15 Psychology Summer Schools for Year 12 Students

TL;DR

This guide covers psychology summer schools where you can explore the mind, mental health, and neuroscience before applying to university. Options range from free UK access programs, like Sutton Trust summer schools, to paid courses at King’s College London, plus several online choices. You’ll find openings for Year 12 students, though many UK programs require you to attend a state school. Wake Forest’s Psychology Institute, for example, includes a guided sheep brain dissection. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway in Psychology runs for two weeks in Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto for students aged 13 to 18.

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Are you a Year 12 student captivated by the intricacies of human behavior and mental processes? If so, attending a psychology summer school can be an exceptional opportunity for you to delve deeper into this fascinating field. These specialized programs go beyond the limitations of textbooks, offering a vibrant learning environment that covers essential psychological concepts such as cognitive behavior, emotion regulation, and social interactions. 

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Not only will you expand your understanding of psychological theory, but you’ll also develop vital skills applicable to many academic and professional pursuits. Programs often emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative research methods, ensuring that you gain the advanced skillset needed for successful university studies. With the chance to engage directly with professionals in the field, you will gain valuable insights into careers in psychology that can influence your academic trajectory.

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

With an abundance of programs available across universities and research organizations, choosing the right psychology summer school can be an overwhelming task. It’s essential to find a program that aligns with your academic aspirations, offering a balance of rigor and engagement that suits your interests. 

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Many esteemed universities offer focused psychology summer schools designed specifically for high school students. These often feature a rich curriculum that includes guest lectures led by experienced professionals, collaborative group projects resembling real university courses, and practical workshops that enhance your understanding. 

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To help you choose, we’ve drawn up a list of 15 psychology summer schools for Year 12 students.

15 Psychology Summer Schools for Year 12 Students

1. Youth Mental Health Academy (Child Mind Institute)

Location: Los Angeles County, California
Cost/Stipend: Free; the summer academy includes paid project-based learning
Program Dates: June 22nd to July 23rd (2026 summer academy), plus school-year programming from August 2026 to March 2027
Deadline: February 28th (2026)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a public or private high school in Los Angeles County; not open to international students

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The Youth Mental Health Academy is a community-based career development program from the Child Mind Institute, designed to bring more young people from underrepresented communities into mental health careers. During the five-week summer academy, you take part in paid project-based learning that prepares you for a capstone group presentation at the end of the summer. 

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You meet regularly with undergraduate or graduate mentors who share their own experiences and support your progress. The program continues through the school year with monthly workshops, expert panels, and college access planning. By the end, you’ll have a clearer view of careers in mental health science, practice, and communications.

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Why it stands out: You’re paid for your project-based learning during the summer academy, making this a financially supportive way to explore mental health careers.

2. Immerse Education's Psychology Summer School

Location: Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto

Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class

Dates: 2 weeks during the summer

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway in Psychology is an immersive two-week academic program designed to introduce you to the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. You'll engage with core areas of psychology that include cognitive psychology, behavioural science, and mental health. You'll dive into cognitive psychology and neuroscience while unpacking the core ideas of behavioural psychology. 

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You'll be participating in interactive lectures, case studies, experiments, and group discussions that build analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. Along the way, you'll see how surroundings and context influence the way people think and act, and you'll develop an understanding of the forces that shape interactions and social patterns. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: It gives you a taste of university-style psychology study, helping you prepare for future university applications or careers in psychology and related fields.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. 

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At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

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Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Psychology Institute

Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: $3,500
Program Dates: July 12th to 17th or July 19th to 24th (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: Applications open November 1st for the following summer
Eligibility: Current 9th to 12th grade students; international eligibility not specified

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Explore the mind and behavior at the Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Psychology Institute, a one-week residential program for high school students. Topics include the disordered brain and the psychology of addiction, alongside sessions on careers in psychology. 

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You’ll conduct your own observational study to look more closely at the world and the people around you. Activities include a guided sheep brain dissection and work on brain training and neuroplasticity. At the end of the week, you’ll receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

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Why it stands out: The institute pairs a guided sheep brain dissection with your own observational research project, giving you two very different ways to study psychology.

5. UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program

Location: Online (University of California, Los Angeles)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Summer; 2027 dates not yet posted
Deadline: February 9th (2026)
Eligibility: Current high school students; international eligibility not specified

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The UCLA Neuroscience High School Virtual Summer Program provides an introduction to the brain and nervous system, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It is designed for high school students with an interest in science, medicine, or psychology, and mixes interactive experiences across a series of virtual sessions. 

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You must attend every virtual session to complete the program. Shortlisted applicants are invited to virtual interviews before final decisions are made. You will have the opportunity to explore various topics within neuroscience, enhancing your understanding of the discipline.

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Why it stands out: The wider Scholars Program also runs monthly virtual Grand Rounds, where you work through case-based clinical scenarios in neuroscience.

6. Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment (Northwestern University)

Location: Online (Northwestern University)
Cost/Stipend: Fee per course, listed on the program site; scholarships available
Program Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions throughout the year
Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and up; open to international students

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Psychology: Inside Diagnosis and Treatment is an online course that examines the relationship between behavior and mental health care. Through video lessons and mentorship, you will explore psychological theories, different mental health diagnoses, and how treatment plans are chosen. The course culminates in a Final Capstone Project where you analyze a patient case study from referral to treatment plan. 

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The course was designed by Alissa Chung, a licensed clinical and developmental psychologist on Northwestern’s adjunct faculty. You will earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University, which you can add to your college applications. The flexible online structure lets you study around your school schedule.

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Why it stands out: The Final Capstone Project has you follow a complete patient case from referral to treatment plan, giving you a close look at how clinical psychologists work.

7. Vanderbilt Summer Academy

Location: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Cost/Stipend: 7th and 8th grade: $2,150; 9th and 10th grade: $2,600; 11th and 12th grade: $2,750 (2026)
Program Dates: One-week sessions between June 7th and July 18th (2026); 11th and 12th grade sessions ran June 7th to 13th, June 21st to 27th, July 5th to 11th, and July 12th to 18
Deadline: Rolling admissions once the application window opens in January
Eligibility: Rising 7th to 12th graders who submit eligibility materials; open to international students

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Vanderbilt Summer Academy offers accelerated one-week courses for academically advanced students, with subjects that include psychology. You spend up to six hours a day immersed in a single subject, learning from content experts drawn from Vanderbilt University and the Nashville community. 

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Because courses are accelerated, you submit eligibility materials so the team can confirm the course is a good academic fit. Each student is assigned to a small proctor group within the residential community, giving you support outside class as well. Recreational programming and social activities balance the academic workload during the week.

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Why it stands out: Each course has a dedicated instructor and teaching assistant, and most are taught by Vanderbilt content experts.

8. Camp Psych at Gettysburg College

Location: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, USA
Cost/Stipend: $1,395 (2026)
Program Dates: July 12th to 17th (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: 2026 applications are closed; 2027 dates not yet posted
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; international eligibility not specified

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Camp Psych at Gettysburg College offers a one-week residential introduction to psychological research for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program introduces you to the fundamentals of psychological science in an engaging and fun environment. Throughout your time, you’ll learn by designing studies and collecting data, guided by faculty and resident advisors who are current or recent psychology majors. 

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The camp is directed by psychologists Abigail Scholer and Erin Clark, both Gettysburg College graduates with extensive experience in psychological research and teaching. By the end of the program, you’ll have a stronger foundation in research methods for future college study.

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Why it stands out: Camp Psych’s directors and faculty all teach psychology at the college level, and the curriculum mirrors the work they do with first-year college students.

9. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: One course (1 week): £3,195; two courses (2 weeks): £6,180; three courses (3 weeks): £9,375; four courses (4 weeks): £12,360 (2026 tuition); residential packages available
Program Dates: Four one-week sessions: July 6th to 10th, July 13th to 17th, July 20th to 24th, and July 27th to 31st (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: April 10th (2026); applications are closed
Eligibility: Students aged 16 or 17 in their final three years of high school; open to international students, with all teaching in English

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The King’s College London Pre-University Summer School lets you explore subjects at degree level, with psychology and neuroscience among the courses on offer. The Pre-University Psychology course gives you a range of learning activities typical of a first-year undergraduate psychology degree. You can also take Pre-University Neuroscience, which introduces interdisciplinary topics and techniques used to study brain disorders. 

