Oxford Summer Courses (Ages 13-15)
Oxford Courses Descriptions
On Campus Program: July 5 – 18, 2026
Ages 13 -15
The courses offered at The University of Oxford follow a single-subject academic format. This means that students enroll in one focused discipline and participate in an intensive learning experience centered exclusively on that subject.
This structure allows for deeper academic immersion, consistent engagement with the topic, and close interaction with faculty and peers throughout the program.
To support your decision-making process, please find below a brief description of each course option available this year, outlining the academic focus and learning objectives of each program.
English Literature and Creative Writing
English Literature and Creative Writing is designed for 13–15-year-olds who love reading and want to express themselves through writing. Students will explore classic and contemporary texts to understand how great stories are built, while developing their own voice through fiction, poetry, and character creation. They’ll learn how to write with clarity and style, dissect language for meaning, and take inspiration from the literary world around them.
Philosophy
Philosophy is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are curious about life’s big questions and want to learn how to think critically and argue persuasively. Students will explore key philosophical ideas, analyse influential thinkers, and develop skills in reasoning, debate, and logical thinking. They’ll learn how to build strong arguments—and how to challenge them—through discussion, reflection, and analysis.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Business and Entrepreneurship is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to learn how successful businesses are built—and how to turn great ideas into reality. Students will explore the foundations of business, including marketing, promotions, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation. They’ll study real-world case studies and develop their own entrepreneurial ideas, learning how to reach target audiences and meet market demands.
Economics
Economics is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to understand how money, markets, and decision-making shape the world around us. Students will explore key concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, and government intervention, while also being introduced to topics like behavioural economics. They’ll learn how to think critically about financial systems, policy, and the impact of economic choices in everyday life.
Law
Law is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to explore how legal systems shape the world around us—both online and offline. Students will examine key legal concepts such as justice, rights, and criminal responsibility, while exploring how modern issues like cybercrime, fraud, and online privacy are challenging traditional laws. Through case studies and group discussions, they’ll learn how to analyse arguments, think critically, and understand the evolving role of law in a globalised, digital world.
Biology
Biology is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are curious about living organisms and how they function, grow, and evolve. Students will explore topics such as cell biology, anatomy, ecology, plant science, and zoology—depending on their tutor’s specialism. They’ll examine how organisms interact with each other and their environments, building a strong foundation in biological science through discussion, investigation, and practical examples.
Chemistry
Chemistry is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are curious about the substances that make up our world and how they interact. Students will explore key topics across physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry—such as rates of reaction, states of matter, surface tension, fossil fuels, crystals, and the periodic table. They’ll develop their analytical skills and apply theory to real-world situations through hands-on experiments and problem-solving.
Medicine
Medicine is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are fascinated by how the human body works and what it takes to become a doctor. Students will explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical ethics, learning how the body responds to illness and injury. They’ll apply their knowledge to real-life case studies, developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills along the way.
Physics
Physics is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to understand how the universe works—from the tiniest particles to the forces that shape galaxies. Students will explore topics such as mechanics, electronics, astrophysics, and particle physics, developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Through independent study and group collaboration, they’ll apply the scientific method to real-world problems and deepen their understanding of complex systems.
Psychology
Psychology is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to understand how the mind works and why people behave the way they do. Students will explore key psychological questions such as how we remember and forget, how social environments influence behaviour, and how thoughts shape actions. They’ll examine major theories, analyse case studies, and develop critical thinking and research skills.
History
History is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to explore key moments in history and understand how the past shapes the present. Students will learn how to interpret historical sources, conduct research, and draw conclusions based on evidence. They’ll study a range of periods and figures, from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance to World War I, developing critical thinking and analytical skills along the way.
International Relations and Politics
International Relations and Politics is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to understand how governments operate, why conflicts arise, and how global decisions are made. Students will explore political theories, systems of governance, and key issues such as war, diplomacy, media influence, and resource distribution. They’ll learn to analyse different viewpoints, debate pressing global topics, and think critically about how power is used in society.
Leadership
Leadership is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to develop the confidence, mindset, and skills to lead effectively—both now and in the future. Students will explore key leadership theories, the challenges leaders face, and how leadership can be used as a force for positive change. They’ll learn how to build a vision, motivate others, and lead with empathy and purpose. The course also focuses on personal growth—helping students understand their own strengths and how to bring out the best in themselves and others.
Architecture
Architecture is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are interested in how buildings are designed and constructed. Students will explore the history and theory of architecture while gaining hands-on experience in designing and developing their own structures. They’ll study contemporary architectural trends and learn how design choices, from materials to layout, impact the functionality and aesthetics of a building.
Computer Science
Computer Science is designed for 13–15-year-olds who want to understand how coding and software shape the digital world. Students will explore programming languages, learn how to write and debug code, and develop problem-solving skills through practical, hands-on projects. They’ll also gain an introduction to software development principles and user interface design, building both technical knowledge and creative confidence.
Engineering
Engineering is designed for 13–15-year-olds who enjoy solving problems and want to explore how science and maths can be used to design real-world solutions. Students will learn the core principles of engineering and apply them to challenges in areas like sustainable energy, materials science, and structural design. They’ll strengthen their problem-solving and analytical thinking skills while exploring the links between physics, mathematics, and technology.
Mathematics
Mathematics is designed for 13–15-year-olds who enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and exploring how numbers shape the world. Students will strengthen their understanding of core concepts such as algebra, geometry, and probability, while applying mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios. Through puzzles, challenges, and collaborative activities, they’ll build confidence in approaching complex problems with clarity and precision.