Summer School: FAQs
1. Do I need a visa to attend the summer school?
If you are not a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you will require an appropriate visa to attend a Federation Summer School. Normally the Federation will support your entry to the UK under the Short Term Study (STS) route. Please see the visasection of the website for more information.
2. What are the English language requirements?
If English is not your first or native language, you will need to meet our English language requirements by providing evidence through either:
- confirmation of your current enrolment at a university in an English-speaking country OR
- presentation of a current IELTS Certificate of English Language Proficiency; the certificate must have been issued within the past 6 months and must demonstrate a minimum overall band score of 6.5 or above
3. I have studied English at my home university for one year. Will that satisfy the English Language requirement?
If your home university is in an English-speaking country – yes. If your home university is not in an English-speaking country, one year of English study might not provide the level of English you need, and we would ask you to provide an IELTS Certificate showing an overall band score of 6.5.
4. Will I receive a certificate when I finish the summer school?
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance if you have attended and participated in all the classes.
5. Will I receive a mark or a grade?
You can apply to attend a supervision session and submit an essay to be marked by your supervisor for an additional fee of £100; the Federation will report your final mark to your home university. If you attend purely for interest (not-for-credit) you do not have to submit any work for grading, but will instead receive a Certificate of Attendance.
6. Do I have to write an essay or sit an exam?
You will only have to write an essay or sit an examination if you wish to apply for credit for the summer school you have attended. Otherwise, there are no essays or exams.
7. Will I have to do any homework or assignments as part of the summer school?
There will be some assigned readings which you will be expected to have read before you come to each lecture. The assigned readings give you important background information and context so that you will gain much more understanding and impact from the lectures.
Cambridge has a wealth of museums and cultural resources, including the world-famous Fitzwilliam Museum (known as “the Fitz”). There may be some field-work as part of the course (for instance, visiting the Fitz or another museum in Cambridge to research a specific topic) and your tutor may ask for feedback from your class as part of the lecture. You may also be asked to be part of a small team in working and reporting on a group project; this will enable you to develop greater appreciationof your subject.
If you hope to achieve transfer of credit from your home university, you will have to write and submit an essay.
8.What happens in a supervision session?
Supervision is one of the things that make learning in Cambridge very special. Supervision sessions are small group teaching sessions, during which you will discuss your plans for your essay and receive feedback from your supervisor.
9. I want my home university to give me credit for the Federation summer school – can you arrange this?
You can apply for this option for an additional fee. You will attend a supervision session (see previous FAQ 8) and submit an essay on a topic given to you by your supervisor within one week after the end of your summer school. Your essay will be marked and a copy of the grade sent to your home university. The Federation does not give credit for the summer school, nor can we guarantee that your home university will. The award of credit is at the discretion of your home university.
10. I want to say on my CV that I’ve attended the Federation summer school – how do I describe it?
The Federation summer school is an intensive not-for-credit residential course. It’s probably best simply to say the name and dates of the summer school you attended, and that it was a non-credit course taught by the Cambridge Theological Federation, Cambridge UK.
11. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. You must take out travel insurance to cover yourself for your return journey and the duration of your stay. It should cover any expenses incurred as a result of lost or stolen property, late arrival, early or delayed departure, or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Please see our refund and cancellation policy.LINK The Federation accepts no liability for loss or damage to student property.
12. Should I purchase medical insurance?
Yes. Your home country may have an arrangement with the UK so that medical care is free; please check this before you make travel arrangements. If it does not, you must take out medical insurance to ensure you are covered during your stay, particularly if you have known medical needs that may require attention. Medical costs are expensive and payment is often needed at the time of treatment.
13. My friends say that medical treatment is free in the UK, so I won’t need to have medical insurance – is that true?
No. Medical care is only available free of charge to permanent residents of the UK. If you are visiting the UK, or not living here on a lawful and settled basis, you may have to pay for your healthcare.
14. I have special dietary needs, can you accommodate me?
Yes, as long as we know in advance. Please indicate your dietary requirements on the registration form.
15. I have limited mobility; will I be able to get around my college and around Cambridge?
Cambridge is an old medieval town; part of its charm is its old buildings and cobbled streets, but that may make accessibility difficult for some people. Please let us know your needs on the application form. If you would prefer to discuss your needs before submitting the application form, please email us at .
16. How do I receive course materials in advance of the start of the course?
All materials for your course will be posted on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will receive a username and password for this site (called Hedwig) once we have received full payment of your registration fee.
17. Will I be able to use college library facilities?
Yes, you will. Our librarian will provide a short session on how to use the library systems and you will be issued with a library card for the duration of your summer school.
18. Will I have access to IT/Wi-Fi?
Yes, we will provide you with wireless access. Please make sure you read our IT Policy in the Student Handbook, which will be available on-line via Hedwig, our VLE, for which you will receive a username and password once we have received full payment of your registration fee.
