How to Become a Smarter Research Consumer

Entry requirements

You generally don't need to have a specific academic background to undertake one of our summer school courses. Any exceptions are highlighted in the course descriptions.

• You are 18 years or older on 5 July 2025.
• You have completed at least 1 year of Undergraduate study in July 2025.
• You have the necessary level of English to study at university. If you do not live in an English-speaking country, you will need to send us evidence of this. The English language requirements for the Summer School are in line with the Undergraduate programme requirements at University of Southampton, with Duolingo tests being accepted. For more information, visit English Language Proficiency.

Months of entry

July

Course content

Explore common logical and psychological barriers to understanding and critically analysing research, helping you become a smarter research consumer. This course will cover major topics such as common fallacies of deductive and inductive reasoning, essentials of the scientific method, and how to argue on the internet!

You will apply critical thinking and the scientific method to a diverse range of relevant examples and thereby strengthen key analytical skills that will be essential in the job market and for further study at Master's or PhD level.

Previous experience with statistics and research methods in psychology or an adjacent field would be beneficial, however, this is not a strict requirement. Please outline your suitability in a short statement when applying for your place on the course.

Course dates and costs:

• 5 day course, overall period: Saturday 5 July to Sunday 13 July 2025
• Tuition fee: £750
• Cost with accommodation (some catering is included. Visit the 'Your student experience' tab of this website for more information): £1,284. Accommodation is optional.

Information for international students

You’ll need to check if you need a UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country for up to 3 weeks. You can check if you need a UK VISA on the GOV.UK page: Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK.

Did you know you have other options for short-term study in the UK if you are doing a degree in another country?

Spend a semester or a year in the UK by doing an exchange or joining us as a Study Abroad student.