Oxbridge Preparation Course - Human, Social and Political Sciences

The Granta Academy

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Course description

HPS is the framework within which Cambridge students explore politics and international relations, social anthropology and sociology. This course offers an introduction to these three core disciplines, with a focus on examining the points at which they converge. Ideal for students with an interest in how the world works, the syllabus covers diverse topics such as human rights and democracy, social and cultural diversity, and the nature of modern societies and how they are changing. Social sciences provide the starting point for addressing the most fundamental questions – what makes us human, and how does society work? This course equips students with the tools to begin evaluating and understanding these questions.

What we offer at a glance

Two-week, all-inclusive courses
Specially designed academic courses, each providing an introduction to studying one of five highly sought-after subjects at degree level
Individual feedback on your work in one-on-one tutorials with your supervisor
A unique programme of cultural and social activities created to maximise your enjoyment of the iconic city of Cambridge
Three-course formal hall dinner
Course Completion Certificate presented to you at our Graduation Ceremony
A full report from your supervisor, which can be used as a reference for university applications
Airport transfers to and from London Heathrow

The Courses

All of our academic classes adhere to the Cambridge supervision model, giving you the opportunity to study, think and be taught as an undergraduate. Working closely with an experienced specialist in your subject, you will explore your own ideas, discover new ones, and be challenged to realize your full potential.

All of our supervisors are current Cambridge academics at the cutting edge of current research, giving you the insider view of how your subject works.
Courses are specifically designed to provide an immersive introduction to your field, building on the basics to help you understand the bigger picture.
Group sizes of no more than six students to one teacher ensure that you have the opportunity to ask questions, speak your mind and find your voice
You will also receive a weekly one-on-one tutorial with your supervisor, providing personalized feedback and advice on your work.
Study Skills and University Application Preparation.
In addition to our academic courses, we provide a specially tailored programme of afternoon workshops designed to hone your study skills and to guide you through the process of applying to university in the UK.
Study skills sessions tackle essay writing, academic English, presentation preparation and public speaking – you will learn to express your ideas with confidence, precision and clarity
University Application Preparation workshops cut through the complications to give you a transparent and realistic guide to how the process works, and how to make it work for you
Sessions include:
– Selecting universities, colleges and courses (including how to apply to Oxbridge)
– Understanding UCAS
– How to write a personal statement
– Interview preparation technique
– Exam and revision tips and strategies
You will receive first-hand advice from the people who know the system inside out – we demystify the process, giving you all the tools you need to make a successful application

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
2 weeks
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday

Class times

Morning session
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch
12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Activity
03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Break
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Activity
07:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Absolute beginner
Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Cambridge.

Class size

Average 6 students
Maximum 6 students

Student age

Age range 16 - 18 years old
Average 17 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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Photos

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housing

Housing

TGA offers the following housing types:
student-residence

Student residence (on-campus) - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

Included
weekly
Age range: 16 - 18 years old
Address: Grange Rd, Cambridge CB3 9AN, Cambridge, Cam CB3 9AN, United Kingdom
Location: In the city center of Cambridge
Housing type: Student residence (on-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, wireless internet, free internet, carpet, air conditioning, heating, 24/7 supervision, and garden
Distance to school: 10 - 15 minutes by walk
Availability: 05 Jul 2020 - 18 Jul 2020
Check-in: Sunday, after 01:00 PM
Check-out: Sunday, before 09:00 AM
Included
St Chad's College provides a very high standard of accommodation. Accommodation is provided for up to 280 residents in study bedrooms. Private en-suite accommodation can be provided for 220.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from TGA. Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Cambridge based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from The Granta Academy staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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