Astronomy in Oxford

Astronomy in Oxford summer course in Oxford, by Oxbridge Academic Programs.

Oxford Summer Courses Guide » Courses » Oxbridge Academic Programs » Astronomy (The Oxford Experience)

Key Details

Available from: July - August 2025
Provider: Oxbridge Academic Programs
Ages: 13-15
Fees: $12,225
Duration: 4 weeks

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Course Summary

Students are introduced to one of mankind’s oldest and most scientifically advanced areas of study. They learn about Cosmology, the Big Bang, the formation of stars and planets and their deaths, and Black Holes. They discover why astronomers and physicists study phenomena such as quasars, gamma rays, cosmic rays, and pulsars, and how they collect and analyze the data produced by the phenomena. The class also addresses the search for exoplanets and the possibilities of life elsewhere, the exciting work undertaken in Astrobiology, and the technical, legal, and ethical issues involved in the search for habitable worlds beyond ours.

The Oxford Experience takes place at Corpus Christi College, which was founded in 1517. Early visitors to the college included Catherine of Aragon and Erasmus of Rotterdam. Corpus Christi College was also the venue for the translation of what became the King James Bible, in 1611.

Corpus is located on a quiet, cobblestoned street in the medieval center of Oxford. Students choose a Major and a Minor to study for the month.

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Course Highlights

Breakfast in Hall
Major classes on topics as diverse as Studio Art or Business and Finance meet in classrooms, labs, studios, or out and about in Oxford
Students can choose to have lunch at any local restaurants or sandwich shops in town
three afternoons a week, Minor classes meet in classrooms, workshops, labs, or studios. When there is no class, they are free to join in organized activities or trips and tours in and around Oxford
dinner in Hall
evening activities, events, or shows

What's Included?

Access to cultural sites and local events
accommodation
extracurricular activities, workshops, and event offerings
continuous support
on-site staff of experienced professionals
local meals

Accommodation

In Oxford, students live in rooms that are occupied by undergraduates during the year. Students are housed in singles or doubles. Students can request a private bathroom (for a fee), on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuition

The Oxford Experience offers students in grades 8 and 9 the chance to immerse themselves in subjects about which they are passionate, under the guidance of a university teacher or a professional. Alongside, participants unlock the rich history and culture of Oxford from their base at Corpus Christi College.

Extracurricular Activities

Every class is designed to use Oxford as a teaching tool. When not in class, students have access to a full range of optional activities designed to help them discover Oxford and immerse themselves in English life. They can go on tours of sights like the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, take part in a variety of sports (including Quidditch), attend local Shakespeare productions, or might go on field trips to Stonehenge and London.

Key Details

Available from: July - August 2025
Provider: Oxbridge Academic Programs
Ages: 13-15
Fees: $12,225
Duration: 4 weeks

REQUEST DETAILS

Campuses

Corpus Christi College

Oxford

Oxford University Colleges

Oxford

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Oxbridge Academic Programs FAQs

A pre-college summer experience in two of Oxford's finest colleges, Pembroke and Corpus Christi

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Yes! We can meet students at the following airports:

UK programs: Heathrow or Gatwick
New York: La Guardia, JFK, or Newark
Barcelona: Barcelona El Prat
Paris: Charles de Gaulle or Orly

We will bring students back to these airports at the end of the program as well and make sure they are checked in at the correct airline desk, help them check their bags, and bring them as far as security. A staff member will also remain at the airport until the last student’s flight departs.

We hire a team to work at the programs and look after the students. This team consists of a program director, 3-4 deans, 3 program assistants, and 3-4 activities directors. The program director and deans are professional educators who come from reputable schools across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. They are experts in working with students in these age groups. The onsite team sets up a program office in the week leading up to the program. Parents will be able to call and email the program office if they have any questions or concerns while their child is at the program. Each evening, students must check in with one of our Deans in the program office between 9 and 10 pm on the Experience programs and between 10 and 11 pm on each of the other programs. This is a great time for students to let the program staff know if they have any questions, or if they need something. Students typically spend their mornings in class and on each program except for the one week seminars, students will have afternoon classes three days a week. We plan a wide range of optional chaperoned activities for students to take part in when they are not in classes. The activities directors and program assistants are typically university students who know the city well. The program assistants help out with administrative duties in the program office and the activities directors plan the afternoon and evening activities - they, along with the program director and deans, reside at the residence where the program is taking place, so there is always an adult nearby if a student needs something.

Our programs take place in university residences or, in the case of our Paris program, at a centrally located boarding school. Each program has single and double rooms available and we are happy to take requests for single rooms or roommates via email. In the UK, students can purchase a private bathroom for an additional fee. In Barcelona, each room is equipped with an en-suite bathroom. In Paris and New York, there are shared facilities on each floor.

Our programs are conducted primarily in English, and our programs in Oxford and Cambridge are taught exclusively in English. We want to ensure that our students can integrate fully and feel comfortable with the program community. In France or Spain, immersion courses are taught exclusively in French or Spanish, but program information, materials, and literature are all available in English. We are happy to have a short conversation with prospective students to make sure they will be able to follow the courses in English, so please feel free to contact our Admissions office if you’d like to speak with us, or if you have any questions.

Astronomy in Oxford

Key Details

Course Summary

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Course Highlights

What's Included?

Accommodation

Tuition

Extracurricular Activities

Key Details

Campuses

Corpus Christi College

Oxford University Colleges

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Oxbridge Academic Programs FAQs

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Oxbridge Academic Programs