About Us
Our students live in unprecedented times, in a globalised world both more connected and more fragmented than ever before, and in which access to information, expertise and understanding are increasingly complex issues. The research, critical thinking, and communication skills at the heart of the Humanities and Social Sciences are more vital than ever in addressing the challenges facing the world today. We are committed to supporting the next generation of thinkers, speakers, writers and innovators, empowering curiosity and inspiring ambitious and confident academic journeys.
Supporting Students in the Humanities and Social Science Subjects
Students with an interest in the Humanities and Social Sciences often lack access to the kind of enrichment that’s easily available in STEM. Our programmes provide that academic stretch, helping students explore their interests in depth, gain real insight into university-level study, and build the skills that make them stand out.
Providing Opportunities in These Subjects
Opportunities in these subjects can be limited - but they matter. While STEM students often have access to Olympiads, competitions, or placements, students passionate about History, Philosophy, Literature, or Politics can struggle to find structured enrichment that offers genuine academic challenge and professional insight.
Inquisitias fills that gap by offering rigorous research programmes where students:
Explore complex, university-level ideas
Develop their own independent research questions
Work one-on-one with leading academics in their field
Preparation for University Applications
For students applying to competitive universities - including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, or selective international programmes - it’s not enough to have strong grades. Admissions tutors look for evidence of genuine academic curiosity, engagement, and independent thinking.
Inquisitas projects provide exactly that. Students leave the programme with a piece of original research they can confidently reference in:
Personal statements - where they can reflect on what they explored and learned under their own initiative
Admissions interviews - where they’re able to speak with authority about an academic topic that showcases their engagement with their subject beyond the textbooks
EPQ extensions or super-curricular profiles - where they need to demonstrate academic initiative beyond the classroom
These experiences offer students more than just talking points - they give them the confidence to express their ideas, the ability to think critically under pressure, and a tangible example of their engagement with their subject.
Skills that Go Beyond Subject Boundaries
Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences cultivates some of the most versatile and sought-after academic skills. These aren’t just valuable for essay-based subjects - they’re essential across disciplines and career paths. Students on our programmes build:
Critical thinking - the ability to analyse arguments, question assumptions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives
Persuasive writing - expressing ideas clearly and convincingly, structuring arguments, and adapting tone for academic audiences
Source evaluation - assessing the reliability, relevance, and bias of texts and data - a key skill in both academic and real-world contexts
Structured reasoning - organising thoughts logically, building coherent arguments, and engaging with complexity without oversimplification
That’s why our programmes are open to students of all interests! Whether a student is applying for Law, Medicine, Economics, English, or Engineering, these are the kinds of skills that set them apart - not only in university applications, but in interviews, internships, and beyond.
What is an Inquisitas programme?
We offer exceptional independent research programmes for ambitious students, supported by expert tutors from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Our programmes are designed to strengthen academic potential, foster original thinking, and build effective research skills. They provide a unique opportunity for students to explore their interest in depth and get a taste of university-level writing and teaching.
Each programme includes:
Four hours of 1:1 supervision with an Oxbridge tutor
A comprehensive research plan on a topic of your choice, designed in collaboration with your supervisor
Tailored learning support with a focus academic writing, communication and critical thinking skills
A professionally edited written project of university standard
A formal letter of recommendation from your project supervisor detailing your skills and achievements
What is an Inquisitas Project?
The simple answer is ‘whatever you want it to be’! An Inquisitas project is a research project designed with your supervisor on a topic of your choice. It will culminate in a piece of written work addressing central research questions that have guided your independent study.
Whether it be something you want to delve into from your class work, or a new area of interest you have picked up in your spare time, there is no subject too niche! With years of experience teaching in the highly personalised, student-led tutorial systems of Oxford and Cambridge, our supervisors are well-equipped to work with you on whatever you want to explore.
What Subjects Do We Offer?
