Research Programmes

Inquisitas offers exceptional independent research programmes for ambitious students aged 16+, guided by expert tutors from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Our programmes are designed to strengthen academic potential, foster original thinking, and develop real research skills. They provide a unique opportunity for students to explore subjects they are passionate about in depth.

Each programme includes:

  • Four hours of 1:1 supervision with an Oxbridge tutor

  • A comprehensive research plan on a topic of your choice, co-designed with your supervisor

  • Tailored guidance on academic writing, communication, and critical thinking skills

  • A professionally edited written project, executed to university standard

  • A formal letter of recommendation from your supervisor, detailing your skills and achievements

What is an Inquisitas Project?

An Inquisitas project is exactly what you want it to be! Students work with their supervisor to choose a topic that inspires them, whether it comes from school work or a personal curiosity. Each project culminates in a written essay addressing key research questions, reflecting your independent study and critical thinking.

With years of experience teaching in the personalised, student-led tutorial systems of Oxford and Cambridge, our supervisors are equipped to guide you through any topic, no matter how niche or interdisciplinary.

How it Works

While every project is unique, the journey follows a structured approach:

  1. Student or parent hears about the programme (via school or independently).

  2. Registration via our online booking form.

  3. Students share details about their current studies, interests, and initial ideas to help us match them with the right tutor.

  4. Four weeks of research and writing with weekly 1:1 online supervision.

  5. Collaborative editing of the final written project to university-level standards.

  6. A formal letter of recommendation from your supervisor, outlining skills, progress, and achievements.

What Subjects Do We Offer?

While our programmes are rooted in the Humanities and Social Sciences, students of all subject backgrounds are welcome. Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics - or Sciences and Maths - our expert tutors can shape projects around individual interests. Many science-focused students explore interdisciplinary questions, linking technical knowledge with ethical, social, or historical contexts.

    • 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?

Ideal for:

  • Students preparing competitive university applications, particularly essay- or research-intensive courses

  • Learners seeking meaningful super-curricular enrichment

  • Students of any academic background looking to develop transferable skills like critical thinking, research, and academic writing

Why do an Inquisitas Research Programme?

Preparation for University Applications

Top universities, including Oxbridge, Russell Group institutions, and selective international programmes, value applicants who demonstrate genuine curiosity, independent thinking, and sustained academic engagement.

Inquisitas projects provide evidence of this through:

  • Personal statements: Highlighting original research and independent initiative

  • Admissions interviews: Confidently discussing ideas beyond the classroom

  • EPQ extensions or super-curricular profiles: Demonstrating academic initiative and depth

These experiences give students more than talking points - they build confidence, sharpen analytical thinking, and produce tangible evidence of intellectual engagement.

Skills That Go Beyond Subject Boundaries

Humanities and Social Sciences research cultivates versatile skills that are essential across disciplines and career paths. Students develop:

  • Critical thinking: Analyse arguments, question assumptions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives

  • Persuasive writing: Communicate ideas clearly and convincingly for academic audiences

  • Source evaluation: Assess reliability, relevance, and bias in texts and data

  • Structured reasoning: Organise thoughts logically and engage with complexity

These skills benefit students applying for Law, Medicine, Economics, English, Engineering – or any future path requiring analytical thinking, clear communication, and independent learning.

Hear from some of our students:

  • “I hope this is what university is like!”

    Zara, 17

  • “My project has changed how I think about new medical tech innovations, and the questions I ask about their application, and I’ve had some really interesting conversations with friends and teachers.”

    Giles, 18

  • “My project started in modern history and ended up being medieval. I’ve got lots of new areas of interest to read more about on my own.”

    Eleanor, 16

  • “I’m really proud of how much my writing has developed in the last four weeks. I feel like my ideas are clearer and much more professional on paper.”

    Zainab, 17

  • “My tutor was much less scary than I thought an Oxford lecturer would be. They really challenged me, but in a fun way”

    Yin, 16

  • “My supervisions felt like a real intellectual conversation, not just a lesson. My tutor was so passionate about their subject and excited to hear about what I had found in my research each week, it was super contagious!”

    Maya, 18

  • “I’ve been working on my gap year, so doing my research in the evenings was a nice wind-down from work. My project helped me reconnect with academic learning and I feel more confidence in why I’ve waited to reapply for a subject I love.”

    James, 19

Research Programme Options

We understand that students have busy and varied schedules, so we offer a range of programme formats throughout the year to suit different needs. Each format provides structured, high-quality one-to-one supervision while remaining flexible and manageable - making it easy to balance research projects with school, exams, extracurriculars, and downtime.

  • One weekly 1:1 supervision over four weeks

    Ideal for:

    • Students wanting steady progress in a focused timeframe

    • Students wanting to stay engaged in their studies and make the most of the time to develop their skills and interests during the holidays

    • Gap year students looking for structured engagement

  • Four full 1:1 supervisions plus two shorter check-ins spread over six weeks for term-time balance

    Ideal for:

    • Students looking to boost their applications alongside their studies 

    • Gap year students wanting to stay engaged in their studies and evidence continued intellectual engagement alongside work, travel, or other commitments

  • Two 1:1 supervisions per week over two weeks

    Ideal for: 

    • For students who want deep academic focus during school breaks

    • For gap year students who want to kickstart a return to studying studies’ after time away from the classroom

Programme Cost & What’s Included

Cost: £540 per student (all formats, all-inclusive)

Included:

  • 1:1 Supervisions (weekly sessions with an Oxbridge tutor)

  • Tailored project support and curated reading lists

  • Structured course handbook and research resources

  • Flexible scheduling around school and personal commitments

  • Final editing support and personalised recommendation letter

Private tuition with Oxbridge tutors typically costs £100-£400 per hour. Inquisitas offers a full research programme with mentorship, academic resources, and one-to-one support at exceptional value.

School partnerships and discounts are also available. →Visit our Schools page to learn more

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FAQs

Winter/Spring 2026

Our Winter/Spring 2026 programmes will include both four-week and six-week options, offering flexible pathways for students to undertake a unique, expert-guided research project alongside their school or college commitments.

Spaces are limited - book your place below to secure a spot on this unique academic experience.

Book Now

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