If you’re a high school student intrigued by how the human mind works, psychology may already feel like a natural interest. Psychology isn’t just about theories; it’s a research-driven discipline that blends science, critical thinking, and real-world application. One of the most powerful ways to experience that firsthand is by attending a psychology summer school in the UK.

Imagine spending your summer in an academic setting where you attend seminars on cognitive psychology, developmental science, neuroscience, or mental health studies. Picture analyzing case studies, learning how experiments are designed, and debating ethical questions surrounding psychological research. Psychology summer schools in the UK combine structured academic learning with interactive discussions, giving you a realistic insight into what studying the subject at university might feel like.

How do you choose the right psychology summer schools in the UK for high school students?

With many programs available, it’s important to identify those that offer genuine academic depth rather than broad overviews. Some focus primarily on lectures, while others emphasize seminars, collaborative research exercises, and guided analysis of real studies. Thoughtful research helps ensure you select a program that balances accessibility with intellectual challenge.

Across the UK, psychology summer schools may explore areas such as clinical psychology, behavioral science, social psychology, neuroscience, and mental health awareness. You might participate in small-group discussions, structured debates, or project-based assignments that reflect university-style expectations. Programs range from introductory experiences for curious beginners to more intensive courses designed for students seeking deeper academic engagement.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Psychology Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic rigor, immersive learning environments, and ability to spark meaningful intellectual growth in the field of psychology.

In addition to psychology summer schools, you can also have a look at work experience opportunities in the UK or university summer programs in the UK.

15 Psychology Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Psychology Summer School

Location: Cambridge, Oxford, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: All students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Psychology Summer School in Cambridge offers a comprehensive two-week program designed to provide you with a deep understanding of psychological concepts and research methods. You’ll engage in small classes of 7–10 students, exploring topics such as cognitive psychology, behavioral science, and mental health through interactive lectures, case studies, and practical experiments.

The program includes one-on-one tutoring sessions and the opportunity to undertake a personal research project, culminating in a presentation at the end of the course. You’ll reside in historic Cambridge University colleges, experiencing authentic university life, and participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including formal dinners, punting on the River Cam, and excursions to London. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement and personalized feedback to support your future academic pursuits. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: This program uniquely combines rigorous academic instruction with a rich cultural experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in university-level psychology studies while living in the historic setting of Cambridge.

2. Sutton Trust Summer School – UCL Psychology and Human Development

Location: University College London (UCL), London, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded, including accommodation and meals)
Dates: August 12th – August 16th
Application Deadline: There is no information available; applications typically open early in the year
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students attending state-maintained schools in the UK; international students are not eligible

This fully funded residential program offers you structured academic engagement in psychology and human development within a university environment. You’ll attend lectures and seminars led by UCL academics that introduce key concepts in psychological development across the lifespan, including cognition, social interaction, and behavioral science.

The curriculum also includes sessions on research methods and evidence evaluation, helping you understand how psychological knowledge is generated and applied. Throughout the week, you’ll participate in group discussions and interactive workshops that reflect the discussion-based learning model typical of UK higher education. By completing this program, you gain insight into undergraduate study in psychology and the analytical skills that support future academic work.

Why it stands out: It provides a fully funded, immersive introduction to psychology and human development at a leading research university while helping you experience the academic pace and social environment of university life.

3. Immerse Education – Psychology Online Summer School

Location: Online
Cost: £3,495 (≈ $4,400 USD); financial aid and scholarships available
Dates: Flexible start dates; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

This is a mentor-led online research program where you investigate a psychology topic in depth while learning how academic research is designed, conducted, and presented. You are assigned to a small group and mentored by a knowledgeable tutor from prestigious universities like Oxford or Cambridge. You take part in seminars that focus on academic writing, research methods, and critical thinking. The curriculum emphasizes creating a well-organized research project, assisting you in assessing psychological literature, honing a research question, and creating arguments supported by data.

Instead of being mostly lecture-based, sessions are interactive, promoting peer cooperation, conversation, and personalized feedback from your mentor. Your final research project will show off your ability to think critically and your knowledge of psychology at the collegiate level. Upon completion, you receive personalized feedback and a certificate, providing tangible academic output suitable for college applications. Overall, the program mirrors the expectations of undergraduate research and helps you assess whether pursuing psychology at university aligns with your academic goals.

