World University Preparation at Cambridge University

Course Overview

A mix of 1:1 tutorials, small-group classes, UCAS application workshops and university style lectures guide students through the university application system and provide an insight into life as an undergraduate at a top UK university.The course is intended for students that are serious about attending university in the United Kingdom.

Course Content

The course content is divided into several main areas for students to study. Each topic is delivered as a lecture to the whole student body, or as an interactive workshop in smaller groups. Please note that some specific topics may be altered or adapted during the summer, but the programme will include the following content:

UK University Admission Process Seminars

These seminars are designed to introduce students to the complex UK university admissions process. Anyone applying to a UK university must go through the UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Services) system and produce a very important personal statement.

Most international students will also be invited to interview, and all applicants to Oxford and Cambridge must attend an interview.

The UCAS System & Requirements

1. Interview Techniques
2. Writing Personal Statements
3. Applying to ‘Oxbridge’ for International Students

During the WUP course, students will receive sessions on how to succeed at interview as well as preparing a personal statement. By the end of the programme, students should have a draft version of a personal statement to develop.

Cultural Understanding Lectures

The Cultural Understanding Lectures will give students a broader overview of life in the UK, and more importantly, life as a student in the UK. Students will hear personal stories from tutors about their experiences as a student at leading universities.

The following lectures are offered:

1. The UK Educational System (Higher and Further Education)
2. UK Examinations
3. UK Student Life
4. Shakespeare’s Life and Plays
5. British Royalty & Political Systems

 

Aptitude and Logic

Students take classes that focus on the following areas:

1. Critical Thinking
2. General Studies
3. English for Academic Purposes
4. Morrisby Tests

Academic aptitude covers a range of skills from advanced English Language communication skills to TSA Testing. The General Studies and Critical Thinking modules are designed to test critical thinking. Top universities aren’t so much interested in how much a student knows; but are much more interested in how one develops their thoughts and construct arguments.

TSA testing is a pre-interview test for Oxford University, although lots of universities ask students to sit similar exams before being accepted. It is designed to test students’ problem solving skills and introduce them to the level of critical thinking that top universities are looking for.

Study Skills

University learning is very different to school learning, which therefore means that the skills needed are also entirely different. These workshops will introduce students to essential study skills, such as surviving university lectures, revising effectively, and how to write university level essays.

1. How to Survive University Lectures
2. Revision Techniques
3. How to Write a University Essay

As well as these group classes and lectures each student will benefit from a one-to-one tutorial with a personal tutor at the beginning and end of their WUP course. During these tutorials students will discuss the following areas:

1. Life goals
2. University goals
3. Short and long-term ambitions

Personal study plan

All of our tutors have a wealth of experience in higher education so students are encouraged to make the most of this opportunity to ask them anything they need to know. The tutors will also give personal feedback that will help students make choices about their university and degree course.

Excursions

Excursions are often the highlight of the week for many students and the school works really hard to make sure students have a great time as well as being fully informed about what they are going to see.

All students will have two full day excursions per week and 1 or 2 half day trips, depending on the chosen course. They allow students to explore some of the most famous places in the UK, including Oxford Brighton, Stratford, Warwick Castle, Bath, the English seaside and of course, London. 

 

 

Most weeks will include one London visit because there is so much to see. London excursions will cover a famous landmark in the morning before giving the students a choice between an exciting attraction or simply a bit of free time to explore and maybe visit Oxford Street for some relaxing shopping!

Half day trips will involve visits to closer locations and will often involve activities such as swimming, bowling or ice skating. These vary according to the location and what each Activity Manager thinks the students as a group will most enjoy.