While our projects are rooted in the Humanities and Social Sciences, they are open to students of all subject backgrounds. Whether you’re passionate about literature, history, philosophy, politics - or studying sciences or maths - the flexibility of our expert tutors means we can shape each project around individual interest. Many of our science-focused students pursue interdisciplinary questions, connecting their technical knowledge with broader ethical, social, or historical contexts.
Some projects our Spring cohort students are currently working on include:
Dystopian literature and the evolution of societal fears in the 20th and 21st centuries
Is the concept of ‘Just War’ theory still relevant in modern conflict?
Does the EU still protect democracy?
Space exploration and national identity: why do nations invest in the final frontier?
How did the Crusades influence the European Renaissance?
How it Works
While every student and project is unique, the journey follows a consistent structure:
1) Student or parent hears about the programme (via school or independently)
2) Student or Parent registers interest via our website booking form
3) Once their place on a programme is confirmed, students share details about their current studies, areas of personal interest, and any initial ideas for their project so we can match them with a tutor. They also let us know what academic resources they have access to
4) Students conduct four weeks of research and writing, supported by weekly one-on-one online sessions with their tutor. These supervisions help them develop their ideas, plan and conduct their research, and build key academic skills along the way.
5) Students produce a final written project essay to a university-level standard, developed through collaborative editing and feedback from their tutor
6) Receives a formal letter of recommendation from their tutor, outlining their skills, progress, and achievements throughout the programme
Each of our programmes has five key goals that makes them the perfect opportunity to enjoy self-development, pursue academic advancement, and invest in your future:
Why Inquisitas?
Inspiring Curiosity and Discovering New Passions
At Inquisitas, we believe your project should be led by your ideas. Whether it stems from something you’ve studied in class or a topic you’ve explored independently, an Inquisitas project is an opportunity to go beyond the textbooks and immerse yourself in what truly excites you.
Providing University-level Preparation
Helping students to build critical thinking and analytical skills while gaining confidence in academic writing, shaping confident and independent thinkers, our programmes are a valuable head start on the expectations of university life. With guidance from our experienced supervisors, you will learn how to collaborate effectively with a mentor, plan research, and manage your time - just as you would in higher education.
Building Academic Skills and Confidence
With expert mentorship, students gain the confidence to engage with complex ideas and material. They strengthen written and verbal communication skills, learning to ask thoughtful questions, form hypotheses, and construct well-reasoned arguments both on paper and in a tutorial setting.
Strengthening University Applications
An Inquisitas project demonstrates initiative, independent learning and intellectual curiosity - qualities that help students shine in competitive fields. Your unique research showcases academic engagement beyond the classroom, offering compelling evidence for personal statements, university applications, and interviews.
Empowering Future Global Citizens
Working with leading academics gives students a window into higher-level academic culture and broadens perspectives on learning, academic disciplines, and future pathways. Fostering intellectual curiosity and a mindset of lifelong learning, Inquisitias programmes empower students to shape bold futures with global perspectives and meaningful impact.
Who are Inquisitas Programmes for?
Inquisitas programmes are for curious, motivated students aged 16-18 who want to strengthen their academic skills and get a head start on university applications. Whether you’re looking to stay intellectually engaged during school holidays, explore subjects beyond the classroom, or challenge yourself with independent research, our programmes offer the perfect opportunity to stretch your thinking.
They’re ideal for:
Students looking to develop their academic skills and get ahead in university applications
Students who want to stay engaged in academic study during school holidays, or to go beyond the classroom and stretch themselves in their learning.
Students exploring what they might want to study at university or what careers they might want to pursue, while gaining valuable experience and transferable skills.
Gap year students wanting to stay engaged in study and show continued academic development and engagement
Most importantly, our programmes for students who want to have fun while doing all this and taking advantage of opportunities for self development that will stand them in good stead in any arena.
Get Involved
Getting started is easy! Enrolment for our summer programmes is now open - but places are limited and filling fast. Don’t miss out - book now to secure a spot.
For any further questions see our FAQs or contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help
Contact us
Interested in an Inquisitas programme, or want to know more? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!