Pre-Graduate

You will explore American culture and history though their representation in film. In lessons we will talk about The American West, Civil Rights, The Vietnam War and Colonial America and, for each topic, watch a film, voted for by students, which deals with relevant issues. Past film choices have included BlacKkKlansman, Platoon, The Witch, and The Magnificent Seven.

Thinking of becoming the next Indiana Jones or simply keen to deepen your historical knowledge? If so, our Archaeology enrichment could be perfect for you. This short course explores ritual, religion, and belief systems, focusing on the practices and structures associated with them - such as cremation, inhumation, and the construction of funerary monuments across the British Isles. It’s an ideal choice for students interested in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or even some science-based subjects, thanks to its broad scope and fascinating content - many of which can be explored further at degree level.

Within this enricment course you will learn about the amazing things we know about the Universe, such as the science behind rockets and black holes. In addition you will also learn about the things we have yet to discover such as whether life exists, whether we live in a simulation and what we know about dark matter and dark energy.

This enrichment will prepare you for a competition whereby you will go head-to-head with other schools to prosecute and defend cases given. This enrichment will allow you to gain a real insight into how the legal system works. You will be allocated a role in the trial (such as a barrister, defendant, victim, witness etc.) and with your team, will be expected to research and prepare a legal argument for two cases which you will then present in the competition. Taking part in this enrichment, will allow you to think critically, build arguments and oracy skills, and boost your confidence – each skill being particularly useful if you want to read Law at university, or become a Solicitor or Barrister in the future. This experience will help you develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society.

This concise course aims to deliver a practical approach to solve chemical and biological problems applicable to many fields such as medicine, agriculture and in many chemical and health-related industries. Students will develop a plethora of transferable skills including analytical, evaluative and practical skills. You will be working with other students in a safe, accurate and methodical manner. You are given the opportunity to develop and carry out a range of techniques such as chromatography of amino acids, titration to find the vitamin C content in orange juice, analysis of drugs using chromatograph and DNA extraction of strawberries or kiwi. In addition you have access to making aspirin, purification of aspirin, use of melting point apparatus, making biopolymers and azo dyes.

This very popular enrichment will look at the crucial role of Biomedical Scientists within hospitals and the work done to support doctors in their diagnosis of disease. Students will look at the fields of haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, including parasitology, histology with the chance to look at case studies to diagnose and develop laboratory skills in these areas by carrying out practical work. Students will be guided in independent study and present findings to strengthen communication skills. This is ideal for students wishing to go further in careers of biomedical sciences or the medical field and will give you a true insight into diagnostic testing.

Humans are animals, but somehow we are also different from animals. 12,000 years ago, the first human of our kind was born. Homo Sapiens spent thousands of years roaming the land, hunting and foraging, wearing furs, and living in groups of about 30. Today, people can live in one place their whole lives, we have mega-cities with millions of people, and we manipulate the entire planet to suit our needs. But how did we get here? This introduction to anthropology will look at 10 of the most important breakthroughs that happened to humanity and took us from living in caves to living on couches. This includes the invention of money, religion, farming, language, and more. You should choose this if you ever look at parts of life and think “why is that a thing?”, “how does that work?”, or “why can’t we do this better?”.

Do you have an interest in writing and want to start writing fiction and/or improve your writing skills? If the answer is yes, this is the enrichment course for you. You will learn how to write your own fascinating and intriguing novels or short stories, based on a range of ideas and opinions. The course provides an opportunity for you to develop your own work in these sessions, which will ensure you create a read which is enjoyable from start to finish.

CREST Award is an independent investigation into a science-related topic of your choosing. CREST gives you the opportunity to submit an academic report to obtain a gold, silver, or bronze award. CREST will provide you with the skills required for further study and equip you with the tools to carry out investigations and create coherent scientific reports.

In this course you will explore definitions of crime and how crime can vary over time, place and culture. You will learn about some of the key techniques involved in criminal investigations and examine their usefulness. You will consider the structure of the Criminal Justice System and the role each organisation plays in controlling crime. You will also get to hear from people working within the Police and Probation Service. Finally, you will explore different punishments for criminality and assess their effectiveness. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to study any humanities subjects at university as well as Law, Criminology or Sociology.

Divorce rates in the United Kingdom have a 92.5% correlation with the number of Disney movies released in a year. Should newlyweds worry about the next production of Toy Story? With econometrics you can expect to learn the mathematical language of proof used by economists to determine the root cause of changes in the world, whether it be fluctuations in oil prices or the predicted change in wages after a government training scheme. Using real-world data and statistical functions of Microsoft Excel, you will begin to develop the skills sought after by data analysts, financial institutions, and many other competitive employers.

