Before stepping into the historic halls of Cambridge, you’ll jumpstart your learning journey with an interactive week of online preparation. This week is designed to ensure you arrive in Cambridge fully prepared, confident, and ready to dive into advanced academic discussions. During this online Preparation Course, you will: 

Strengthen your foundation 

Engage in preparatory courses in mathematics and statistics that will equip you with the essential knowledge to excel in your chosen modules. 

Explore and refine your choices 

Attend taster lectures for the modules that introduce you to the diverse offerings of our main Academic Programme, helping you make informed decisions about your academic track. 

Connect with instructors and peers 

Begin interacting with your professors and classmates, building relationships before your in-person experience even begins. 

By the time you arrive in Cambridge, you won’t just be prepared—you’ll be ahead! 

Module Selection & Flexibility 

Once you’ve been accepted into the Programme and secured your place, you’ll be able to select your modules through our online system. 

Each student chooses two modules, one from Module (A) list and one from Module (B) list. Our taster lectures during the online preparation week allow you to explore different options before finalising your selection. 

We encourage students to take advantage of this unique learning experience by choosing a balanced mix—a core course to build strong foundations and a specialised course to explore an advanced or applied topic. 

Course Changes & Availability 

You can adjust your course selection within the first week after arrival, ensuring you find the best fit. If your preferred course is full, check back regularly, as places may open when students switch courses. 

Prior Knowledge & Academic Readiness 

All modules are accessible to students from all academic backgrounds, though a basic understanding of calculus and probability is recommended. The online preparation week ensures all students are ready to engage with advanced material. 

Students must take two modules for the full duration—partial attendance is not permitted. 

One of the most valuable aspects of our Summer School is a series of career and postgraduate talks, designed to provide practical guidance, insider insights, and inspiration for your academic and professional journey. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore career paths, gain expert advice, and ask tailored questions that align with your ambitions. 

Career Talks, Guest Lectures & Postgraduate Application Talks 

At the Cambridge-Nanjing Summer School, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer a series of exclusive career and academic talks, where students gain insider insights from industry leaders, Cambridge academics, and admissions experts. These events provide an invaluable opportunity to explore future academic and professional pathways while engaging in thought-provoking discussions. 
Each session includes a Q&A segment, allowing students to interact directly with speakers, followed by informal networking opportunities. 

Career Talks & Industry Insights 

Learn from professionals at the forefront of Economics, Finance, and Data Science as they share their expertise on emerging trends, career paths, and real-world applications of academic knowledge. These talks offer practical guidance on navigating various industries and understanding the evolving job market. 

Confirmed Guest Speakers for Summer 2025 Include: 

Dr Maksim Sipos Co-founder and CTO at causaLens, a leading AI company	Ayoub Semaan Parter at Cultivating Leadership, a corporate leadership consultancy	Romans Popovs Head of M&A Special Projects and Structuring at BP

Postgraduate Applications: Advice from Cambridge Admissions Experts 

For students considering master’s or PhD programmes, we offer tailored postgraduate application talks led by Cambridge academics and admissions officers. These sessions provide first-hand guidance on securing a place at top universities, covering key selection criteria, application strategies, and insights into academic career planning. 

Whether you're exploring potential career options or planning for postgraduate study, our talks will equip you with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to take the next step in your academic and professional journey. 

Assessment Structure 

Each course includes a 90-minute final written examination on the last day of the programme to evaluate students’ understanding. Specific assessment details are outlined in the course syllabi, which will be available upon course selection. 

Credit Transfer & Certification 

Upon successful completion of the programme, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from the Cambridge University - Nanjing Centre. Each course is broadly equivalent to one semester of undergraduate study at the University of Cambridge. 

While the responsibility for securing credit transfer lies with each student, we will provide all necessary documentation, including detailed course syllabi, to facilitate the evaluation process by their home institution. We strongly recommend that students consult their university in advance to confirm credit transfer eligibility and requirements. 

Transcripts & Grading 

Upon completing the programme, participants will receive an official transcript within four weeks. This document can be submitted to their home institution as proof of academic achievement. 

As the programme follows the UK percentage grading system, a conversion guide will be included in the transcript for your home institution.