Global Futures Summer School 2027: application information

The Global Futures Summer School will take place at Durham University from 12–21 July 2027. Applications must be completed by a parent, guardian, or carer on the student’s behalf. If you have any questions about the Global Futures Summer School or the application process, please contact gfss@durham.ac.uk.

Application and selection

By submitting an application, the parent, guardian or carer confirms that:

• the student is available to attend the full programme from 12–21 July 2027
• they have parental responsibility for the student, or authority to submit the application on behalf of the person with parental responsibility
• all information provided in the application is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge
• they support the student's application to the Global Futures Summer School
• Durham University will be informed of any material change to the information provided that may affect the student's participation

As part of the application, students are asked to provide a short personal statement and a recommendation from a teacher or school counsellor.

Applications will be considered on the information provided, including the student's:

• motivation to participate
• academic curiosity and willingness to engage with new ideas
• potential to benefit from the programme
• willingness to contribute positively to an international community

Selection approach

Places are limited and we aim to create a diverse international cohort. We review applications holistically, considering interest, motivation, and readiness rather than grades alone. Information about disability, medical conditions, Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), accessibility or other support requirements will not form part of the selection decision. Durham University reserves the right to withdraw an offer if information provided in an application is found to be materially inaccurate or incomplete.

Academic pathway options

The programme includes 24 hours of academic instruction based on the student's chosen pathway. The academic tasters are designed to feel like real university study rather than school lessons. Sessions are interactive and discussion-based, led by Durham academics who will guide students through contemporary questions and challenges in their field. They will be encouraged to share ideas, ask questions and approach topics from different perspectives, as undergraduate students do.

Students can choose one of three pathways: Arts and Humanities, Science or Social Sciences.

• Arts and Humanities: Liberal Arts, Classics and Ancient History, English Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, Modern Languages and Cultures, Theology and Religion
• Science: Biosciences, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Psychology
• Social Sciences: Anthropology, Archaeology, Education, Geography, Government and International Affairs, Law, Sociology, Sport and Exercise Sciences

*Taster subjects may change due to staff availability.

Entry requirements

The Global Futures Summer School is designed for motivated students who are curious about university study and ready to engage in discussion-based learning.

Who should apply?

This programme is suitable for students who:

• are considering studying at a UK university
• want to explore subjects before choosing a degree
• enjoy discussion and collaborative learning
• are comfortable living away from home in a supported environment

Students do not need prior knowledge of the subjects; curiosity and willingness to participate matter most. Before applying, check the student meets the following requirements:

Age

The student must be aged 16–17 for the full duration of the programme.

Academic readiness

The student should be performing well in their current studies and be able to participate in academic discussion.

English language level

• Minimum B2 level in English
• You may provide school reports or recognised test results where available.

Application materials

• Short personal statement (approx. 300 words)
• Parent/guardian consent and emergency contact details
• Recommendation from a school counsellor or teacher

Fees and cancellation

The Global Futures Summer School 2027 programme fee is £5,000. The offer email will confirm the deadline to pay the remaining programme fee.

Early bird discount

Applications submitted before Friday 8 January 2027 will be eligible for a 10% early-bird discount.

Application deposit

A £500 deposit is payable when submitting an application for the Global Futures Summer School 2027.

• If the applicant is not offered a place, the £500 deposit will be refunded in full.
• If the applicant is offered a place, the £500 deposit will automatically be credited towards the remaining programme fee.
• If the applicant withdraws their application after submission or declines an offer of a place, the £500 deposit is non-refundable.

Remaining fees

If we offer the student a place, the remaining balance is due by the deadline stated in the offer email. If the remaining balance is not paid by the stated deadline, we may withdraw the offer and retain the deposit.

Cancellation by the participant

If a student accepts a place and subsequently withdraws, any refund of programme fees will be considered in accordance with the Global Futures Summer School Terms and Conditions. Applicants and families should ensure they understand the cancellation arrangements before accepting an offer and paying the remaining programme balance.