This enrichment opportunity will provide you with an extended knowledge of many different aspects of the biological sciences. You will investigate genetics, physiology, ecology, osteology (bones), ethology (animal behaviour), palaeontology and human evolution, cytology and mutations and zoology/classification of the natural world. This will be revealed through a number of sources including simulations, videos, live webcams, scientific articles as well as interactive activities. This enrichment course is ideal for A level Biology students that want to deepen their knowledge beyond the standard curriculum as well as those students wishing to pursue a degree in any of the biological sciences in the future.

The course will explore the culture and history of a range of different countries though their representation in film. In lessons we will talk about the slum gangs of Brazil and their presentation in City of God; class conflict in South Korea and the psychological homeinvasion drama Parasite; 90s Paris as shown in the quirky love story told in Amelie; and Fascist Spain in the creepy fantasy, Pan’s Labyrinth.

Explore the rich landscape of Hispanic culture through contemporary media in this engaging enrichment. You’ll analyse acclaimed series like Narcos, examining social context, character development, narrative themes, and cultural representation. This deepens your understanding of Hispanic societies, history, and modern-day issues. The course helps you build key media analysis skills and is ideal for those interested in Film Studies, Media, Cultural Studies, or Sociology. Taught entirely in English, it’s open to all students, regardless of Spanish language ability. It also provides excellent preparation for Independent Research Projects (IRPs), offering rich source material and critical perspectives suited to extended study in Film and Cultural Analysis.

As an expression of creativity, ingenuity, ideology and emotion, art is undoubtedly one of the most important tools we can use to explore the human experience. This enrichment will span over 500 years of art from all over the globe, exploring both the artists who made them and the historical contexts they were created in. Within this course we will look at some of the undisputed giants of the art world; Jan van Eyck, Caravaggio, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, among many others. In addition we will also dive into some lesser-known names and their masterpieces; including the American Mary Cassat, who gave French Impressionism a distinctly feminist twist in nineteenth century Paris, and Aubrey Beardsley, whose pen-andink drawings scandalised Victorian society. Half of this enrichment will focus on specific periods and nations, from the Baroque in Italy to Minimalism in the USA, and half will focus on important themes that have been prevalent in art since the beginning of time, such as religion, nationality and conflict.

In this enrichment you will be introduced to some of the fascinating and varied topics you would study in a university Mathematics degree. Topics will include investigating the different sizes of infinity and looking into the beautiful world of fractals. If you are considering doing a degree in Mathematics in the future or if you just love mathematics then this enrichment is perfect for you.

This enrichment opportunity will provide students with an extended knowledge of theoretical zoology. Students will investigate the evolution of life on Earth and the significant events which have led to the formation of key phylogenetic groups which are still present today. We will also study key events in the evolution of symmetry and the introduction of the vertebrates both on land and in the water, revealed through a number of sources including simulations, videos, live webcams, scientific articles as well as interactive activities. This enrichment course is ideal for A level Biology or Applied Science students that want to deepen their knowledge beyond the standard curriculum as well as those students wishing to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine or Science, Zoology, Conservation or Ecology in the future.

A huge proportion of all life on Earth is found in the ocean, but the exact number of species is unknown as so many are yet to be discovered. In this Marine Biology enrichment, you will learn all about the complex 3D world that covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. Through a mixture of theory, lab work and aquarium visits, you will learn about marine habitats and some of the amazing creatures that call the oceans their home. Some of the questions we hope to answer include: How are organisms adapted to life in the different oceanic zones? What causes the tides? What are phytoplankton and why are they so important? And how do sharks navigate the ocean?

Do you think the information we’re given around politics is neutral? Are there any rules around this? How can we combat media bias in politics? These are the questions that we will aim to answer throughout the course of this enrichment, looking at a variety of media sources and analysing any bias that may be present. We will discuss why this is problematic for politics and how it could be improved in future.

Is everything socially constructed? Is time travel consistent with the laws of nature? Are the actions of ordinary human beings like ourselves truly up to us? Do we have any control over the types of things we do and the kinds of people we are? What actually is an object? The goal of the metaphysician is to answer the question: what really exists? This course introduces metaphysics and ontology – the philosophical study of “what there is” – and uses a metaphysical framework to investigate aspects of our universe, including the necessity of the future, the possibility of time travel, the existence of worlds other than our own and the common query of whether we have the free will to decide the course of our own lives.

This enrichment will look at some basic microbiological techniques and how students can undertake aseptic laboratory techniques to isolate microbes. There will be a focus on environmental microbiology and techniques used to isolate them. Presentation and communication will also be developed through research and a wider project on environmental microbiology.

This practical course will offer an exciting introduction to solving real-world chemical and biological problems, relevant to medicine, agriculture, and the chemical and healthcare industries. Over the first five weeks, you’ll develop valuable transferable skills in analysis, evaluation, and practical lab work through collaborative experiments. Activities include amino acid chromatography, vitamin C titration in fruit juices, drug analysis, and DNA extraction from strawberries or kiwi. In the final weeks, you’ll synthesise and purify aspirin using techniques like recrystallisation and melting point analysis. The course ends with a competition to produce the purest, highest-yield sample, combining precision, teamwork, and real-world pharmaceutical insight.