Why it stands out: Instead of broad subject exposure, this program centers on producing a structured research project under expert mentorship, giving you an early experience of independent academic inquiry.

4. Pre-University Psychology – King’s College London

Location: London, UK (on-campus at King’s College London)
Cost: £3,195 tuition; £3,965 residential (≈ $4,050–$5,030 USD); application fee £65
Dates: July 6th – July 10th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students aged 16-17 enrolled in the final three years of high school; English proficiency at CEFR B2 required; international students may apply with proof of English proficiency

This one-week pre-university course introduces you to degree-level psychology through seminars, workshops, lectures, and experiential learning activities modeled after King’s undergraduate teaching. The course examines key theories, research techniques, and clinical procedures related to psychological problems. It is a streamlined version of the university’s BSc Psychology program.

You will work in a variety of groups, conduct independent research on a chosen subject, and create a well-organized academic response to an assignment brief. A Certificate of Completion (non-credit) is awarded to students who successfully finish coursework and fulfill attendance criteria.

Why it stands out: You experience a compressed version of a top-ranked psychology degree environment, gaining direct insight into research-led teaching at one of the world’s leading institutes for psychology and psychiatry.

Location: Moulsecoomb Campus, Brighton, UK
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7th – July 9th
Application Deadline: There is no information available yet
Eligibility: UK students in Year 12 or the first year of sixth form/college, aged 16-17; international students are not eligible.

This three-day residential introduces you to core questions in social science through subject sessions that explore how individuals, institutions, and societies interact. You’ll attend academic workshops spanning psychology, criminology, sociology, and politics, encouraging you to think critically about evidence, interpretation, and contemporary social issues. Discussions and group projects that resemble the analytical approach taken in college seminars are combined with instruction.

You’ll get a brief but accurate taste of student life by staying on campus and participating in evening social events. The program’s goal is to assist you in considering your academic interests and comprehending the connections between multidisciplinary disciplines at the university level. The experience provides an early look at the intellectual and social facets of higher education by fusing academic inquiry with a residential environment.

Why it stands out: You gain access to professional-standard facilities—including dedicated psychology resource laboratories—while participating in a fully funded residential experience.

15 Psychology Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students 2

Location: University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Campus, Edinburgh, UK
Cost: £5,250 (≈ $6,650 USD); includes tuition, on-campus accommodation, meals, and activities
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: May 19th at 17:00 (BST)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 in their penultimate or final year of high school; open to international students; English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall recommended

This two-week residential course introduces you to key areas of the social sciences with structured teaching that mirrors undergraduate learning. You’ll engage in lectures and small-group tutorials covering subjects such as economics, social policy, politics, and social anthropology, helping you understand how researchers analyse social behaviour and institutions. Educational visits, such as to the Scottish Parliament or the Adam Smith special collection, connect theoretical concepts to real-world social issues while situating learning within Edinburgh’s historic context.

Residential life on campus exposes you to the routines and expectations of university living, providing practical experience alongside academic engagement. By completing research-oriented tasks and participating in interdisciplinary discussions, you gain clearer insight into the analytical approaches used in social sciences and related fields such as psychology.

Why it stands out: The program combines coursework with academic skills development and real-world exploration, giving you substantive preparation for university study in psychology, social sciences, or related disciplines.

7. St Andrews Summer Academic Experience – University of St Andrews

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
Cost: £6,850 (≈ $8,700 USD); limited scholarships available for select courses
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 with a minimum GPA of 3.2 (or equivalent); international students may apply but must obtain the appropriate visa

This three-week residential program allows you to study specialized subjects, including Psychology and Neuroscience, through intensive academic instruction designed to reflect undergraduate learning. In order to better understand how psychology is researched at the university level, you will select a single course and study specific themes like disorders of the nervous system or interdisciplinary approaches within the social sciences.

University employees and postgraduate researchers use lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised independent study to impart knowledge. The format closely resembles the standards of a first-year university classroom, emphasizing scholarly discourse and critical thinking. After finishing the course satisfactorily, students are awarded a certificate that formally acknowledges their academic achievement.

Why it stands out: You spend three weeks immersed in a single academic subject at one of the UK’s oldest universities, combining focused study with a fully residential campus experience.