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Booking more than one course earns a discount, so you can combine sessions to stay for up to four weeks. Residential students stay in single en-suite rooms at Stamford Street Apartments, and you’ll receive a King’s Certificate of Participation when you complete your course.

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Why it stands out: The Pre-University Psychology course is a short version of the BSc Psychology teaching at King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience.

10. Sutton Trust Summer School at the University of Warwick

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: July 27th to 31st (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: Applications for 2026 closed in March; 2027 dates not yet posted
Eligibility: UK Year 12 students who meet the Sutton Trust’s eligibility criteria; not open to international students

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The Sutton Trust Summer School at the University of Warwick gives you an insight into university life through academic taster sessions, social activities, and a stay in university halls. Around 120 Year 12 students from across the country take part, each joining one of six subject streams, including Psychology and Education. 

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You will attend interactive lectures and collaborate in group work, guided by academics and postgraduate students. You’ll also meet current Warwick students, who share their experiences of campus life. By the end of the week, you’ll have a clearer sense of what studying at a leading university involves.

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Why it stands out: The dedicated Psychology and Education stream lets you focus on psychology while experiencing residential university life.

11. Sutton Trust Summer School at St Andrews

Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: One week in July (2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: Early March (2026)
Eligibility: Students in S5 (Scotland), Year 12 (England and Wales), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland) at a state-funded school or college in the UK who have not yet applied to university and are under 18 at the time of the summer school; not open to international students

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Participate in a free, week-long residential program that combines academic enrichment and social activities at the University of St Andrews. You will live in a university hall of residence and attend academic sessions in two subject areas of your choice. 

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The week also includes sessions on the UCAS application process, personal statements, and student finance. This structure lets you immerse yourself in both the academic and social sides of university life. You’ll meet peers with similar aspirations and gain insight into your future studies.

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Why it stands out: Sessions on UCAS applications, personal statements, and student finance help you plan every step of your journey to university.

12. University of Bristol Virtual Summer School

Location: Online (University of Bristol)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Three days online (2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: 2026 applications are closed; 2027 details expected later in 2026
Eligibility: Year 12 students in their first year of A-levels (or equivalent) at a non-fee-paying state school or college, under 18, who meet Bristol’s widening participation criteria; not open to international students

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The University of Bristol Virtual Summer School gives Year 12 students many of the benefits of an in-person program, accessed online via Zoom. Over three days, you’ll engage with academics, student ambassadors, and other prospective students. 

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You’ll also receive guidance on your future higher education options to help you chart your academic path. If you successfully complete the program, you may be eligible for a guaranteed contextual offer or interview at Bristol, depending on your chosen course. By the end, you’ll have practical insight into what university study involves.

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Why it stands out: The guaranteed contextual offer is typically two A-Level grades below Bristol’s standard entry requirements for courses that don’t interview.

13. University of Bristol Neuroscience, Psychology and Neuropharmacology Work Experience

Location: University of Bristol Clifton Campus, Bristol, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: No fee listed
Program Dates: June 29th to July 3rd, about 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: February 1st (2026)
Eligibility: Year 12 or further education students who meet Bristol’s widening participation criteria, such as being the first in their family to go to university; not open to international students

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This in-person work experience week invites young scientists to gain practical experience of research in neuroscience, psychology, and neuropharmacology. It is one of Bristol’s STEM work experience weeks, designed to help you build confidence and immerse yourself in a scientific environment. 

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You’ll get a better understanding of the science skills, courses, and careers available in these fields. Working alongside researchers lets you see how experiments in brain and behavior research are planned and run. The placement also helps you decide whether a psychology or neuroscience degree is right for you.

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Why it stands out: You spend a full week on Bristol’s Clifton campus gaining research experience across three closely linked fields.

14. K+ Summer Pathways at King’s College London

Location: King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: Free
Program Dates: Summer pathway within a two-year program (2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: Summer 2026 pathway applications are closed; 2027 dates not yet posted
Eligibility: Year 12 students from under-represented groups in London and surrounding areas; not open to international students

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K+ is King’s College London’s flagship widening participation program, preparing sixth form and college students for academic, social, and cultural life at university. Its Summer Pathways include Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, delivered with King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. 