This hands-on course explores real-world chemical and biological challenges linked to fields like medicine, agriculture, and sustainability. You’ll build practical, analytical, and evaluative skills through experiments such as chromatography, vitamin C titration, and DNA extraction. In the final weeks, the focus shifts to green science as you produce biodiesel from different sources, ending with a competition to create the most efficient biofuel - which offers the chance to apply your learning to a global issue.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to key philosophical concepts and questions for students who have no prior knowledge of philosophy. Students will begin with an overview of western philosophy, learning about its history and how to construct philosophical arguments. The course will then delve into platonic thought, questioning whether our world is merely an imitation of a higher reality. The course also covers moral philosophy, providing frameworks for making ethical decisions. To conclude, there will be a small research project on a philosopher of your choice.

This is the perfect enrichment for anybody considering going into graphic design, product design, advertising, or marketing. This enrichment will teach you how to use the Adobe Photoshop interface to achieve technical and creative skills in photo editing, lighting, manipulation, and special effects. This is an advantageous enrichment as you will be able to develop a skillset where being proficient in Photoshop is a requirement for the listed fields above.

Uncover the hidden world beneath our feet and its vital role in supporting life. This advanced enrichment explores subsurface environments, from soil chemistry to groundwater systems. You’ll study how biological, geological, and chemical processes cycle key elements like carbon and nitrogen, and how human activity impacts these systems through pollution, climate change, and land use. Using real case studies, you’ll investigate environmental contamination and solutions - building skills in scientific analysis and data interpretation. This is ideal preparation for degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, or Chemistry, and careers in research, consultancy, or policy.

Dive deep into the most compelling periods and events that have shaped our world in this dynamic history enrichment programme. From ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, you’ll explore diverse historical eras through engaging discussion and critical analysis. This interactive course encourages lively debate around key historical issues, controversies, and turning points. You’ll examine different perspectives, analyse primary sources, and develop skills in historical argumentation while exploring topics that genuinely fascinate you. A highlight is the opportunity to research and present on a historical period of your choice. A perfect preparation for university history courses, this enrichment develops essential skills in research methodology, critical thinking, and public speaking while deepening your understanding of how past events influence our contemporary world.

Are you addicted to social media? Do you ever find yourself scrolling endlessly with no track of time? In this enrichment, you’ll discover what changes occur in the brain due to excessive social media use. You’ll discover how we become addicted and what strategies social media companies are deploying to manipulate you and bring you back for more screen time. Using psychological theories and concepts you’ll look at the inner workings of the brain and how these change as a result of social media. You will build analytical skills, problem-solving skills, research, and creative development skills to prepare you for university.

Is being a psychopath actually helpful? Is there such thing as free will? What are the most evil things found in behavioural research? Are you really two consciousnesses? Can you diagnose personality disorders? In this topic we will explore, discuss and review research into all these areas and more, in a dive into the weirdest, most wonderful, and downright bizarre areas of behaviour – none of which covered by any A level or undergraduate degree in the country, providing you with an insight into higher-educational study, as well as providing an awareness of what potential careers in psychology could involve.

This is the perfect enrichment for anybody who has an interest in examining a director’s work more closely to determine what makes a director an auteur - a French word meaning author. These sessions examine closely Tarantino’s auteur status through reviewing his films to see what reoccuring themes and stylistic devices are across modern classics such as Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and The Hateful Eight. You will be equipped to review your own favourite directors and filmmakers while being able to critically use film language to discuss what makes up Tarantino’s universe.

Dive into the world of science, maths, and engineering with this hands-on introduction to MATLAB and LaTeX, two powerful tools used in research and industry. Learn the basics of MATLAB for data analysis and modelling, and how to use LaTeX to format complex equations and scientific documents. You’ll apply your skills through a mini-project that brings together coding and mathematical expression. Ideal for students interested in STEM subjects, this enrichment builds confidence, supports university preparation, and strengthens your personal statement. No prior experience required, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

This course introduces students to various sociological questions and concepts relating to major contemporary social problems, from how colonial legacies continue to shape society, to the climate crisis and the rise of inequality. Sessions will be run weekly by academics from The University of Manchester and will aim to prepare you for university-style conversations on these topics. Replicating university seminars, these sessions will be discussionbased without any written work. At the end, you will receive a certificate from the university confirming their completion of the course.

This course explores the rich and diverse contributions of women writers from around the world, highlighting their unique voices, themes, and experiences. Over the course of 10 weeks, you will engage with a variety of texts, including fiction, poetry, and essays, written by women from different cultures, backgrounds, and time periods. The aim is to not only understand the literary techniques these women use, but also to reflect on the historical, social, and political contexts in which these works were produced.