International Relations & Politics Summer School in Oxford Colleges at University of Oxford

Course Description: International Relations & Politics Summer School in Oxford Colleges at University of Oxford

🧭 Programme Overview

Dive into the dynamic world of diplomacy, conflict, and governance with the International Relations & Politics Summer School for ages 13–15. Designed to challenge perspectives and deepen understanding of how the world works, this course invites students to explore political systems, global cooperation, war and peace, and how power is shaped and used.

Participants will discuss topical global issues and explore what people power means in modern society. From learning about media influence on elections to debating international justice and human rights, students are encouraged to form and voice their own opinions in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

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📚 What You’ll Learn

Students will:

• Study key political ideologies and systems, from democracy to authoritarianism.

• Learn how global decisions are made and why international cooperation can be challenging.

• Explore the roles of institutions like the UN, EU, and NGOs.

• Debate pressing topics such as war, peacekeeping, justice, and economic inequality.

• Reflect on how media, resources, and cultural identity influence political decisions.

• Participate in a masterclass focused on developing transferable skills like collaboration, debate, and teamwork.

• Set ambitious goals at the beginning of the course and reflect on their progress in a final session.

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🧑‍🏫 Teaching Methodology

This course uses the Oxford tutorial style:

• Small groups of no more than 8 students (often fewer).

• Focused discussions, interactive group tasks, and problem-based learning.

• Students receive tailored feedback from expert tutors and are encouraged to express and debate ideas in a respectful setting.

• Students complete independent research and homework that’s discussed in tutorials to reinforce learning.

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🏛 Location: Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford

Students will live and study in Lady Margaret Hall, one of Oxford’s most picturesque colleges. The riverside setting, lush gardens, and historic architecture provide a secure, inspirational atmosphere that encourages academic and social growth.

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🛏 Accommodation & Meals

• Students stay in secure on-campus accommodation in single or twin rooms.

• Full-board catering is provided, with meals served in the college dining hall or local restaurants.

• 24/7 pastoral support is available, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.

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🗓️ A Typical Day

08:00 – Breakfast in the college dining hall

09:00–12:00 – Academic sessions (theory and discussion)

12:30 – Lunch with peers

13:30–15:00 – Masterclasses or workshops

15:00–17:00 – Study sessions, team challenges or campus walks

18:00 – Dinner

19:00–21:00 – Social activities (games night, quiz, talent show, etc.)

22:00 – Curfew and quiet time

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🎉 Social & Cultural Experiences

• Students enjoy a rich social calendar with themed evenings, sports, quizzes, and team games.

• A full-day excursion to a cultural or historical UK location is included.

• The course concludes with a formal graduation ceremony and a celebratory disco.

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✈️ Airport Transfers

Students aged 13–15 benefit from a safe, reliable, and structured airport transfer service provided by the Oxford Summer Courses team. This service ensures a smooth arrival and departure experience for international and domestic participants.

• Arrival Transfers from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) are complimentary and included in the course fee.

• Departure Transfers from the same airport are available for a fee of £145.

✔ Transfer Window:

This service is available only for flights arriving and departing between 08:00 and 15:00 BST. Outside these times, alternative arrangements must be made independently.

✔ Unaccompanied Minor Service:

If a student is registered as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) with the airline:

• On arrival, the student will be escorted through the airport by airline staff and handed over to the Oxford Summer Courses team in the arrivals hall.

• On departure, our team will accompany the student to the airport, assist with check-in, and ensure they are safely transferred to the airline’s designated unaccompanied minor supervisor for the outbound journey.

This process ensures maximum peace of mind for parents and a seamless travel experience for students traveling alone.

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🎓 Certificate of Completion

All students receive a certificate and a personalised tutor report, reflecting their progress, engagement, and achievements.