World-renowned South Africans to speak at the 2025 Summer School

Hot topics in Neuroscience at 2025 Summer School

Mellike Fourie

The neuroscience of forgiveness

Until fairly recently, forgiveness has been relegated to the field of theology and religious study, rendering it quite opaque to scientific enquiry. But what does recent science tell us about the evolution and biology of forgiveness.
Read more

Upcoming Events

Sudan: past, current and future

25 January 2025
(Ends 25 January 2025)
More info
The lecture provides a detailed exploration of the ongoing war in Sudan, examining its root causes, international involvement, its impact on Sudan itself and the region, and the country’s prospects.
25 January 2025
(Ends 25 January 2025)
More info

The NHI explained

25 January 2025
(Ends 25 January 2025)
More info
Professor Nicholas Crisp is the Deputy Director General: National Health Insurance and is responsible for establishing the governance and administrative capabilities of the entity that will manage the Fund.
25 January 2025
(Ends 25 January 2025)
More info

Understanding Africa-China relations

29 January 2025
(Ends 31 January 2025)
More info
This course explores the complexities of Africa-China relations, one of the most significant developments in global affairs of the twenty-first century
29 January 2025
(Ends 31 January 2025)
More info

Welcome to the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies. Our extra-mural education programme is about educational and intellectual activities that enrich the mind. The aim is to stimulate the mind in areas which traditionally is left out of adult formal education. UCT’s Summer School is precisely such a programme. It contributes to the development of an informed citizenry and a culture of democracy. Summer School is a festival of knowledge and ideas where members of the general public experience what it means to be a student of the Universe in the broad sense of the word. In this way our work contributes directly to the university’s obligations to society, one of which is to stimulate critical debate and discussion.

But we also offer, for those who need a more skills or vocationally based course, practical courses in art, language and writing. For more information visit our short course page. Some of us are also challenged by a fast-changing digital world. We also host regular talks on new developments in technology such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and coding.

Highlights from the 2024 Summer School

Robert and Clara Schuman

Robert and Clara Schumann: Very Private Lives

On Wednesday, 24 January, The Baxter Theatre presented an evening of songs and chamber music of Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and their contemporaries, giving a glimpse into the private lives of this extraordinary couple.
Read more
Dr Ramphele

‘Humanity is at a crossroads’

“Humanity is at a crossroads, globally. Our own country is at a crossroads.” This was the crux of former University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Dr Mamphela Ramphele’s Summer School lecture, held on 27 January
Read more