The University of Cape Town’s Summer School will take place from 18 to 30 January 2027, offering two weeks of stimulating learning, lively discussion and social engagement at the start of the year. Framed around the broad and critical theme of sustainability, the 2027 programme will bring together cutting-edge and socially relevant research from across the university.
Recognised as one of UCT’s flagship public engagement initiatives, Summer School will continue to provide a platform for lifelong learning while showcasing the university’s scholarship across a wide range of disciplines.
Exploring pressing social and environmental challenges
The 2027 programme will feature a range of new courses and lectures that engage with contemporary issues affecting South Africa and broader global contexts.
Among the highlights are sessions addressing air quality in Cape Town, South Africa’s property market, the city’s housing affordability crisis, and policing, and safety and governance in South Africa. High profile names presenting on these topics include Dr Meryl Jagarnath from UCT’s Division of Environmental Health who will present on air quality in Cape Town. Emeritus Professor François Viruly will explore South Africa’s property markets and Cape Town’s housing affordability crisis, while Professor Irvin Kinnes and colleagues from UCT’s Centre of Criminology will present a compelling lecture series on policing, safety, and governance in South Africa, with a particular focus on Cape Town.
These offerings reflect Summer School’s commitment to connecting academic research with real-world challenges, encouraging informed public dialogue on issues that shape everyday life.
Returning favourites and interdisciplinary perspectives
The programme will once again welcome a number of much-loved returning presenters, including Emeritus Professor Mike Bruton, Chris Danziger, Dr Tian Chen, Elizabeth Handley, and Jillian and Anthony Gorton, among others.
Adding to the intellectual and cultural richness of the series, musical performances will be presented by Professor Jeremy Silver alongside students from the UCT Opera School.
In addition, Summer School 2027 will feature a thought-provoking lecture series from the Neuroscience Institute, offering interdisciplinary insights into contemporary scientific and societal questions.
The university looks forward to welcoming returning guests, alumni and members of the public to what promises to be an enriching start to the academic year.