Cancellation by the University

Durham University reserves the right to cancel the programme where circumstances make delivery impracticable or where circumstances are beyond the University's reasonable control. If the University cancels the programme, arrangements for refunding programme fees will be set out in the Terms and Conditions. The University cannot normally reimburse external costs such as flights, visas, insurance or other travel expenses. Families are therefore encouraged to make appropriate travel and insurance arrangements.

Visas

Students requiring a visa can request an official confirmation letter once they receive an offer.

Data protection and privacy

Durham University will process personal information provided through this application securely and in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Information provided through the application may be used to:

• assess and process the application
• communicate with the applicant and their parent, guardian or carer
• administer participation in the programme
• identify and support accessibility, welfare and safeguarding requirements
• meet the University's legal and regulatory responsibilities
• evaluate and improve the programme using appropriately anonymised information

Personal information will only be shared where necessary to administer and deliver the programme, support welfare and safeguarding, meet legal or regulatory requirements, or where otherwise permitted by law.

Durham University retains personal information for as long as it is required for the purpose for which it was collected, in accordance with the University's records retention arrangements.

Where processing is based on consent, consent may be withdrawn. Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing already undertaken and some information may need to continue to be processed where another lawful basis applies.

Further information about how Durham University uses personal information, data protection rights and subject access requests is available through the University's Information Governance and privacy information.

Safety, welfare and support

The Global Futures Summer School operates under Durham University's safeguarding arrangements for participants under 18.

At the application stage, parents, guardians, or carers will be asked whether any disability, medical, SEND, accessibility, or other circumstances would help the programme team understand how best to support the student's participation. Only a brief summary is required at this stage.

If a student accepts an offer of a place, further information will be requested through a separate participant registration process. This will include, where relevant:

• medical conditions and medication
• allergies and dietary requirements
• disability, SEND and accessibility requirements
• emergency contact information
• travel information
• information and permissions required for welfare and safeguarding purposes.

The University will take reasonable steps to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for participants.

Students are expected to:

• follow reasonable instructions from programme staff
• participate appropriately in programme activities
• comply with behaviour expectations
• respect other participants, staff and members of the University community
• comply with residential, supervision and curfew arrangements

Students and their parent, guardian or carer will be asked to review the programme's code of conduct and behaviour expectations before attending. Serious or repeated breaches of programme expectations may result in termination of a student's participation in accordance with the programme's terms and conditions.

Safety and support

The Global Futures Summer School is a fully supervised residential programme that provides a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Trained staff will support students 24 hours a day throughout the programme.

Supervision

• Dedicated residential staff living in the accommodation
• Sign-in procedures and evening curfews
• Staff on duty overnight
• Structured daily schedule with supervised activities
• Clear rules to help everyone feel comfortable and secure

 Welfare and pastoral care

• Trained pastoral staff available at all times
• Support with settling in and adjusting to living away from home
• Quiet spaces and wellbeing check-ins
• Help with homesickness or personal concerns
• Respectful, inclusive community expectations

Safeguarding

All staff working with students follow university safeguarding procedures, including training and appropriate background checks. The programme operates under Durham University safeguarding policies for under-18s.

Health and emergencies

• First aid–trained staff on site
• Support for accessing medical services if needed
• Emergency contact line for parents/guardians
• Pre-arrival guidance for families

Parents and guardians will receive full contact details and programme information before arrival so they know how to reach us at any time.

Parental/guardian/carer consent

At the application stage, the parent, guardian or carer confirms their support for the student's application and the accuracy of the information provided.

If a place is offered and accepted, the parent, guardian or carer will subsequently be asked to:

• provide up-to-date emergency contact details
• provide relevant health, medical, dietary, accessibility and support information
• inform the University of any relevant changes before the programme begins
• provide any permissions and consents required for participation
• authorise staff to seek appropriate medical treatment in an emergency if they cannot be contacted
• accept responsibility for the student's travel arrangements to and from Durham University

Further information and consent may be requested where required for a particular activity.

Waiting list

If the student's top two chosen pathways are full, applicants may request a place on the waiting list. We will contact you if a place becomes available.