Scrutopia Summer Programme 2024
Scrutopia Summer School
Friday 19th – Friday 26th July 2024
Alumni Meeting
Scrutopia is a destination like no other designed for enquiring minds.
We hope you will join us this summer for our unique philosophy programmes inspired by the life and work of the late Sir Roger Scruton.
A truly international environment
Accommodation, meals, tuition, and cultural programme with tours of artistic and historic sites
Daily lectures with world class lecturers
Inspirational programme, including excursions to Sundey Hill Farm, home to the Scruton family
Now running for the 7th successful year
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Classes and tuition
Guest lectures by academic speakers
Accommodation at the Royal Agricultural University
Breakfast, lunch, and evening meals
Carefully selected wines from across the globe
A wide selection of afternoon and evening activities including a concert of Chamber music in the Scruton Library performed by musicians Roger knew and admired.
Please click here for an example of our 2023 course Programme.
ACCOMMODATION
Set in magnificent grounds, The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester is a Victorian Gothic college following the ideals set by Ruskin for Oxford Colleges. Each en-suite bedroom offers lovely views across the beautiful Cotswold landscape.
TUITION
The Scrutopia faculty network is extensive. You can expect brilliant daily lectures given by our faculty of scholars who themselves have been inspired and encouraged by Roger’s work, teaching, and friendship.
VISITS & ACTIVITIES
Scrutopia emerged from Sundey Hill Farm, the home of the Scruton family. The visits will include guided farm walk, a BBQ with locally sourced produce and a concert of chamber music performed in the Scruton Library. The daily philosophy classes will be interspersed with visits to nearby historical sites including Malmesbury which will provide an experience of the historical depth of this unique part of England.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Travel and Insurance
We do not book flights but can provide useful suggestions once you arrive in England. All travel during the programme itself is included in the course fee.
You will need to take out your own travel insurance policy. Scholarships and Fellowships
We are delighted to be offer limited spaces to students who are note able to self-fund and we are grateful to the organisations that have made this possible.
APPLY TO
Registration for the Scrutopia Summer School Programmes are now open. The fee for the course will cover board and lodging and all other costs. Travel to and from the event will be the responsibility of each participant. A 10% deposit will be required to secure your place.
COURSE FEE
Scrutopia Summer Meeting £3,500
Alumni Meeting £2,000
Horsell's Farm Enterprises
Sundey Hill Farm,
Brinkworth,
SN15 5AS
Feedback from the Latest Scrutopia
The 2023 Scrutopia Summer School programmes were been a huge success. We so enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones too. We are grateful for the wonderful feedback received and are pleased to share some of the memories.
“A magical week of erudition, conviviality and intense friendship. It could only be formed so quickly and deeply in the musical atmosphere you’re managed to create.”
“I had a glorious time with all of you (hounds included) at Sundey Hill Farm and Scrutopia. I enjoyed the discussions very much. It’s a pity I’ve missed Scrutopia so far. It was especially good to get a feel for the RAU and it’s surroundings. You have built up something of real value, and I feel it to be an honour to be involved.”
“Thankyou, Sophie (and Lucy and André) for organising such an amazing summer school with a perfect balance of intellectual activity, natural as well as man-made beauty, music and plenty of conviviality – with a liberal flow of wine! I enjoyed every minute in the company of the Scruptopians who had wished to share their love of Roger’s work from very different positions in the world and their personal lives. Going through my notes, I realise how much thought and effort you must have invested in the programme. What a treat you prepared for us, making these eminent people come to Cirencester to deepen our insight in Roger’s universe!”
“Just wanted to formally thank you for the tremendous 8 days in Cotswald, England. It was an intensely intellectual as well as personal experience. I got to meet very interesting people from all over the world. And also saw the beauty of English countryside (which I had honestly never quite seen before). And of course, the great conversations every evening - which really were the heart of the event.
"Sophie, I would also add that you have a delightful farm-house. Thank you for hosting us there multiple times.”
“It has been seven days of listening, learning and it all has expanded my knowledge of life. Each speaker I heard was prepared, and spoke with passion and great knowledge. Each person I have met enjoyed a meal with, and enjoyed conversing with has enriched me, even challenged some of my thinking. “