Department for Continuing Education

Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education offers a range of exciting summer courses for adults, whether for personal interest, professional development or to achieve college credits. Students aged 18+ live and study in one of Oxford’s historic colleges or at Rewley House, experiencing Oxford University student life to its full, including dining in hall, living in University premises and enjoying the world’s most famous university city on their doorstep.

Three different programmes are available:

The Oxford Experience

The Oxford Experience is designed for students who want first and foremost to experience student life in this historic University while pursuing subjects of interest with expert faculty members. Residential in Christ Church College, one of Oxford’s most famous constituent University colleges, the programme offers more than 80 week-long courses in a range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences including archaeology, history, literature, philosophy history of art and creative writing. Seminars take place in the mornings, while afternoons are free for academic field trips, private study or exploring the many places of interest in and around the city.Learn More.

Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA)

OUSSA is an accredited summer school taught at undergraduate level; each one-week course carries 10 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points at FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) Level 4. Credit is awarded by the Board of Studies of Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. Sixty accredited courses for adult learners are available, each of one week duration, covering a wide range of topics held over five weeks at Rewley House in central Oxford. Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor. Learn More.

Oxford summer schools for academics and professionals

Based in one of Oxford’s most prestigious colleges, including Christ Church, Exeter College, New College, St Antony’s College and Worcester College, academics and professionals can experience life as an Oxford student: dining in hall, and drawing inspiration from college gardens and grounds. Classes take the form of small interactive seminar groups, led by specialist tutors, in addition to which students enjoy lectures by leading scholars and distinguished speakers. And of course, students have ample opportunity to get to know the world’s most famous university city, its galleries and gardens. Learn more.