8. UNIQ Experimental Psychology – University of Oxford

Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Cost: Free (travel, accommodation, and meals are typically covered for participants)
Dates: July 20th – July 24th
Application Deadline: January 13th
Eligibility: Students in Year 12 (first year of further education) attending a UK state school; applicants must meet widening participation criteria; international students are not eligible

This fully funded residential access program immerses you in experimental psychology through lectures, seminars, and academic discussions led by Oxford faculty. Over five days, you’ll explore how psychologists investigate behavior and cognition, engaging with topics such as development, mental health, and research methodologies that reflect undergraduate teaching.

Sessions emphasize analytical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, helping you understand the intellectual rigor associated with studying psychology at Oxford. You’ll also collaborate with peers during structured academic and social activities, strengthening your confidence in university-style learning environments. Living in an Oxford college gives you firsthand exposure to campus life, from shared meals to community events.

Why it stands out: You study undergraduate-level psychological concepts in a fully funded residential setting specifically designed to support students from underrepresented educational backgrounds.

9. Psychological Sciences – Nottingham Trent University

Location: Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
Cost: £795 (≈ $1,030 USD); includes tuition and course materials (accommodation not included)
Dates: July 15th – July 19th
Application Deadline: There is no information available (rolling admissions; apply as early as possible)
Eligibility: Students aged 15-17; open to international students with adequate English proficiency

This one-week short course offers you an introduction to core topics in psychological science, blending lectures with practical activities. You’ll explore foundational themes such as cognitive processes, social behaviour, and methods used to research psychological phenomena. Course sessions combine classroom learning with opportunities to discuss contemporary research and apply theoretical concepts through guided exercises.

Assessment includes participation in group discussions and problem-solving tasks that mirror university-level thinking. External visits or interactive workshops help connect subject content to real-world contexts and contemporary applications. By engaging with these activities, you build analytical skills and a clearer understanding of what undergraduate study in psychology entails.

Why it stands out: It offers a focused, academically structured introduction to psychological sciences within a UK university setting, emphasizing both foundational theory and active application.

10. RCPsych in Wales Summer School – Royal College of Psychiatrists

Location: Cardiff and Senedd, Wales, UK
Cost: Free (no tuition fee; students must arrange transport and accommodation)
Dates: Two-day event (e.g., July 8-9)
Application Deadline: There is no information available (students must express interest early in the year)
Eligibility: Year 11 students (typically age 15-16) from across Wales with an interest in healthcare and mental health; international students are not eligible

This two-day summer school offers an introductory immersion into mental health, healthcare professions, and policy discussions relevant to psychology and allied fields. You’ll attend talks from psychiatrists, researchers, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals that outline diverse career paths and foundational mental health concepts. On the second day, sessions at the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) include tours and discussions with policymakers about how mental health professionals influence public policy and health services.

The programme includes interactive elements such as presentations, Q&A with specialists, and opportunities to reflect on the breadth of clinical and research roles within mental health care. Although brief, the structure exposes you to multidisciplinary perspectives on psychological well-being, clinical practice, and health systems.

Why it stands out: It brings you face-to-face with mental health professionals and policymakers, giving a practical overview of how psychological knowledge and healthcare intersect in clinical and community settings.

15 Psychology Summer Schools in the UK for High School Students 3

Location: University of Bath, Bath, UK
Cost: £365 (≈ $470 USD); covers accommodation, meals, and scheduled activities
Dates: July 29th – July 31st (two-night residential)
Application Deadline: There is no official deadline published; early application is recommended due to limited spaces
Eligibility: Current Year 12/Lower Sixth students planning to start university in future years; UK and international students are eligible, though travel arrangements are your responsibility

This short residential summer school gives you a structured introduction to academic study in the Humanities & Social Sciences, including disciplines linked to psychology such as social behaviour and human development. During your stay, you’ll attend taster lectures and interactive workshops delivered by University of Bath academic staff that reflect teaching styles used in undergraduate degree courses.

You’ll also participate in sessions with admissions tutors and current students, which help you understand how degree-level study is assessed and how to prepare for competitive applications. The program includes social activities and opportunities to network with peers, giving a balanced sense of both academic expectations and student life.

Why it stands out: It combines faculty-led academic tasters with support on university applications and collegiate life, helping you assess both your subject interest and readiness for higher education study.