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Each year, over 500 Year 12 students are selected from thousands of applicants. In Year 13, you take the lead on how you engage with the program, with online resources between campus events. Staff support you throughout so you can make informed choices about your next steps.

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Why it stands out: Completing K+ earns you a two-grade reduced offer for most King’s courses and a £1,000 bursary in your first year if you study there.

15. University of Brighton Summer Schools

Location: University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom, or online
Cost: Free
Program Dates: On-campus residential: July 7th to 9th; online: July 20th to 23rd (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet posted)
Deadline: May 17th for residential applications (2026)
Eligibility: Year 12 or first-year sixth-form college students studying a Level 3 qualification, aged 16 and over; international eligibility not specified

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You’ll get a practical introduction to university study through free summer schools at the University of Brighton, with both residential and online options. The on-campus programme lets you explore potential degree subjects through academic taster sessions, stay in university halls, and take part in evening social activities. Residential subjects for 2026 included art and media, engineering, health professions, humanities, and science. 

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The online programme gives you access to lectures, project support, careers and university information, and online social events. Online subjects include criminology, psychology, and sociology, along with computing, business, health professions, and several others. The project can also provide material that you could use when developing your personal statement for university applications.

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Why it stands out: You can experience university through either a residential campus programme or an online subject-focused format, with both options providing direct academic and student-life exposure.

Frequently asked questions: Psychology Summer Schools for Year 12 Students

Are there free psychology summer schools for Year 12 students?

Yes, several UK universities run free summer schools that include psychology. The Sutton Trust Summer School at Warwick offers a Psychology and Education stream, and King’s College London’s K+ program includes a Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience pathway. The University of Brighton’s online summer school covers criminology, psychology, and sociology at no cost. Most free programs are aimed at UK state school students, so check the widening participation criteria before you apply.

Do psychology summer schools help with university applications?

Yes, they give you experiences to draw on in your personal statement and, in some cases, a better offer. Completing Bristol’s Virtual Summer School can lead to a guaranteed contextual offer, typically two A-Level grades below the standard requirement, and K+ graduates can receive a two-grade reduced offer for most King’s courses. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway also offers an optional accredited route where your work is formally assessed, so you can earn 8 UCAS points. Read more on whether a psychology summer school is worth it for university applications.

Can international students attend psychology summer schools?

Some programs welcome international students, but many free UK options are limited to home students. King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School is open to students aged 16 or 17 and taught entirely in English, and Northwestern’s online psychology course is open to students aged 13 and up. Sutton Trust summer schools and Bristol’s outreach programs are for UK students only. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights pathway in Psychology welcomes students aged 13 to 18 from around the world, with seminars averaging 7 students.

Are there online psychology summer programs for high school students?

Yes, you can explore psychology online through several programs on this list. Northwestern offers a flexible online course in clinical psychology. In the UK, Bristol’s Virtual Summer School and Brighton’s online summer school both run remotely. For more remote choices, browse these online psychology programs for high school students.

When should you apply to psychology summer schools?

You should start looking early in Year 12, since many deadlines fall between February and May. Bristol’s psychology work experience closed on February 1st in 2026, UCLA’s virtual program closed on February 9th, and Sutton Trust summer schools closed in early March. King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School deadline was April 10th, and Brighton’s residential summer school closed on May 17th. Applying early also gives you time to gather references and write strong statements.

What do you study at a psychology summer school?

You usually study topics similar to a first-year psychology degree, along with research methods. King’s Pre-University Psychology course is a short version of its BSc Psychology teaching, while Wake Forest’s institute covers the disordered brain and the psychology of addiction. At Gettysburg’s Camp Psych, you design studies and collect data with faculty and psychology majors. For a closer look at typical topics, read what you study at a psychology summer school.

Your Year 12 summer, your psychology head start

Spending a week dissecting brains, designing studies, or discussing mental health cases can show you whether psychology deserves a place in your future.

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With psychology summer schools for Year 12 students ranging from free access programs to online courses, you can find an option that fits your plans.

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Keep notes on the lectures and experiments that excite you most, since those moments often make the strongest material for your personal statement.

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For help turning that experience into a confident application, our University Preparation blogs cover UCAS choices, personal statements, admissions interviews, and every step in between.