The Young International Politics Summer Experience

Immersive Political Experiences

• Run your own election campaign: write a manifesto, deliver speeches and campaign for votes.
• Take part in a two-day Model United Nations under the guidance of Foreign Office and diplomacy experts: represent a nation in an escalating international conflict.
• Visit the Houses of Parliament and explore over 1,000 years of political history.
• Learn advanced techniques for writing and delivering impactful political speeches.
• Take your place in a crisis simulation as government or opposition and defend or challenge key decisions.

Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points

• Gain practical political experience to boost your university application and demonstrate your passion and commitment to international relations.
• Have your work assessed to earn a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
• Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter.

Meet Senior Political Leaders

• Be guided by political experts from the House of Commons, the United Nations, the Foreign Office and leading NGOs.
• Attend private networking sessions with political professionals who may become valuable future contacts.

Career Coaching

• Receive expert training on how to access competitive careers in politics, diplomacy and international relations.
• Get advice on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.

World-Class Universities and World-Class People

• Experience life at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s top universities.
• Meet ambitious students from around the globe and form a powerful international network.

Design Your Own Summer Experience

• Choose from the following programme options:
  • First Week Only (taster experience)
  • Two-Week Experience (full programme)
  • Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
• Choose either residential or non-residential attendance.
• Residential students stay in UCL student halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend activities included.
• Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.

Week 1

The Model UN Experience

• Represent a country in an evolving global crisis and negotiate international stability, trade and alliances
• Learn key elements of diplomacy, development strategy and the UN Security Council process
• Develop rapid-response solutions and receive expert feedback on your team’s strategy

Becoming an Elected Official

• Design and run an election campaign: write a manifesto, deliver speeches and win voter support
• Learn political strategy, persuasion techniques and message clarity
• Work in teams to canvass votes and manage your campaign under pressure

Week 2

Politics and the Media

• Visit Sky Up Academy Studios and create a political news broadcast as a media team
• Learn how political spin, legal limits and crisis management shape media reporting
• Receive live feedback from media professionals on your coverage

Campaigning and Lobbying

• Explore lobbying, public influence and how political change is achieved
• Take part in a campaign-building masterclass
• Design and pitch your own political campaign

Parliamentary Democracy

• Visit the UK Houses of Parliament and explore 1,000 years of political history
• Understand bicameral systems and debate as government or opposition
• Form a government and respond to a developing political crisis

International Development and Conflict Resolution

• Attend a keynote on development, communications and global aid challenges
• Devise foreign policy solutions to prevent international crises
• Present your ideas and receive feedback from industry experts

Graduation & Certification

• Celebrate your achievements
• Receive an industry reference letter signed by professionals

Immersive Experiences 2-Week Premium

Overview

• Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 experiences plus 15 extra hours with professionals
• Build a professional development portfolio and earn a Level 3 Work Experience Award with UCAS points
• Enjoy a private Gala dinner on the penultimate evening

Highlights

• Attend masterclasses on CVs, LinkedIn, branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
• Complete psychometric profiling to explore strengths and motivations
• Compete in an immersive strategy challenge and network at a Gala dinner

Dates
27th July 2026

Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London

Accommodation location
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.

All rooms are single and en-suite.