12. Sutton Trust Summer School – Durham University: Psychology

Location: Durham University, Durham, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded – includes tuition, accommodation, and meals)
Dates: July 8th – July 12th
Application Deadline: There is no information available; applications typically open earlier in the year
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students in state-maintained schools/colleges in the UK; international students are not eligible

This fully funded residential summer school introduces you to psychological science through structured academic sessions delivered by Durham University faculty. Small-group activities and discussion sessions encourage analytical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, reflecting the collaborative learning model common in UK higher education. The curriculum also includes an introduction to research concepts and methods, helping you understand how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated.

Residential life on campus exposes you to university routines and expectations, including shared facilities and structured academic activities. This program supports your academic development by allowing you to experience the pace and style of undergraduate psychology study within a residential context.

Why it stands out: It provides a fully funded, immersive introduction to psychology at a research-intensive UK university, combining academic rigour with firsthand exposure to student life.

13. Sutton Trust Summer School – University of Cambridge: Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded – includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities)
Dates: July 14th – July 18th
Application Deadline: There is no information available; applications typically open earlier in the year
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students attending state-maintained schools in the UK; international students are not eligible

This fully funded residential summer program introduces you to key ideas in psychological and behavioural sciences through structured academic sessions led by Cambridge academics. You’ll attend lectures and small-group seminars that explore how psychologists study behaviour, cognition, development, and social interaction. The curriculum includes active discussion and critical reflection, helping you evaluate evidence and understand research approaches used in behavioural science.

Group activities and tutorials mirror the collaborative mode of learning common in UK universities. Residential life on campus allows you to experience routines and expectations of higher education, including communal meals and structured academic workshops. By participating, you gain a clearer understanding of undergraduate-level psychology study and what it means to engage with research-oriented coursework.

Why it stands out: It provides a fully funded, immersive introduction to behavioural science at one of the world’s leading research universities, combining academic depth with residential experience.

14. University of Cambridge: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to audit; fee applies for certificate
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Any learner (no prior expertise required) interested in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology, open to international students

This is a fully online, short-form course from Cambridge that introduces how psychologists and neuropsychologists study the mind and brain. You’ll explore cognitive functions (attention, memory, language, perception) and learn about research methods, including behavioral experiments and neuroimaging techniques.

You will build a foundation in key areas of psychology and neuroscience, including experimental design, data interpretation, and critical thinking, with instruction provided by a world-class university. Although it’s not a residential program, it offers credible academic content that can add depth to your application if you’re interested in psychology, cognitive science, or neuroscience.

Why it stands out: You can gain foundational knowledge in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology from a world-class university, entirely online and at your own pace.

15. Sutton Trust Summer School – University of Warwick: Education, Psychology & Global Sustainable Development (GSD)

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost: Free (fully funded – includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities)
Dates: July 7th – July 11th
Application Deadline: There is no information available; applications typically open earlier in the year
Eligibility: Current Year 12 students attending state-maintained schools/colleges in the UK; international students are not eligible

This fully funded residential summer school provides academic instruction in education, psychology, and sustainable development within a university environment. You’ll attend lectures and seminars led by Warwick faculty that explore how psychological principles inform learning, behaviour, and social change in global contexts. The curriculum incorporates active discussion and collaborative tasks to develop analytical thinking and engagement with evidence-based research.

You’ll also reflect on how educational practice and psychological science intersect with issues of equity, policy, and sustainable development. By participating, you gain insight into multidisciplinary frameworks that connect psychology with educational and societal challenges, helping you understand how academic study can translate to real-world impact.

Why it stands out: It combines psychology with education and global sustainable development, giving you an interdisciplinary perspective on human behaviour and its role in social and educational contexts.

Better Listening, Better Relationships, Better Outcomes

A good summer programme can sharpen how you notice people, from the questions you ask to the evidence you trust.

In a psychology summer school in the UK, you might test memory tasks, critique study designs, and discuss ethics around wellbeing and consent.

Those habits carry beyond the classroom: clearer writing, calmer disagreement, and stronger listening when conversations get tense.

To keep building that edge, explore our Personal Development blogs for practical tools on communication, leadership, adaptability, and emotional intelligence you can use every week. They’ll help you turn insight into action, whether you’re preparing for interviews or teamwork today.