planetary home. In the last few millennia we have made the most astonishing and unexpected discoveries about the Cosmos and our place within it. They remind us that human beings have evolved to wonder, that understanding is a joy, and that knowledge is a prerequisite to survival.”
Carl Sagan
For millennia, we have looked to the stars with wonder, seeking to understand the forces that shape our universe. Physics gives us the tools to do more than just ask questions – it allows us to find answers. The Physics Summer School invites students to explore some of the most profound mysteries of the universe through structured, interactive learning.
Physicists seek to unravel the fundamental mysteries of existence. They ask not just where we are in the universe, but how we got here – and where we are going. They explore the fabric of reality itself, questioning why time moves forward, what the universe is made of, and whether life exists beyond our own world. These questions drive real scientific discovery, from black holes to exoplanets.
The Physics Summer School offers a perfect opportunity for able students to explore some of the most exciting and challenging ideas in contemporary physics. Each online course is designed to engage students in active discovery. Through guided discussions, problem-solving exercises, and thought experiments, students will grapple with concepts such as black holes, time travel, and the search for exoplanets. Rather than simply learning about physics, students will learn to think like physicists – applying mathematical reasoning, analyzing complex ideas, and exploring the unknown.
The Physics Summer School is particularly appropriate for students who may be considering further study of physics, mathematics or engineering at undergraduate level, or who are interested in related disciplines such as chemistry or computing.
Physics Summer School – Part 1 (three days) focuses on Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Astrophysics and is open to students aged 15-18.
See a detailed outline for this course.
Physics Summer School – Part 2 (four days) focuses on Cosmology, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and Particle Physics and requires that students have completed a minimum of one year of A-Level Mathematics (or equivalent) at the time of the course.
See a detailed outline for this course.
Online classes are small, typically containing eight to twelve students, all of whom will share a passion for physics and a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and embrace new ideas. Classes combine lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and interactive challenges, ensuring students not only absorb new ideas but also put them into practice. In small-group settings, students will refine their understanding through discussion, debate, and real-time problem sets, progressing from familiar concepts to more advanced material in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for physics – you can see our tutors page for some example profiles.
Both courses are designed to stand alone – students may take Part 1, Part 2, or both, depending on their interests and mathematical background. Part 2, however, includes a significant mathematical component and introduces an undergraduate-style approach to problem-solving. This makes it particularly valuable for students considering university-level physics, mathematics, or engineering, as it bridges the gap between school and higher education.
Scroll down past the reviews for full course details and booking information.
Super Interesting
The teaching of the course was really good, I was able to engage easily and ask questions if I was unsure or curious. The content was super interesting, at times ...Enjoyable Physics
It was an exciting three days packed with things that are probably not taught at school which would be very helpful if you are considering applying to physics or just ...Fascinating and Fun
I thought the Physics Summer School was both fascinating and fun, and I learnt a lot from the experience. The course built upon your current knowledge of a wide...Energetic and Engaging
A really fantastic week, taught by some truly inspirational tutors whose passion for physics really showed in their energetic and engaging sessions. The slightly relaxed atmosphere worked incredibly well...Awesome Theories
Definitely come to this summer school to learn about first year physics at university, it offers an insight into the awesome theories and maths which you will do and also ...Expanded Knowledge
This summer school experience was great for me as I was able to interact with fellow physics students on topics which aren’t covered in great detail at school. I would recommend...Perfect For Anyone Who Enjoys Physics
The Physics Summer School is truly a great course to attend, and is tailored perfectly for students wishing to study physics (or engineering) at a higher level...A Real Insight
The course was very well thought out – it was challenging at times but the tutors were very friendly and offered help whenever we needed it. It gave me a...Cool Proofs and Derivations
Its dope. You actually learn relevant stuff and the proofs/derivations behind them, unlike most of these courses which are basically like a popsci TV show with no ...Superb Teaching
The teaching was superb – I learned so many new interesting and exciting things. I particularly enjoyed the section on exoplanets, as I find astrophysics very interesting. I also...Passionate Tutors
I really enjoyed the physics summer school because we covered everything I was interested in that we don’t learn so much about at school, and it gave me an excellent taste...Much More Confident
I was apprehensive about the course when applying as I was not sure how complex the mathematics of each subject would be. However the tutors seemed to adjust the ...An Excellent Choice
The Summer School was an enriching experience that had a lot of really interesting and well-structured course content, offering a deep dive into key topics with a balance of ...The Difficulty Was Just Right
The teaching was brilliant for the course, with a huge array of material covered that I am particularly interested in – Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and Quantum...Brilliant Fun
I absolutely loved the teaching style. On day 3 I asked my questions via DM and they were answered anonymously which made me feel extremely comfortable about asking questions. I’ve...Enjoyable and Friendly
The Physics Summer School is definitely worth the money and is a great experience for everyone who enjoys physics. (I do not plan to study physics at university but ...Extremely Useful
This summer school can be challenging at times, but before you have a chance to give up the tutors are there and begin explaining it in a way which you ...Incredibly Insightful
Incredibly insightful in seeing what studying physics outside of the A-level syllabus looked like, with viewing the importance of differentiation within Newton’s second law to seeing the similarities between the law...Building Knowledge From The Ground Up
The course gives you a good understanding of advanced concepts in physics by building your knowledge of them from the ground up in order to learn ...Very Inclusive
I really enjoyed the classes taught by the tutors, they were really engaging and stretched beyond what most physics courses would teach. I liked the style of teaching in a...Ready to Explore Further
The course is good and gets into a level of mathematical detail which I have not seen in any public course for beginners. I feel ready to start ...Small Groups Made It Easy To Ask Questions
I really enjoyed this course! I have also attended another summer school, and I found this far better! I think that the derivations were very...An Exceptional Experience
The Physics Summer School allowed me to experience a taste of what University Physics may be like and has cemented my choice in studying it at University level. The ...Made Me Excited For Future Study
I found the Physics Summer School really useful in discovering what studying Physics at university will be like. The course during the week was demanding at times...Much Different From The Average Classroom
The Physics Summer School was an excellent opportunity to experience some stretching physics, whilst not being too much out of your depth. The small classroom teaching...Better Than A Year Of School
The teaching methods were very direct making it easier to understand. Even though it was only a 3-day course I believe I have absorbed more information ...Incredibly Rewarding
I recently completed the Physics Part 2 online course at The Debate Chamber and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Having completed part 1 last summer, yet again the course was expertly ...A Perfect Balance
I thought the teaching was excellent. A lot of material was covered in a short amount of time, yet the concepts were well explained and I understood everything that...Practical Details
📌 The Physics Summer School is open to students aged 15–18. Please note that Part 2 requires at least one year of A Level Maths.
📅 Course Dates: Part 1 (Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Astrophysics) runs from 4th – 6th August (three days).
Part 2 (Cosmology, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and Particle Physics) runs from 26th – 29th August (four days).
⏰ Teaching Hours: Each course runs from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, including a lunch break.
💻 Course Format: This is a live online event, held in small seminar groups for fully interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises. Sessions will not be recorded, so students must be available during course hours and have a reliable audio and video internet connection.
💰 Course Fee: The cost for Part 1 (three days) is £345. The cost for Part 2 (four days) is £425.
🔒 Booking Information: A 25% non-refundable deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due eight weeks before the course start date. [See full booking terms and conditions here.]
📞 Got Questions? Call us on 0800 810 1058 or email [email protected].
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries 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.