19. Do I need to bring my own laptop?
It is a very good idea to bring your own laptop so that you can access your course resources, write your essay if you hope to achieve transfer of credit, Skype your family and friends at home and store the many photographs you will take whilst you are in Cambridge. Unfortunately, the Federation does not have laptops that it can lend to summer school students.
20. Can I stay for extra nights?
Yes, provided that the college has accommodation available. You would be responsible for making and paying for these arrangements yourself. We can put you in touch with the right people.
21. I have my own accommodation in Cambridge. Can I pay a reduced fee?
The experience of living in college is an important part of the summer school. Please email us at to discuss your situation.
22. I only want to come for one week of the summer school. Can I pay a reduced fee?
The summer school is designed to offer an integrated curriculum over two weeks so unfortunately we cannot offer a one-week only option at a reduced fee.
23. Can I switch rooms or colleges once I’m in Cambridge?
Cambridge is very busy during the summer. We will do our best to move you if there is, for instance, an accessibility or mobility issue; but otherwise, all accommodation is generally in the same college and of the same standard, and it will not usually be possible to change.
24. I plan to rent a car when I am in Cambridge so that I can drive to classes and visit other places; where will I be able to park?
There is no parking available in college. We strongly advise against renting a car while you are in Cambridge, as parking is difficult and expensive; as well, many streets, particularly in the old city centre, are closed to cars. Your college is located in the city centre and you will be able to walk easily to most destinations, or use a taxi for longer journeys.
25. Can I rent a bicycle in Cambridge?
Cycling is a favourite means of getting around in Cambridge. There are several places where you can rent a bicycle; you can search online, or we can provide you with a list. Make sure you have a strong and secure lock for your bike and always lock it to a fixed object, such as a bicycle stand. Remember, too, that cars and cyclists in England travel on the left-hand side of the road; it is not permitted, or safe, to cycle on the pavement (or sidewalk, as many countries call the footpath). You must cycle on the road, close to the kerb, and on the left. Cyclists are required to obey the rules of the road, including riding on one-way streets and when navigating roundabouts, to have working and visible lights on their bikes between sunset and sunrise, and are strongly advised to wear a safety helmet.
26. What else is there to do in Cambridge when I’m there?
Plenty! In addition to traditional pastimes such as punting on the river and enjoying a picnic in the park, Cambridge has many beautiful buildings and museums you can explore. Whilst the centre of the city is full of lovely old buildings and colleges, there are also cinemas, theatres, pubs and bars you can visit. There are many outdoor festivals and events over the summer, as well as numerous walking paths and running trails through the beautiful Cambridge green spaces. Cambridge is well served by trains; for a weekend visit, London is an hour away, and the beautiful cathedral towns of Ely, Norwich, or Bury St Edmunds are easily accessible. We’ll be happy to give you more ideas when you are here!
27. What do I do if I have a problem when I’m at the summer school?
We hope that everything will work smoothly for you, but if you have a problem you can speak with your tutor, the Director of Studies, staff in the Federation office or, after hours, with the Student Assistant who will be staying in the same college.
28. Isthe summer school religious?
The summer school respects all religions, but is not designed for any specific religion. It is open to anyone who is interested in the topic that is taught. There is no requirement to attend religious services of any sort, although we can provide directions and assistance to students who wishto do so outside class time or on the weekend.
29. I am not a religious person. Will I feel comfortable at the Federation summer school?
We certainly hope so. Students of no faith or any faith are warmly welcomed to the Federation summer school. The subjects taught are of interest to a broad spectrum of society and students of diverse cultures, traditions, and backgrounds.
30. Where do I go to register on the first day of the course?
Registration takes place at 6pm on the Sunday evening before your course starts. Full details will be sent to you upon successful enrolment. Make sure to bring your passport (clearly showing any visa or visa stamp) as this will be the main document we need to allow you to start your course. We will send details of room location with your acceptance letter.
31. Can this course be completed online?
No. Whilst we do offer quite a few courses online, one of the main reasons for coming to a summer school is to experience student life in Cambridge by living and studying in college.
32. Can I bring guests to meals?
Yes, but by special arrangement only, and requests must be made well in advance. Unfortunately, late or last-minute requests cannot be accommodated. You are responsible for the cost of any meals for your guest, which we will calculate for you, and will have to be paid in advance.
33. What is a ‘formal hall’ and what should I wear when attending one?
Formal Hall is a traditional formal dinner held in the dining hall of the college concerned, and is a true Cambridge experience. Custom requires you to wear appropriate clothing for formal hall, which includes a jacket and tie for men and the appropriate equivalent for women (a dress or smart trousers and top – a formal gown is not required). Please note that if you appear in jeans, trainers, beach footwear, hats or baseball caps you may be refused entry.
34. What sort of clothing will I need?
English summers can vary from very hot to very wet! We advise that you bring a waterproof jacket, a sweater or cardigan and an umbrella, but other than that, just bring clothing that is comfortable. There is no dress code for the summer school, except for the formal hall evening, when you will be expected to dress smartly.