King’s College London Summer School 2026 Guide

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School offers week-long academic modules for students aged 16 to 17 in central London.

Each course provides university-style teaching through lectures, seminars, and group activities, with optional on-campus accommodation.

Founded on King’s academic excellence, the programme helps students explore subjects from Business and Law to Medicine and Politics while experiencing life at a leading university.

Here’s a complete guide to King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School in 2026.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

Why Choose King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School gives students aged 16–17 the opportunity to study academic subjects at a leading UK university while experiencing London life. 

Each one-week module mirrors undergraduate study through lectures, seminars, and interactive workshops led by King’s academics. Furthermore, participants can join for one to four consecutive weeks, exploring subjects such as Business Management, Law, Medical Science, Psychology, and Computer Science.

Classes take place on campus in central London, surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Residential participants stay at Stamford Street Apartments, with 24-hour pastoral supervision and organised activities that encourage friendships and confidence in independent living.

Like King’s vibrant campus experience, Immerse Education also provides immersive learning in world-renowned locations such as Oxford, Cambridge, London, and Sydney. 

Immerse combines small-group teaching and one-to-one tutor support with cultural excursions and project-based learning that connect academic study to real-world application. 

In addition, our Online Research Programme allows students to work one-to-one with PhD-level tutors, offering a flexible alternative for ambitious learners seeking depth and independence.

Key Features of King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School is a structured, on-campus experience designed for students aged 16–17 preparing for higher education. Each one-week module follows a university-style format with lectures, seminars, and group discussions led by King’s academics.

Stackable modules allow participants to study one to four subjects across July, choosing from a wide range that includes Business, Law, Medical Science, Psychology, Computer Science, and Politics. This flexibility enables students to sample different disciplines or focus more deeply on one area.

All teaching takes place at King’s Strand and Waterloo campuses, placing students at the centre of London’s academic and cultural scene. The residential package includes accommodation at Stamford Street Apartments, 24-hour pastoral support, and organised evening and weekend activities.

Each module ends with a certificate of completion, and attendance is compulsory. Academic sessions are supported by Summer Assistants who ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment.

The programme’s location and teaching approach help participants experience university life first-hand while building confidence, independence, and international friendships.

Advantages

• Central London location. Classes take place at the Strand and Waterloo campuses, close to key cultural and academic landmarks.
• University-style teaching. Modules are taught by King’s academics through lectures, seminars, and interactive workshops.
• Flexible one-week format. Students can combine up to four consecutive modules across July to suit their interests and schedule.
• Affordable short option. The one-week course (£3,195) offers accessible access to university-style learning.
• Strong supervision. Residential students stay at Stamford Street Apartments with 24-hour support from Summer Assistants.
• Cultural and social enrichment. Organised activities help participants explore London and connect with an international community.

Disadvantages

• Short duration. Each module lasts just one week, limiting academic depth compared with longer pre-university courses.
• No online or hybrid option. The programme is fully on-campus, which may restrict access for some international students.
• Narrow age range. Open only to students aged 16–17; those who turn 18 must apply to the Undergraduate Summer School.
• No extended project work. Modules are stand-alone and not research-based, with no cumulative academic output.
• Additional costs. Accommodation and meals are available only through the residential package, which increases the overall fee for multi-week participation.

King’s College London vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education’s Career Insights programme in London gives students a direct taste of university-style learning and real industry experience, with hands-on projects, workplace visits and expert-led sessions across fields like business, medicine, engineering and the creative industries. It’s designed to mirror the pace and curiosity of studying in the capital.

Alongside this, Immerse also runs Academic Insights and the Online Research Programme in other global locations for students who want different styles of academic challenge.

Is King’s College London Pre-University Summer School Worth It?

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School suits students aged 16–17 seeking a genuine taste of university life in a world-class city. 

Academic sessions led by King’s faculty provide insight into subjects such as Business, Law, Medicine, Psychology, and Politics. Its central location and flexible one-week format make it appealing to those wanting a short, focused introduction to higher education.

Participants gain confidence and cultural awareness while studying alongside peers from around the world. Meanwhile, the more expensive residential package offers comfort and supervision, with activities across London creating a balance of study and exploration.

However, because each module lasts only one week, students seeking greater academic depth or sustained mentorship may find it limited. The lack of online delivery also reduces accessibility for those unable to travel.

For learners wanting longer, mentor-led programmes, Immerse Education offers two-week Academic Insights and Career Insights experiences in Cambridge, Oxford, London, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, combining subject depth with cultural and professional immersion. 

Immerse also runs an Online Research Programme, pairing students one-to-one with PhD-level tutors to complete university-style research projects from anywhere in the world.

Alternatives to King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

If you’re considering King’s College London, you may also want to compare:

• Immerse Education – Academic Summer School: Oxbridge-style teaching with subject depth for ages 13–18, taught in Cambridge, Oxford, London, Boston, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.
• Immerse Education – Career Insights: Project-based, career-focused programmes in cities such as London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Sydney.
• Immerse Education – Online Research Programme: 1:1 research mentorship with PhD tutors, offering sustained engagement and genuine academic output.
• Oxford Royale Academy: Traditional boarding model with academic courses and cultural excursions in Oxford.
• LSE Pre-University Summer School: Selective short courses for students aged 15–18 exploring economics, politics, and law.

How to Apply for King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

1. Choose your course – Select your preferred subject area and week(s) from the July session list. Students can take between one and four consecutive modules.
2. Check entry requirements – Applicants must be aged 16–17 for the full duration of the course, meet the English language requirement (CEFR B2 or higher), and submit recent academic grades.
3. Submit your application online – Complete the form through the King’s Summer Programmes portal, attaching your personal statement and supporting documents. An application fee of £65 applies.
4. Confirm your place – Successful applicants receive an offer by email. To secure a place, pay the deposit. and confirm whether you would like to include the residential package.
5. Prepare for your summer – Once enrolled, you’ll receive a pre-arrival guide outlining your academic timetable, accommodation details, and what to bring to London.

Final Thoughts

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School provides an engaging introduction to university life in one of the world’s most dynamic academic cities. Its flexible one-week modules, expert teaching, and structured residential support make it a strong choice for students aged 16–17 ready to experience independent study.

The programme combines academic focus and cultural exploration, helping participants develop confidence, curiosity, and a clearer sense of future study goals.

For those seeking more personalised mentorship or longer academic immersion, Immerse Education offers extended residential and online options that include small-group learning, research opportunities, and global university exposure.

With residential locations across leading global cities and flexible online research options, Immerse provides a holistic environment that nurtures academic ambition, creativity, and personal growth.