The Oxford History Summer Schools offer a rigorous academic environment for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of historical subjects. Hosted by esteemed institutions such as Lady Margaret Hall, Oxbridge Academic Programs, and Oxford Summer Courses, these programs provide a unique opportunity to engage with expert faculty and diverse perspectives. Participants will explore a range of historical themes and methodologies, fostering critical thinking and scholarly discussion in the rich intellectual tradition of Oxford.
oxford hosts a distinct range of history summer courses for motivated learners.
The teaching approach at the Oxford History Summer Schools emphasizes a deep engagement with historical narratives, encouraging students to critically analyze sources and contexts. Unlike typical school provisions that may prioritize standardized curricula, these summer schools foster an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives. Themes often span various epochs and geographical areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and connections. Through interactive discussions, lectures, and group activities, students absorb complex ideas while developing their analytical skills.
Students can expect a dynamic study rhythm characterized by a blend of structured classes and opportunities for independent research. The classroom atmosphere is typically collaborative, promoting dialogue and debate among peers. Assignments balance guided study with personal exploration, allowing participants to delve into topics of particular interest. Overall, the experience is designed to be immersive, engaging students with the subject matter while also encouraging them to think critically about historical interpretations.
While the programme is suitable for a wide range of learners, it typically caters to high school students, generally aged 13 to 18. Expectations include a willingness to engage thoughtfully with historical material and an enthusiasm for collaborative learning.
Oxford’s history summer schools stand out due to their rich academic heritage and the city’s historical significance. Students benefit from being immersed in a locale that has been a center of intellectual thought for centuries. The opportunity to study in historic settings, combined with access to expert instructors, sets these programmes apart from other educational offerings. This unique context not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities of history.
Observed fees for current intakes start from £3,995, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.
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Last updated: 15/02/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Planning | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Architecture, Arts, Humanities, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How can we see cities and their buildings as a means of understanding history and society? In this course you will examine the everyday built environments of cities in Britain (and beyond). | View |
| Law (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Law, Humanities, History | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | Students examine the British and American legal systems and learn how they reflect the values and institutions of their respective societies. Emphasis is placed on legal history and modes of thought, precedent-setting cases, current controversies, and the kind of first-hand courtroom observation that brings them to life. | View |
| Museum Studies: Collection, Curation, and Colonialism | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, History, Arts, Anthropology | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | Museums: What are they good for? The Ashmolean, since it opened its doors in 1683 as the world's first ever public museum, has informed and been informed by every development in museum scholarship, collecting practice, and object-centred teaching and learning. | View |
| Arts and Humanities (13-15 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Arts, Humanities, History, Philosophy | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Arts and Humanities summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £5,495. | View |
| History (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | History, Humanities, Social Sciences | Oxford | 6995 | The History summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View | |
| History, Philosophy & Literature (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Humanities, History, Philosophy, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Oxford Royale’s History, Philosophy & Literature Summer School offers an immersive exploration of key thinkers and ideas from Aristotle to Nietzsche, examining how philosophy, history, and literature intersect. Students engage in critical discussion, creative thinking, and experience authentic Oxford life—staying in a historic college, enjoying a graduation dinner in a medieval hall, and punting on the River Cherwell—while expert teaching deepens their understanding of how past thought shapes our world. | View |
| The Secret Lives of Books: Parchment, Printing-Presses, and Paperbacks | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, Literature, History, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books? How have people’s reading practices changed over time? | View |
| Economic History: The Great Divergence, Convergence, and Beyond | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Economics, Humanities, History, Social Sciences | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | What are the causes of the vast differences in wealth between nations? Why have certain societies prospered whilst others still grapple with poverty? | View |
| Classical Civilisation (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Classical Civilisations, History, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Classical Civilisation summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| History (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | History, Humanities, Social Sciences, Politics | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The History summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| History (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | History, Humanities, Social Sciences | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | This course explores events and issues that have been concealed, little understood, or rarely studied. Students are introduced to local secrets, popular conspiracies, the machinations of conniving politicians and governments, and recent historical controversies and disputes. | View |
| PPE: Leadership in Business and Society | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Leadership, Business, Philosophy, Politics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Psychology, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | Whether it is a politician guiding a nation through crisis, a visionary tech entrepreneur disrupting the global business landscape, or an inspirational activist campaigning for social justice, great leaders have the power to change the world. But what makes a great leader, and how do you become one? | View |
| History in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | History, Humanities, Politics | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Uncover the past in Oxford, where every cobblestone tells a story of historical significance. | View |
| Stately Homes & Country Gardens (Adults) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Architecture, History, Humanities | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Explore 500 years of English history through the lens of country houses and gardens. Visit iconic estates like Blenheim Palace, Broughton Castle, Syon, and Stowe, analyzing their art, architecture, and landscapes. | View |
| Classical Civilisation (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Classical Civilisations, Humanities, History, Philosophy, Politics, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Classical Civilisation summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £5,495 for Non Residential option. | View |
| Classics (The Oxford Tradition) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Classical Civilisations, Humanities, History, Art, Arts | Oxford | 2 or 4 weeks | $7,395 for one session; $12,595 for combined session | This course examines the literature, philosophy, history, art, and scientific thought of Ancient Greece and Rome. From readings of classical authors to tours of the Ashmolean and local Roman sites, students receive an imaginative introduction to Greco-Roman civilization, explore why the classical world has been admired for millennia, and how it continues to influence society today. | View |
